Job summary
The Department of Microbiology and Virology is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Advanced Biomedical Scientist to assist the Operational Site Manager in providing day to day operational continuity of an assigned section of the laboratory in order to deliver an efficient and timely Microbiology Service to the Trust, community and wider region. There will also be a significant training responsibility element within this role.
- Interview Date: 20th June 2022
- 37 hours, 30 minutes/week
Main duties of the job
The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring the appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests are performed using their knowledge, judgement and technical expertise. They will have experience of microbiology and/or virology at both a technical and theoretical level and be able to demonstrate leadership qualities.
The role requires the individual to work closely with departmental colleagues, consultant microbiologists and other service users.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for essential and desirable criteria required for the role.
About us
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest, largest and most successful teaching NHS foundation trusts in the country, with over 18,000 staff and an annual income of £1 billion.
Rated 'Outstanding' by theCQC for the second consecutive time in 2019, we have a long history of providing high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation in medical research regionally, nationally and internationally.
We're also proud to be the second largest provider of specialised services in the country. This means we support people with a range of rare and complex medical, surgical and neurological conditions, cancers and genetic orders.
Our staff oversee around 1.84 million patients 'contacts' each year, delivering high standards of healthcare.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognise the benefit in providing an inclusive environment. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and is equipped to deliver the best service to our patients. We welcome all applications irrespective of people's race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The department of Microbiology and Virology is made up of several specialist sections as shown in the organisation chart and the jobholder will contribute to the provision of an effective clinical diagnostic testing and advice service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.
- This will involve assisting an Operational Site Manager with operational continuity by supervising, organising, and directing Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Practitioners (HCSPs), maintaining work standards and performance levels day to day in assigned sections of the Microbiology department as part of a team.
- Participating in the practical work in that section and imparting specialist knowledge in clinical technical situations is also required.
Advanced Scientist Responsibilities:
- To provide specialist scientific knowledge and to work as a member of the team to assess, plan and contribute to the provision of a specialised service.
- To supervise and participate in the practical work of the section including reception, sorting, numbering, booking in and analysis of Microbiology samples, including interpretation of clinical details and deciding which investigations are most appropriate, and any associated recording or data entry.
- To inoculate and incubate culture plates, analyse cultures, decide on possible significant pathogens, identify micro-organisms, perform antibiotic susceptibility tests, validate and report results and interpretive comments using judgement in determining and initiating further tests that may be required.
- To ensure appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests are performed and results validated using judgement and expertise.
- To interpret laboratory results and apply these to ensure individual patient needs are met.
- To participate in the section Quality Assurance programmes, investigate situations and instigate remedial action and to report such events to the Operational Manager.
- There may be a requirement for Advanced BMS grades to rotate through different sections.
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to the Department Health and Safety Officer.
- To ensure the section has adequate supplies of consumables and that equipment is in good working order.
- To ensure effective communication within the department and liaise with external colleagues such as the Control of Infection Team.
- The Advanced BMS will participate in Microbiology out of hours rotas. They will be asked to provide cover for Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday duties in the department as required.
Training Officer Responsibilities:
- Manage the department training programme for the development of all staff and co-ordinate regular review of progress.
- Organise and implement university placements within the department and lead associated development reviews.
- Review, assess and organise staff completion of the IBMS Competency and Specialist Portfolios.
- Attend training meetings at directorate and regional level.
- Practical and theoretical training and supervision of BMS and HCSP staff, Students, Junior Doctors and other visitors.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The department of Microbiology and Virology is made up of several specialist sections as shown in the organisation chart and the jobholder will contribute to the provision of an effective clinical diagnostic testing and advice service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.
- This will involve assisting an Operational Site Manager with operational continuity by supervising, organising, and directing Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Practitioners (HCSPs), maintaining work standards and performance levels day to day in assigned sections of the Microbiology department as part of a team.
- Participating in the practical work in that section and imparting specialist knowledge in clinical technical situations is also required.
Advanced Scientist Responsibilities:
- To provide specialist scientific knowledge and to work as a member of the team to assess, plan and contribute to the provision of a specialised service.
