Job summary
Applications are invited for a HCPC registered Clinical
Scientist to join the microbiology team at County Durham and Darlington
Foundation NHS trust. The successful applicant will join a dedicated and
enthusiastic clinical & scientific team providing specialist infection
services within County Durham.
CDDFT Pathology is embracing change and this is an
opportunity to help shape the service. New equipment and laboratory information
systems are in the pipeline for delivery within the next 2 years as part of our
modernisation programme. If you have vision and dynamism, we want you to help drive
this exciting period of change by further developing our service alongside our
clinical & scientific workforce.
The service provides a wide range of
microbiology, virology and serology testing to a population of 650,000 across
County Durham and Darlington. Working closely with the scientific team and
clinical staff across the trust and primary care settings you will help to
provide a clinical diagnostic, scientific and advice service, supporting a 24/7
laboratory.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will join a team of Consultant
Microbiologists and Specialty Doctors in providing clinical advice and guidance
on: infectious diseases; the diagnosis, treatment & management of
infections; infection prevention & control (IPC) and antimicrobial
stewardship to the trust, GPs, clinics and services across County Durham. You
will also work collaboratively with the department senior scientific and
management team to provide a comprehensive scientific service (analytical and
interpretative) by the microbiology department to nationally accepted
standards.
The post holder will bring specialist clinical and
scientific expertise to the clinical microbiology service with the opportunity
to expand and develop their practice, and the service, through research and
development. The successful candidate will have a key role in the training and
development of scientific and junior clinical colleagues along with other staff
groups and service users. Maintaining a high quality service is a priority for
the department and the post holder will be expected to lead on, and participate
in, quality assurance and governance activities to support this.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years
of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months)
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will:
Participate in the work of the department in clinical
liaison, laboratory activities and infection prevention & control, under
supervision of the consultant microbiologists or consultant clinical
scientists. This includes but not limited to: authorisation of laboratory
reports, handling telephone enquiries from clinicians, attending MDTs and
participating in ward rounds.
Participate in the clinical microbiology rota: interpretation
laboratory results and taking appropriate action e.g. authorisation of results,
ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and
clinically relevant comments, identifying erroneous results, referring results
for an expert opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant
results.
Liaise closely with clinical colleagues concerning the
diagnosis and management of patients, attending regular meetings and MDTs as
required.
Perform routine and specialist diagnostic tests including
the use of complex laboratory equipment and specialist analysers.
Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, overseeing
quality assurance processes, troubleshooting diagnostic assays and contributing
to the selection and implementation of new technologies and procedures.
Assist in the development and implementation of local
policies and procedures in line with best practice and national guidance.
Lead and participate in quality activities and review
meetings, contributing to continuous improvement within the department.
Effectively communicate with clinical, scientific and
managerial staff at all levels within the County Durham and Darlington NHS
Foundation Trust and with other service users and partner agencies.
Work effectively within pathology to promote an integrated
and effective laboratory service in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation
Trust while maintaining good staff relationships and morale.
Establish and maintain networks with professional, clinical
and managerial colleagues within this Trust and beyond it nationally, to ensure
provision of a comprehensive, appropriate microbiology service which meets the
needs of service users.
Prepare and present complex scientific and clinical
information arising from research or audit at local, national and international
conferences. Challenging with confidence
established scientific and clinical views using reasoned argument, personal
knowledge and research findings.
Present clinical case studies, research findings,
statistical data, analytical developments, audit results and teaching materials
to large groups of professional staff through departmental seminars, hospital
clinical meetings and external scientific meetings.
Have responsibility for clinical or non-clinical research
and development including audit, carrying out regular R&D projects towards
improved patient care e.g. development and implementation of new
microbiological diagnostic methods as a major requirement of the role.
Deliver and participate in structured training programmes,
maintain professional competencies, and contribute to formal education sessions.
Have responsibility for the training and
development of departmental colleagues including scientific and junior clinical
staff. Will contribute to the training and development of other staff groups,
including service users, in the field of infection sciences.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will:
Participate in the work of the department in clinical
liaison, laboratory activities and infection prevention & control, under
supervision of the consultant microbiologists or consultant clinical
scientists. This includes but not limited to: authorisation of laboratory
reports, handling telephone enquiries from clinicians, attending MDTs and
participating in ward rounds.
Participate in the clinical microbiology rota: interpretation
laboratory results and taking appropriate action e.g. authorisation of results,
ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and
clinically relevant comments, identifying erroneous results, referring results
for an expert opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant
results.
Liaise closely with clinical colleagues concerning the
diagnosis and management of patients, attending regular meetings and MDTs as
required.
