Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

This job is now closed

Job summary

Band 5 - £29,970 - £36,483

Full time and part time hours available

Permanent contract

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Microbiology Department. We are able to offer a Trainee or Practitioner Biomedical Scientist.

We can offer a great opportunity to start or further your career in clinical laboratory science, working within a dynamic and professional environment. You will be provided with comprehensive training and the opportunity to develop your skills in a range of microbiological techniques, contributing to the diagnostic service that plays a vital role in patient care.

We welcome applicants from either HCPC registered candidates or graduates holding an IBMS accredited BSc in Biomedical Science, who have yet to obtain their Certificate of Competency. Students who are in their final year of an IBMS accredited degree will also be considered.

There is an opportunity for non-registered applicants. If successful, we will be offering employment under the terms of Annex 21 of Agenda for Change; with the expectation that you will obtain HCPC registration within 12 months of commencing employment. Full support to do so will be provided, including in-house training programs, competency assessments and mentorship from senior staff.

Main duties of the job

Assist in the preparation and analysis of clinical samples, including blood, urine, sputum and swabs using automated and manual laboratory techniques.
Perform routine microbiological tests and procedures, including the identification of microorganisms, susceptibility testing and molecular diagnostics.
Ensure accurate recording and reporting of results, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to best practice standards.
Participate in quality assurance processes, ensuring that laboratory standards comply with ISO 15189:2022 requirement are met.
Work under the supervision of qualified Biomedical Scientists and laboratory management, to develop skills and competency in laboratory practices.
Undertake the calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
Follow all Health & Safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment at all times.
Undertake CPD in order to keep up to date with current microbiological advances and technologies.

About us

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Date posted

02 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

REF1428X

Job locations

Queen Alexandra Hospital

Cosham

PO6 3EN

Job description

Job responsibilities

Technical & Scientific

To undertake, under suitable supervision, preventative maintenance schedules on laboratory equipment as appropriate.
To, under suitable supervision, prepare and store reagents for use in laboratory investigations whilst being conscious of the very high cost of some of these.
To, under suitable supervision, perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, in a safe, efficient and time manner.
To, under suitable supervision, measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
To report to a Senior Biomedical Scientist where there is a situation that may cause a service delivery failure.
To, under suitable supervision, process potentially infections materials (swab/tissues/bodily fluids) for microbiological testing.
To work under supervision in Containment Level 3 facilities and be competent in handling Hazard Group 3 pathogens.
To assist the Senior Biomedical Scientists in the evaluation of new methodologies and laboratory technology.
To participate in research and development projects.
To, under suitable supervision, interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions to ensure they benefit the patient.
To, under suitable supervision, be responsible for the computer input and release of laboratory results that require no further clinical authorisation.
To assist in patient management by ordering, under suitable supervision, first-line and follow-up laboratory procedures as indicated from given clinical information and results of primary tests, respectively.
To report clinically significant and/or abnormal results to senior technical or medical staff as appropriate.
To participate in audits internal, external and clinical as requried.
To communicate authorised test results to clinicians by telephone.

Laboratory Informatics

To comply with local and national policies for the secure and confidential storage of patient and other laboratory information.
To, under suitable supervision, use the Laboratory Information System according to authorised protocols.
To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
To undertake required and essential training to keep abreast of changes and meet legal requirements regarding use of information systems.

Administrative

To ensure compliance with good work practices required for accreditation to ISO 15189:2012 standard.
To assist in the maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures.
To inform Senior Biomedical Scientist when stocks of reagents and consumables are running low.
To train, develop and assess the competence of Medical Laboratory Assistants and Associate Practitioners.
To supervise the work performance of Medical Laboratory Assistants and Associate Practitioners.

