Biomedical Scientist- Microbiology

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will be a member of the departmental team and assist in the delivery of a quality driven, cost effective, patient focused service consistent with LTHT Pathology objectives. To provide that service in a manner commensurate with the profession

The post holders main role is to carry out the examination of pathological samples using various technologies and to report or present the results as appropriate.

Working in different sections of the department you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team.

You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical/ Scientific/ Technical

Carry out appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the post levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include:

o Carry out serological analysis and interpretation of results with appropriate escalation as required

o Maintaining appropriate records and documentation

o Perform molecular test setup, result analysis and interpretation of results with appropriate escalation as required

o Basic disease recognition

o Specialist reagent set up

o Dealing with unauthorised telephone results enquires

Participate in the departments rosters as required

Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with line manager

This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision when manipulating small tools such as pipettes, handling very small volumes of clinical material or when preparing microscope slides for examination by others. In order to achieve the required turnaround times the work must be performed with both speed and accuracy.

Technical validation and designated clinical authorisation of results as determined by specialist area

Communication of complex, technical information to users of the service

Use of LIMS to report, retrieve and manage technical information.

Participate and ensure the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.

The post holder will be expected to second line trouble shoot in response to operational issues

Leadership/ Management

Support and inspire staff to provide efficient , effective, safe, quality care to patients

Provide day to day supervision and co-ordination of staff.

Responsible for professional/clinical supervision of qualified staff or students

Deputise for the Specialist BMS

Help to ensure the effective deployment of staff is mapped against the flow of work to provide safe and effective service delivery

Promote the building of effective teams and collaboration between teams

Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.

Anticipate problems and take preventative or mitigating actions, or have contingency plans available

Help manage the use of agency staff in the team

Supports effective and efficient management of section, including optimisation of workflow.

Supports waste reduction incentives for designated area

Supports collaborative team working across all sections

Quality/ Training

Support and participate in level 1 incident investigations.

Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.

Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance (EQA) and Accreditation standards.

Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action.

Support and participate with the production, maintenance and implementation of risk assessments.

Participate in audits and clinical governance

Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.

Keep up to date with and communicate service developments, advances and research.

Participate in and contribute to own Personal Development Review.

Ensure that safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy. Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health & safety

To be a training lead ambassador

Promote a learning and development culture to the improve staff skills, knowledge and competence

Delivers training and competency assessment for staff within own area

Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the departments training plan

To maintain registered status as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Maintain a safe working environment

Other

The post holder will be expected to gain competence in techniques to enable participation in the delivery of 24 hour Pathology service. This entails contracted participation in a 24/7 rota and / or the out of hour rota.

The post holder will be required to work cross site locations (LGI & SJUH) if the service requires it.

This is not an exhaustive list of roles and responsibilities, and these may be subject to change with professional and service developments

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Independent Problem solving/ troubleshooting skills. - provide specific examples

Desirable

• Teaching and training skills

Qualifications

Essential

• IBMS approved Degree
• HCPC registered - please include date of completion HCPC registration - include registration number and date first registered

Desirable

• Already working towards an IBMS Specialist Portfolio.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a microbiology laboratory
• Good working knowledge of pathology and disease processes.

Desirable

• Experience working within a serology laboratory
• Experience working within a molecular laboratory
• Proven ability to work unsupervised e.g. on-call or shift.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer's website

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