- To supervise and participate in the practical work of the section including reception, sorting, numbering, booking in and analysis of Microbiology samples, including interpretation of clinical details and deciding which investigations are most appropriate, and any associated recording or data entry.
- To inoculate and incubate culture plates, analyse cultures, decide on possible significant pathogens, identify micro-organisms, perform antibiotic susceptibility tests, validate and report results and interpretive comments using judgement in determining and initiating further tests that may be required.
- To ensure appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests are performed and results validated using judgement and expertise.
- To interpret laboratory results and apply these to ensure individual patient needs are met.
- To participate in the section Quality Assurance programmes, investigate situations and instigate remedial action and to report such events to the Operational Manager.
- There may be a requirement for Advanced BMS grades to rotate through different sections.
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to the Department Health and Safety Officer.
- To ensure the section has adequate supplies of consumables and that equipment is in good working order.
- To ensure effective communication within the department and liaise with external colleagues such as the Control of Infection Team.
- The Advanced BMS will participate in Microbiology out of hours rotas. They will be asked to provide cover for Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday duties in the department as required.
Training Officer Responsibilities:
- Manage the department training programme for the development of all staff and co-ordinate regular review of progress.
- Organise and implement university placements within the department and lead associated development reviews.
- Review, assess and organise staff completion of the IBMS Competency and Specialist Portfolios.
- Attend training meetings at directorate and regional level.
- Practical and theoretical training and supervision of BMS and HCSP staff, Students, Junior Doctors and other visitors.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Undertaking CPD
- Sound working knowledge of laboratory health and safety
- Knowledge of clinical microbiology specimens and tests
- Good general computer literacy, including familiarity with Windows and common applications
- Specialist Microbiology and/or Virology knowledge
- Experience in Microbiology Quality Management (Audit, EQA & IQC)
- Experience of maintaining and troubleshooting equipment
- Sound working knowledge of the Data Protection Act
Desirable
- Registered with IBMS CPD scheme
- Experience of training and assessment
- Promote and partake in Continuous Professional Development
- Experience in Research and Development
- Working knowledge of the requirements for UKAS accreditation
- Aware of ISO 15189 and evidence of its importance
Skills
Essential
- Effective communication skills
- Evidence of effective leadership skills
- Strong analytical, organisational and planning skills
- Able to understand complex problems quickly and to identify workable solutions
- Ability to multitask
- Good hand eye co-ordination
Desirable
- Leadership skills
- Financial awareness
- Can deliver cost savings and maximise efficiency
Experience
Essential
- Previous practical experience of working in an NHS Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Desirable
- Previous experience of organisational change
- Research or audit experience
- Knowledge of delivery of training and mentor abilities
Qualifications
Essential
- Accredited BSc Biomedical Science Degree
- Registered with the HCPC
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent. Or working towards this level of qualification
Desirable
- Undertaking post graduate qualifications
- IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Undertaking CPD
- Sound working knowledge of laboratory health and safety
- Knowledge of clinical microbiology specimens and tests
- Good general computer literacy, including familiarity with Windows and common applications
- Specialist Microbiology and/or Virology knowledge
- Experience in Microbiology Quality Management (Audit, EQA & IQC)
- Experience of maintaining and troubleshooting equipment
- Sound working knowledge of the Data Protection Act
Desirable
- Registered with IBMS CPD scheme
- Experience of training and assessment
- Promote and partake in Continuous Professional Development
- Experience in Research and Development
- Working knowledge of the requirements for UKAS accreditation
- Aware of ISO 15189 and evidence of its importance
Skills
Essential
- Effective communication skills
- Evidence of effective leadership skills
- Strong analytical, organisational and planning skills
- Able to understand complex problems quickly and to identify workable solutions
- Ability to multitask
- Good hand eye co-ordination
Desirable
- Leadership skills
- Financial awareness
- Can deliver cost savings and maximise efficiency
Experience
Essential
- Previous practical experience of working in an NHS Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Desirable
- Previous experience of organisational change
- Research or audit experience
- Knowledge of delivery of training and mentor abilities
Qualifications
Essential
- Accredited BSc Biomedical Science Degree
- Registered with the HCPC
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent. Or working towards this level of qualification
Desirable
- Undertaking post graduate qualifications
- IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma
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.
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
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).
