Job summary
The Microbiology Department is based at the John Radcliffe Hospital and provide services to the Oxford University Hospitals NHSFT, primary care, South 4 Pathology Partnership, other NHS providers, private care, UKHSA and research trials.
The laboratory holds UKAS accreditation and is accredited with Pearson Edexcel (QCF Level 2) and the IBMS for pre and post HCPC registration training.
The department undertakes bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, serology, and molecular microbiology; as well as high-throughput SARS-COV-2 testing and genomic sequencing. The successful candidate will be expected to not only rotate and supervise specific sections as described above, but also take on additional managerial responsibilities to support the Laboratory Manager.
The laboratory is a 24/7 service and successful applicants will participate in working day, evenings, night, weekend & bank holiday sessions. The post is full time, average working hours over the shift pattern 37.5 hours.
The department is well equipped including BD BACTEC FX, BD MGIT, BD MAX, BD Kiestra, Bruker MALDI-TOF, SediMAX, Abbott Architect i2000SR, DiaSorin Liaison XL, Abbott Alinity m, Abbott m2000, ELITe InGenius, BioFire TORCH, Cepheid GeneXpert, KingFisher, QuantStudio 5, GridION, Agilent TapeStation, Qubit Fluorometer.
Main duties of the job
Applicants must be HCPC registered, experienced Specialist Biomedical Scientist with the skills required to work within the diagnostic microbiology department. The applicant will have expertise and competence in Microbiology, and will have obtained post graduate qualification, to Master's Level (MSc) within the relevant Microbiology subjects.
Successful candidates must be highly motivated with excellent organizational skills to support, maintain and improve service, as well as good supervisory and communication skills, presentation skills, team working, leadership skills and demonstrable OUH values of behaviour and conduct. You will have a comprehensive knowledge of the departmental IT system, as well as document control, audit, quality management, ISO 15189:2012, H&S and training. You must be able to demonstrate current evidence of CPD and contribution towards service improvement. You must be able to work under pressure, meeting deadlines in addition to your routine laboratory workload and demonstrate an ability to be adaptable and flexible to change and an ability to motivate others.
About us
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk
The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via theOUH YouTube channel.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST:
- The post holder will act a HCPC Registered Senior Biomedical Scientist who provides a comprehensive range of scientific services as an aid/basis for diagnosis.
- Services are provided to hospital clinicians and general practitioners and the post holder is required to liaise with these, other healthcare professionals, suppliers and their agents, and occasionally with patients and their representatives.
- The post holder will be required to supervise a section/sub-section of the laboratory, day-today, on a rotational basis and will participate in and have responsibility for the duties of the section, including quality, training and health and safety as well as work of a complex and highly specialised nature.
- The post holder will exercise autonomy in a team setting within professional and managerial boundaries and will be required to verify and validate completed work.
- In conjunction with the Chief Biomedical Scientist (BMS3) the post holder will participate in the strategic development of the section and in staff training and development.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Managerial Responsibilities
- Supervises laboratory staff working in area of responsibility. Staff groups include trainee and HCPC Registered BMS, Associate Practitioners, Laboratory Support Workers and training Medical Staff.
- Monitors the performance of staff working in own area of responsibility, rectifying any errors and reporting to the Chief BMS (BMS3) as necessary.
- Prioritises and plans the activities of the section, using own initiative, to ensure that the workload is processed in a timely, efficient and accurate manner. Works in co-operation with departmental clinicians, consultants, BMS staff of all grades, nurses and support staff.
- Is responsible for the efficient use of resources. Manages stock levels, rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates in own area of responsibility, thus ensuring the viability of the reagents used. Orders stock /do call off as required. Liaises with manufacturers to ensure that supply problems are avoided / resolved.
- Is proactive in the evaluation of new methodologies, automation and working practices and implements these where appropriate, in conjunction with Chief BMS and clinical staff. To include changes to the laboratory IT process.
- Supports the Chief BMS in the delivery of the service and in their absence performs delegated functions such as the preparation of workstation rotas and staff deployment.
- In sole charge of certain sections/sub-section within rotation, reporting to BMS3 as required.
- Performs appraisals on BMS1 and Support Worker staff, according to the Trust Policy.
- Attends departmental operational and management meetings and produces reports when relevant.
Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities
- Analysis potentially infectious samples using highly specialised laboratory procedures, either manual or automated, to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care. Undertakes these duties in all areas of the Department.
- Performs highly complex investigations requiring the use of specialised knowledge, skills and experience.
- Ensures that UKAS, ISO 15189-2012 and other professional standards within own area of responsibility are maintained, including the preparation and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Ensures the validity of results by the use of appropriate calibrators and control materials, applicable to both manual and automated systems in the laboratory.
- Ensures laboratory equipment is appropriately used, maintained, monitored and that records are kept.
- Carries out troubleshooting and repairs on complex, costly (>£35,0000) automated systems, liaising with Trust and external service engineers as necessary.
- Accepts clinical samples into the department, working with staff from transport and porter services. Assesses such samples for suitability and takes appropriate action in cases of non-compliance.
- Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy.
Analytical and Interpretative Responsibilities
- Exercises individual skills through the observation/interpretation of clinical material/data requiring extensive, specialised clinical knowledge and a high degree of prolonged concentration. To include cases referred by less experienced staff.
- Assesses the validity of the results generated by automated and manual systems. Is aware of the limitations of these techniques and is able to identify and correct anomalous results.
- Complies with work process by the validation of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires an in-depth theoretical knowledge of the relevant discipline in its clinical context. In some instances this may dictate the final course of clinical action.
- Provides clinically relevant scientific information through the application of interpretative comments, according to laboratory SOP, which have been agreed with laboratory medical staff.
- Recommends additional tests and provides clinical relevant scientific information, in accordance with SOP to assist the requesting clinician in the diagnostic or treatment process.
Role Responsibilities
- Is fully conversant with departmental policies, ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189-2012 and other professional standards.
- Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of the Health Care Professions Council and the Trusts protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of HCPC Registered status.
- Develops own skills taking responsibility for Continuing Professional Development and performance.
- Complies with the requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes along with internal requirements for audits and competence assessment to meet national quality standards.
- Works to maintain competencies across the repertoire of the department as appropriate to grade.
- Provides supervisory cross over in related sections of the laboratory when required.
- Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation tasks.
- Displays sound analytical and critical thinking ability in complex and rapidly changing situations.
- Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external. To include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
- Provides and receives complex scientific and clinical information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
- Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.
- Has awareness of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and local Health and Safety Policies, taking action as appropriate and reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanism.
- Assists in improving departmental quality by challenging and questioning practice, contributing ideas as appropriate and participating in the change management process, in conjunction with Chief BMS staff.
- Ensures that sample preparation for referral to reference laboratory complies with current guidelines for despatch. Liaises with specialist laboratory when required.
- Maintains laboratory filling/retrieval systems in area of responsibility.
Teaching Training and Research Responsibilities
- In co-operation with the Departmental Training Officer and following the Departmental Training Programme, is responsible for the training of BMS staff, Support Workers and clinical staff, in area of responsibility.
- Proactive in training to ensure staff achieve competence to the standard required.
- Assesses the knowledge and proficiency of staff working in area of responsibility, highlighting training needs as appropriate and reporting to the Chief BMS as necessary.
- Participates in Research & Development initiatives, including clinical research in conjunction with the Chief BMS and/or clinical staff as appropriate.
- Participates in departmental audit programmes.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attends departmental and Trust-wide staff meetings as appropriate.
- Contributes to, or participates in, internal and external scientific meetings.
- Complies with data protection and confidentiality guidelines.
- Will attend regular appraisal and provide evidence of continual personal and professional development.
- Will carry out appraisals on scientific staff advising on ways for continuing personal and professional development.
- To be aware of the inherent hazards of the work and to take appropriate precautions at all times, reporting to the Head Biomedical Scientist or Safety Officer any accident or potential hazards.
- Abide by current policies and procedures defined by the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and/or the Trust or Directorate Risk Management Team and to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Demonstrates and promotes the OUH NHSFT core values and behaviors.
Your attention is drawn to the confidential aspects of the post. Any matters of a confidential nature, including information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of patients, individual staff records and details of contract prices and terms must, under no circumstances, be divulged to any unauthorised person or persons. Breaches of confidence will result in disciplinary action, which may result in dismissal. You should also be aware that, regardless of any disciplinary action taken, a breach of confidence could also result in a civil action for damages.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST:
- The post holder will act a HCPC Registered Senior Biomedical Scientist who provides a comprehensive range of scientific services as an aid/basis for diagnosis.
