Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

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

Job summary

An opportunity for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join a respected Microbiology team at Harrogate District Hospital. The role involves delivering a high-quality service in diagnostic microbiology and requires teamwork and cooperation. Candidates must have post-registration experience or be working towards the IBMS Specialist Portfolio.

Qualifications

• Proven post registration experience in a UK clinical Microbiology laboratory.
• Knowledge of UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 for clinical laboratories.
• Comprehensive experience of standard manual techniques employed for diagnostic microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and development of all staff groups in the department.
• Participate in all aspects of quality management for UKAS accreditation.
• Operate within the Microbiology department processing approximately 150,000 samples per year.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to observe and critically analyse complex results

Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

Education

IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Microbiology

MSc in an appropriate subject

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a HCPC registered, Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our highly skilled and motivated Microbiology team at Harrogate District Hospital. The Microbiology team at Harrogate is highly regarded as having an excellent reputation with service users. The focus of the department is on delivery of a high quality service, with patients at the centre of everything we do. Our vision is to achieve excellence every time.

The team at Harrogate is small and friendly, requiring a high degree of team work and co-operation from its members; so candidates should be prepared to be part of the close knit environment fostered in the department.

The ideal candidate will have proven post-registration experience within Microbiology and meet the full criteria of the Specialist BMS Band 6 Job Description and Person Specification.

However, the service will also consider a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist who is undertaking, but not yet completed, the IBMS Specialist Portfolio. In this case, Band 6 Annex 21 will apply to the post. The Annex 21 percentage applied be dependent on the estimated completion date of the Specialist portfolio.

Main duties of the job

Our well established Microbiology department processes approximately 150,000 samples per year. The comprehensive clinical service includes bacteriology, serology, molecular microbiology, mycology and parasitology. The department utilises several different platforms; such as BD BacTec FX, Sysmex UF5000, bioMerieux Biofire, DiaSorin Liaison XL, Cepheid GeneXpert and Hologic Panther.

The candidate must have previous experience working in a clinical microbiology laboratory and it is desirable they have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Microbiology. They must be a team player and have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of general microbiology; including manual sensitivity testing, mycology, molecular techniques, virology / serology systems and automated urine analysis. The LIMS (LabCentre, Clinisys) is connected to electronic requesting and reporting. The department holds full UKAS accreditation and utilises the QPulse document management system.

The post is for 37.5 hours per week; however, part time may be considered. In addition, once competent, the successful candidate will be required to carry out weekend working and participate in the out of hours rota (17:30 - 21:00).

About us

Integrated Pathology Solutions LLP is an innovative joint-venture pathology service between Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This partnership delivers a high quality pathology service through collaboration between three Trusts for the benefit of patient and service users.

Details Date posted

17 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

421-LTUC-3104B

Job locations

Harrogate District Hospital

Lancaster Park Road

Harrogate

HG2 7SX

Job description Job responsibilities

The successful applicant will support teaching and development of all staff groups in the department, as well as participate in all aspects of quality management to assist continuing UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 standards.

For further information please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Job description Job responsibilities

The successful applicant will support teaching and development of all staff groups in the department, as well as participate in all aspects of quality management to assist continuing UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 standards.

For further information please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Microbiology / significant post registration experience

Desirable

• MSc in an appropriate subject
• Fellowship of the IBMS

Experience Essential

• Comprehensive experience of standard manual techniques employed for diagnostic microbiology and susceptibility testing
• Proven post registration experience in a UK clinical Microbiology laboratory

Desirable

• Experience in: parasitology, mycology, molecular techniques, virology / serology systems
• Experience of delivering training to staff

Knowledge Essential

• Knowledge of UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 for clinical laboratories
• Excellent working knowledge of specialist subjects in the relevant disciplines.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of IT in a pathology environment
• Knowledge and understanding of health and safety

Skills Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to observe and critically analyse complex results
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Microbiology / significant post registration experience

Desirable

• MSc in an appropriate subject
• Fellowship of the IBMS

Experience Essential

• Comprehensive experience of standard manual techniques employed for diagnostic microbiology and susceptibility testing
• Proven post registration experience in a UK clinical Microbiology laboratory

Desirable

• Experience in: parasitology, mycology, molecular techniques, virology / serology systems
• Experience of delivering training to staff

Knowledge Essential

• Knowledge of UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 for clinical laboratories
• Excellent working knowledge of specialist subjects in the relevant disciplines.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of IT in a pathology environment
• Knowledge and understanding of health and safety

Skills Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to observe and critically analyse complex results
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines

Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills

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).

Additional information 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

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Harrogate District Hospital

Lancaster Park Road

Harrogate

HG2 7SX

Employer's website

https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Harrogate District Hospital

Lancaster Park Road

Harrogate

HG2 7SX

Employer's website

https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)