Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Public Health Wales

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Job summary

The Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit (Wales's antimicrobial reference laboratory) is seeking a HCPC accredited Specialist Microbiology Biomedical Scientist with an interest in susceptibility testing of bacteria to join our team. This full-time permanent position is based at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. The post-holder will work in the reference service, providing antimicrobial testing results to laboratories across Wales. Methods employed are disc diffusion, gradient strip and broth microdilution interpreted using EUCAST guidelines. Further work will include molecular testing for the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes and other determinants by real-time PCR.

The role will require reviewing all service results to determine if additional work is required on each bacterial isolate before report authorisation.

All duties will follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including Quality management (EQA, IQA, IQC, audits), Health and safety procedures. Therefore a good knowledge of microbiology, a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of Health & Safety and Quality within the microbiology laboratory is required.

Informal visits are actively encouraged for candidates selected for interview; further information can be obtained by contacting Dr Mandy Wootton 029 2074 3610 or by emailing sacu@wales.nhs.uk.

Main duties of the job

This Band 6 BMS role supports the All Wales Antimicrobial Resistance Programme, providing antimicrobial susceptibility testing and resistance mechanism results to laboratories across Wales. Full training will be provided.

The role involves testing of referred bacterial isolates, including bacterial identification using a MALDI-ToF, plus susceptibility testing using disc diffusion, gradient strip, broth microdilution and interpretation using EUCAST guidelines.The post holder will also be performing molecular assays (Real-time PCR) to detect antimicrobial resistance genes.The role includes data collation of results and recognition of trends in antimicrobial resistance, especially during outbreaks.

The post-holder would be expected to prioritise and manage their own day-to-day work, liaising with senior and junior staff to provide smooth running of the laboratory and ensure turn-around-times are met. The post holder is expected to use departmental algorithms and initiative to decide further work on referred bacterial isolates.

The role will involve supporting the quality team to maintain ISO 15189:2022 accreditation, including IQA, EQA and audits, as well as updating of laboratory stock usage databases. It is expected that the post holder will be able to confidently communicate with all staff members and visitors to the laboratory (including medical staff), and provide theoretical and practical training when required.

About us

We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/

Date posted

10 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,898 to £45,637 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

028-HS010-0325

Job locations

University Hospital of Wales

Heath Park

Cardiff

CF14 4XW

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

IBMS specialist diploma in microbiology or equivalent experience
Evidence (e.g. CPD records) of knowledge and understanding of techniques used in microbiology, especially susceptibility testing and antibiotic resistance
Understands the importance of quality assurance systems

Desirable

MSc or equivalent post-graduate qualification in Biomedical science-related subject

Skills and attributes

Essential

Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft software, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel.
Understands, can perform and teach, all aspects of routine diagnostic bacteriology, especially susceptibility testing and antibiotic resistance

Desirable

Evidence of research and development skills.
Welsh Language Skills

Experience

Essential

Post registration experience in a HCPC approved Microbiology Laboratory developing a good understanding of specialist techniques
Comprehensive experience of standard manual/automated techniques employed for diagnostic bacteriology and susceptibility testing
Knowledge and/or experience of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques

Desirable

Experience of varied antibiotic resistance and susceptibility testing techniques
Experience of varied antibiotic resistance and susceptibility testing techniques

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

IBMS specialist diploma in microbiology or equivalent experience
Evidence (e.g. CPD records) of knowledge and understanding of techniques used in microbiology, especially susceptibility testing and antibiotic resistance
Understands the importance of quality assurance systems

Desirable

MSc or equivalent post-graduate qualification in Biomedical science-related subject

Skills and attributes

Essential

Proficient in the use of standard Microsoft software, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel.
Understands, can perform and teach, all aspects of routine diagnostic bacteriology, especially susceptibility testing and antibiotic resistance

Desirable

Evidence of research and development skills.
Welsh Language Skills

Experience

Essential

Post registration experience in a HCPC approved Microbiology Laboratory developing a good understanding of specialist techniques
Comprehensive experience of standard manual/automated techniques employed for diagnostic bacteriology and susceptibility testing
Knowledge and/or experience of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques

Desirable

Experience of varied antibiotic resistance and susceptibility testing techniques
Experience of varied antibiotic resistance and susceptibility testing techniques

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).

Additional information