- Services are provided to hospital clinicians and general practitioners and the post holder is required to liaise with these, other healthcare professionals, suppliers and their agents, and occasionally with patients and their representatives.
- The post holder will be required to supervise a section/sub-section of the laboratory, day-today, on a rotational basis and will participate in and have responsibility for the duties of the section, including quality, training and health and safety as well as work of a complex and highly specialised nature.
- The post holder will exercise autonomy in a team setting within professional and managerial boundaries and will be required to verify and validate completed work.
- In conjunction with the Chief Biomedical Scientist (BMS3) the post holder will participate in the strategic development of the section and in staff training and development.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Managerial Responsibilities
- Supervises laboratory staff working in area of responsibility. Staff groups include trainee and HCPC Registered BMS, Associate Practitioners, Laboratory Support Workers and training Medical Staff.
- Monitors the performance of staff working in own area of responsibility, rectifying any errors and reporting to the Chief BMS (BMS3) as necessary.
- Prioritises and plans the activities of the section, using own initiative, to ensure that the workload is processed in a timely, efficient and accurate manner. Works in co-operation with departmental clinicians, consultants, BMS staff of all grades, nurses and support staff.
- Is responsible for the efficient use of resources. Manages stock levels, rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates in own area of responsibility, thus ensuring the viability of the reagents used. Orders stock /do call off as required. Liaises with manufacturers to ensure that supply problems are avoided / resolved.
- Is proactive in the evaluation of new methodologies, automation and working practices and implements these where appropriate, in conjunction with Chief BMS and clinical staff. To include changes to the laboratory IT process.
- Supports the Chief BMS in the delivery of the service and in their absence performs delegated functions such as the preparation of workstation rotas and staff deployment.
- In sole charge of certain sections/sub-section within rotation, reporting to BMS3 as required.
- Performs appraisals on BMS1 and Support Worker staff, according to the Trust Policy.
- Attends departmental operational and management meetings and produces reports when relevant.
Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities
- Analysis potentially infectious samples using highly specialised laboratory procedures, either manual or automated, to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care. Undertakes these duties in all areas of the Department.
- Performs highly complex investigations requiring the use of specialised knowledge, skills and experience.
- Ensures that UKAS, ISO 15189-2012 and other professional standards within own area of responsibility are maintained, including the preparation and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Ensures the validity of results by the use of appropriate calibrators and control materials, applicable to both manual and automated systems in the laboratory.
- Ensures laboratory equipment is appropriately used, maintained, monitored and that records are kept.
- Carries out troubleshooting and repairs on complex, costly (>£35,0000) automated systems, liaising with Trust and external service engineers as necessary.
- Accepts clinical samples into the department, working with staff from transport and porter services. Assesses such samples for suitability and takes appropriate action in cases of non-compliance.
- Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy.
Analytical and Interpretative Responsibilities
- Exercises individual skills through the observation/interpretation of clinical material/data requiring extensive, specialised clinical knowledge and a high degree of prolonged concentration. To include cases referred by less experienced staff.
- Assesses the validity of the results generated by automated and manual systems. Is aware of the limitations of these techniques and is able to identify and correct anomalous results.
- Complies with work process by the validation of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires an in-depth theoretical knowledge of the relevant discipline in its clinical context. In some instances this may dictate the final course of clinical action.
- Provides clinically relevant scientific information through the application of interpretative comments, according to laboratory SOP, which have been agreed with laboratory medical staff.
- Recommends additional tests and provides clinical relevant scientific information, in accordance with SOP to assist the requesting clinician in the diagnostic or treatment process.
Role Responsibilities
- Is fully conversant with departmental policies, ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189-2012 and other professional standards.
- Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of the Health Care Professions Council and the Trusts protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of HCPC Registered status.
- Develops own skills taking responsibility for Continuing Professional Development and performance.
- Complies with the requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes along with internal requirements for audits and competence assessment to meet national quality standards.
- Works to maintain competencies across the repertoire of the department as appropriate to grade.
