Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

NHS; Bedford; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking a Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital. The laboratory is equipped with a variety of equipment including the BioMerieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, BD MGIT, DS2, the BioMerieux Vidas, Biofire Torch and Film Array, Roche Cobas 6800, BD Max, Cepheid Gene Xpert, Beckman Coulter Microscan, Stratec Gemini and Bruker Maldi-TOF.

The laboratory has merged with the Luton Microbiology department and delivers a range of investigations to Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital and the surrounding GPs. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2012 and is an IBMS approved training laboratory.

You will work as part of the Microbiology team to provide a high level of microbiological analysis to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist performing a range of microbiological techniques to assist in the clinical diagnosis of microbiological disease in accordance with SOPs.

The post holder would be expected to assist in delivering of training in accordance with the departmental training policy and support the departmental Seniors in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service.

Following training the post holder would be expected to participate in the shift pattern which will include working weekends and bank holidays and on call. The department is moving towards 24/7 shift patterns.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our Values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

16 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-AHP4567-PN

Job locations

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Job description Job responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.

To perform as a HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist [BMS] assisting in the delivery of the department services.

To assist the departmental laboratory senior in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service, in conjunction with the clinical lead of the department.

To implement the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.

To contribute to the implementation of UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.

To deputise in the absence of the departmental laboratory senior BMS when required to do so.

Person Specification

Personal Skills Essential

• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Personal integrity - leading by example
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, at all levels.

Desirable

• Ability to analyse complex data and use information to inform judgements

Qualifications Essential

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
• HCPC State Registration
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology or equivalent

Desirable

• Master degree or related professional health care qualification

Experience Essential

• Significant specialist knowledge of Microbiology
• Awareness of serological and molecular techniques

Desirable

• Audit and evaluation
• On call and out of hours working

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital

Kempston Road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)