General

To, whilst under supervision, maintain a working knowledge of all sections within the department and rotate into other sections as appropriate in order to guarantee continuity of service.
To, whilst under supervision, plan and organise work within the demands of the team.
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary by Laboratory Manager that is commensurate with grade and status.
To respond to incoming telephone enquiries in a polite and efficient manner.
To contribute to the core activities of the Laboratory as defined in the Departmental Business Plan, commensurate with grade and status.
To demonstrate continued professional development in order to obtain the knowledge and skills required to gain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
To participate in the staff appraisal process.
To cooperate with other departmental and hospital staff as required, promoting awareness of the professional image of Pathology throughout the Trust.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Technical & Scientific

To undertake, under suitable supervision, preventative maintenance schedules on laboratory equipment as appropriate.
To, under suitable supervision, prepare and store reagents for use in laboratory investigations whilst being conscious of the very high cost of some of these.
To, under suitable supervision, perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, in a safe, efficient and time manner.
To, under suitable supervision, measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
To report to a Senior Biomedical Scientist where there is a situation that may cause a service delivery failure.
To, under suitable supervision, process potentially infections materials (swab/tissues/bodily fluids) for microbiological testing.
To work under supervision in Containment Level 3 facilities and be competent in handling Hazard Group 3 pathogens.
To assist the Senior Biomedical Scientists in the evaluation of new methodologies and laboratory technology.
To participate in research and development projects.
To, under suitable supervision, interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions to ensure they benefit the patient.
To, under suitable supervision, be responsible for the computer input and release of laboratory results that require no further clinical authorisation.
To assist in patient management by ordering, under suitable supervision, first-line and follow-up laboratory procedures as indicated from given clinical information and results of primary tests, respectively.
To report clinically significant and/or abnormal results to senior technical or medical staff as appropriate.
To participate in audits internal, external and clinical as requried.
To communicate authorised test results to clinicians by telephone.

Laboratory Informatics

To comply with local and national policies for the secure and confidential storage of patient and other laboratory information.
To, under suitable supervision, use the Laboratory Information System according to authorised protocols.
To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
To undertake required and essential training to keep abreast of changes and meet legal requirements regarding use of information systems.

Administrative

To ensure compliance with good work practices required for accreditation to ISO 15189:2012 standard.
To assist in the maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures.
To inform Senior Biomedical Scientist when stocks of reagents and consumables are running low.
To train, develop and assess the competence of Medical Laboratory Assistants and Associate Practitioners.
To supervise the work performance of Medical Laboratory Assistants and Associate Practitioners.

General

To, whilst under supervision, maintain a working knowledge of all sections within the department and rotate into other sections as appropriate in order to guarantee continuity of service.
To, whilst under supervision, plan and organise work within the demands of the team.
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary by Laboratory Manager that is commensurate with grade and status.
To respond to incoming telephone enquiries in a polite and efficient manner.
To contribute to the core activities of the Laboratory as defined in the Departmental Business Plan, commensurate with grade and status.
To demonstrate continued professional development in order to obtain the knowledge and skills required to gain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
To participate in the staff appraisal process.
To cooperate with other departmental and hospital staff as required, promoting awareness of the professional image of Pathology throughout the Trust.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved BSc (Hons)
Registered Practitioner with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Experience

Essential

Previous experience of clinical laboratory experience in Microbiology is desirable but not essential

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Be flexible, punctual and reliable
Ability to operate a personal computer with knowledge of word processing
Evidence of competent keyboard skills
Demonstration of manual dexterity through previous employment/interests
Able to work using own initiative, in a methodical and organised manner
Good understanding of a safe working environment
Awareness of individual and professional development requirements
Able to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved BSc (Hons)
Registered Practitioner with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Experience

Essential

Previous experience of clinical laboratory experience in Microbiology is desirable but not essential

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Be flexible, punctual and reliable
Ability to operate a personal computer with knowledge of word processing
Evidence of competent keyboard skills
Demonstration of manual dexterity through previous employment/interests
Able to work using own initiative, in a methodical and organised manner
Good understanding of a safe working environment
Awareness of individual and professional development requirements
Able to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness

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.