- Provides supervisory cross over in related sections of the laboratory when required.
- Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation tasks.
- Displays sound analytical and critical thinking ability in complex and rapidly changing situations.
- Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external. To include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
- Provides and receives complex scientific and clinical information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
- Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.
- Has awareness of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and local Health and Safety Policies, taking action as appropriate and reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanism.
- Assists in improving departmental quality by challenging and questioning practice, contributing ideas as appropriate and participating in the change management process, in conjunction with Chief BMS staff.
- Ensures that sample preparation for referral to reference laboratory complies with current guidelines for despatch. Liaises with specialist laboratory when required.
- Maintains laboratory filling/retrieval systems in area of responsibility.
Teaching Training and Research Responsibilities
- In co-operation with the Departmental Training Officer and following the Departmental Training Programme, is responsible for the training of BMS staff, Support Workers and clinical staff, in area of responsibility.
- Proactive in training to ensure staff achieve competence to the standard required.
- Assesses the knowledge and proficiency of staff working in area of responsibility, highlighting training needs as appropriate and reporting to the Chief BMS as necessary.
- Participates in Research & Development initiatives, including clinical research in conjunction with the Chief BMS and/or clinical staff as appropriate.
- Participates in departmental audit programmes.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attends departmental and Trust-wide staff meetings as appropriate.
- Contributes to, or participates in, internal and external scientific meetings.
- Complies with data protection and confidentiality guidelines.
- Will attend regular appraisal and provide evidence of continual personal and professional development.
- Will carry out appraisals on scientific staff advising on ways for continuing personal and professional development.
- To be aware of the inherent hazards of the work and to take appropriate precautions at all times, reporting to the Head Biomedical Scientist or Safety Officer any accident or potential hazards.
- Abide by current policies and procedures defined by the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and/or the Trust or Directorate Risk Management Team and to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Demonstrates and promotes the OUH NHSFT core values and behaviors.
Your attention is drawn to the confidential aspects of the post. Any matters of a confidential nature, including information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of patients, individual staff records and details of contract prices and terms must, under no circumstances, be divulged to any unauthorised person or persons. Breaches of confidence will result in disciplinary action, which may result in dismissal. You should also be aware that, regardless of any disciplinary action taken, a breach of confidence could also result in a civil action for damages.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registered
- IBMS Certificate of Competence / CPSM Logbook
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Microbiology / Virology
- FIBMS / MSc in Medical Microbiology / Virology or equivalent
- Evidence of CPD
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Broad experience in most areas of clinical, diagnostic NHS microbiology
- Evidence of practical analytical and technical skills associated with highly complex laboratory work.
- Experience of molecular techniques as used in a clinical microbiology department
- Knowledge of managing and implementing change.
- Knowledge and understanding of IT aspects of complex analytical equipment and Laboratory Information Systems
- Experience of training of others, internal and external to the organisation, both in a formal and informal setting
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills (no grammatical errors in application)
- Excellent inter-personal and time management skills
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems under pressure
- Project planning, implementation and monitoring skills
- Timely accurate working with ability to prioritise and manage staff and resources for day to day service delivery
Other
Essential
- Prepared to work with biological materials and a variety of sample types
- Flexible approach to hours of work, including night working, extended day working, weekends and Bank Holidays
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registered
- IBMS Certificate of Competence / CPSM Logbook
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Microbiology / Virology
- FIBMS / MSc in Medical Microbiology / Virology or equivalent
- Evidence of CPD
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Broad experience in most areas of clinical, diagnostic NHS microbiology
- Evidence of practical analytical and technical skills associated with highly complex laboratory work.
- Experience of molecular techniques as used in a clinical microbiology department
- Knowledge of managing and implementing change.
- Knowledge and understanding of IT aspects of complex analytical equipment and Laboratory Information Systems
- Experience of training of others, internal and external to the organisation, both in a formal and informal setting
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills (no grammatical errors in application)
- Excellent inter-personal and time management skills
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems under pressure
- Project planning, implementation and monitoring skills
- Timely accurate working with ability to prioritise and manage staff and resources for day to day service delivery
Other
Essential
- Prepared to work with biological materials and a variety of sample types
- Flexible approach to hours of work, including night working, extended day working, weekends and Bank Holidays
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
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).
