Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dorset is seeking a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join their Microbiology team. The role involves producing accurate test results and providing advice to clinicians, with a focus on quality and regulatory compliance. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in a Microbiology lab and relevant qualifications. Join a committed team dedicated to outstanding patient care in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate at least two years of recent post registration experience in Microbiology.
• In-depth knowledge of operating procedures in diagnostic Microbiology.
• Understanding of good laboratory management principles.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate Microbiology results from clinical samples.
• Rotate around all areas of the laboratory including serology.
• Provide specialist advice to clinicians about test appropriateness.

Skills

Knowledge of accreditation standards

Good manual dexterity

Ability to teach others routine Microbiology

Ability to follow complex protocols

Understanding of quality requirements

Education

IBMS accredited BSc in Biomedical Sciences

Professional registration with HCPC

Job description

Job overview

We are looking for a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join the team at Dorset County Hospital. An enthusiasm and interest for all areas of Microbiology, including bacteriology, virology, parasitology and mycology is required, as well as an understanding of the importance and value of the regulatory requirements.

Consideration will be given to Band 5 state registered Biomedical Scientists who are in progress with their IBMS Specialist portfolio.

Please Note: Previous applicants should not apply.

Main duties of the job

• To produce accurate and timely Microbiology results from clinical samples in accordance with the policies, protocols and quality standards.
• To ensure that clinically significant and urgent results are dealt with in a timely fashion.
• To be able to rotate around all areas of the laboratory, including serology.
• To provide specialist advice to clinicians about the appropriateness of tests and turnaround times.
• Update documentation (SOPs, bench guides, risk assessments) using specialist microbiology knowledge and expertise.
• To participate in the Microbiology out-of-hours service

The post holder will work with the other members of the department to maintain and develop a quality, timely and patient focused Microbiology service for the local population.

The Department follows a 7 day working roster which the post holder will be expected to support including the on-call rota.

This is an exciting time to join the pathology team in Dorset. We are currently making great progress with our vision to create a first class integrated pathology service for Dorset.

The 'One Dorset Pathology' service for Dorset County Hospital, Poole Hospital and The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals will provide clinicians, patients and carers with a consistent and high standard of service across the area and maximise efficiency in the use of resources.

Working for our organisation

Dorset County Hospital Foundation NHS Trust is the leading provider of healthcare in West Dorset, and the Microbiology department provides a full diagnostic service to the acute hospital, as well as the community services in the West Dorset area. You would be joining a friendly, welcoming and committed team of approximately 25 staff.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact [e-mail] if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Knowledge of accreditation standards, for example UKAS.
• Good manual dexterity
• Understands, can perform and can teach others all aspects of routine Microbiology
• Ability to accurately follow and convey to others verbal and written instructions, including complex protocols and procedures.
• An understanding of quality requirements.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
• Able to work as part of team.

Desirable criteria

• Ability to prioritise own workload, to delegate appropriately and manage time effectively.
• Appropriate IT skills.
• Knowledge and experience of audit
• Ability to recognise problems and to instigate corrective actions
• Participation in CPD
• Reliable, conscientious and punctual
• Enthusiastic about work and profession
• Self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to support the out of hours service
• Able to accept responsibility for own actions

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria

• Demonstrate at least two years of recent post registration experience in an HCPC approved Microbiology laboratory.
• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of operating procedures and techniques in diagnostic Microbiology.
• Understands and can apply the principles of good laboratory management.

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrate understanding of the Microbiology of disease and their processes.
• Awareness of accreditation requirements and quality management systems.

Education, Qualifications & Training

Essential criteria

• IBMS accredited BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology.
• Professional registration with HCPC
• Evidence of involvement in ongoing training and development relevant to the post.

Our Mission

Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.

Our Vision

Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.

Our Values

Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

For more information, please use the link below to read our joint strategy for Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare.

Trust Strategy | Dorset County Hospital (dchft.nhs.uk)

Important information before you submit

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.

The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.

You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.

Documents to download

• Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology (PDF, 542.6KB)
• Car Parking Information for Employees (PDF, 225.0KB)
• DBS Code of Practice (PDF, 54.9KB)
• Dorset Map (PDF, 59.3KB)
• Guidance regarding Disabled Staff (PDF, 96.3KB)
• Advice for Candidates (PDF, 110.5KB)
• Trust Values (PDF, 678.1KB)
• The NHS Constitution (PDF, 568.7KB)
• DCH Recruitment Information Pack (PDF, 1.2MB)
• Joint Strategy - Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare (PDF, 6.0MB)