Perform routine and specialist diagnostic tests including
the use of complex laboratory equipment and specialist analysers.
Maintain high standards of laboratory practice, overseeing
quality assurance processes, troubleshooting diagnostic assays and contributing
to the selection and implementation of new technologies and procedures.
Assist in the development and implementation of local
policies and procedures in line with best practice and national guidance.
Lead and participate in quality activities and review
meetings, contributing to continuous improvement within the department.
Effectively communicate with clinical, scientific and
managerial staff at all levels within the County Durham and Darlington NHS
Foundation Trust and with other service users and partner agencies.
Work effectively within pathology to promote an integrated
and effective laboratory service in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation
Trust while maintaining good staff relationships and morale.
Establish and maintain networks with professional, clinical
and managerial colleagues within this Trust and beyond it nationally, to ensure
provision of a comprehensive, appropriate microbiology service which meets the
needs of service users.
Prepare and present complex scientific and clinical
information arising from research or audit at local, national and international
conferences. Challenging with confidence
established scientific and clinical views using reasoned argument, personal
knowledge and research findings.
Present clinical case studies, research findings,
statistical data, analytical developments, audit results and teaching materials
to large groups of professional staff through departmental seminars, hospital
clinical meetings and external scientific meetings.
Have responsibility for clinical or non-clinical research
and development including audit, carrying out regular R&D projects towards
improved patient care e.g. development and implementation of new
microbiological diagnostic methods as a major requirement of the role.
Deliver and participate in structured training programmes,
maintain professional competencies, and contribute to formal education sessions.
Have responsibility for the training and
development of departmental colleagues including scientific and junior clinical
staff. Will contribute to the training and development of other staff groups,
including service users, in the field of infection sciences.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Highly specialist expertise underpinned by theoretical knowledge & experience following completion of specialty training.
- Understanding of specialist healthcare science activities.
- Thorough knowledge of microbiology, infection sciences and infection prevention & control.
- Knowledge of complex facts or situations, requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of option analysis and interpretation of test / investigation results.
- Provides specialist / highly specialist clinical technical services.
- Provides specialist, clinical and scientific advice to clinicians.
- Undertakes, screens and interprets diagnostic tests, including use of specialist equipment.
- Knowledge of and training in research, development and audit techniques. Regularly undertakes research and audit work to facilitate service improvements.
- Use of a wide range of analytical methods, techniques and instrumentation
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of quality assurance requirements for results and laboratory operations.
- Computer skills and statistics.
- Data entry, text processing or storage of data; regular requirement to use computer software to interpret reports.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to train, supervise and support other members of the team.
- Good time management skills, including working under pressure to deadlines.
Qualifications
Essential
- 1st or upper 2nd class honours degree in Microbiology or highly related infection science subject
- MSc in Microbiology, or highly related infection science subject, or subject assessed equivalent knowledge.
- Successful certified completion of a formal postgraduate training program approved as appropriate for registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC e.g. STP program or equivalence portfolio.
Desirable
- Demonstration of continued professional development
Experience
Essential
- Appropriate relevant experience as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6), trainee Clinical Scientist, or equivalent in a microbiology or infection sciences department.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing new techniques / equipment into laboratory including validation and verification procedures.
- Basic knowledge of managerial processes and structures within the NHS.
- Implementation of policies and procedures.
- Proposal and implementation of changes to practices for area.
Desirable
- Experience with quality processes including UKAS 15189 standards and accreditation.
- Experience of operational workflow efficiencies.
- Experience of specialized areas within infection sciences including virology and molecular tests.
- Experience of infection prevention and control including outbreak management.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Physical Skills:
- Good hand eye co-ordination / manual dexterity for fine manipulation of instrumentation and manual laboratory techniques.
- Personal Attributes:
- Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations and to take control of situations where more junior staff are in difficulty.
- Self-confidence, positive attitude and self- motivation.
- Reliable and conscientious, good attention to detail.
- Good communication & interpersonal skills
- Role Specific
- Supervision of staff including leading the team within own work area and junior clinical colleagues / trainees.
- Practical and specialist training for departmental or other staff groups.
- Frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions including handling of contained or controlled hazardous materials, contact with body fluids and human derived samples.
- Long periods of concentration for tests, investigations & reports including microscopy or equivalent work for lengthy periods with frequent interruptions for urgent tests
- Ability and willingness to work flexible hours (across a 24/7 service) across any Trust site as required.
Statutory Registration
Essential
- Registered as a Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Highly specialist expertise underpinned by theoretical knowledge & experience following completion of specialty training.
- Understanding of specialist healthcare science activities.
- Thorough knowledge of microbiology, infection sciences and infection prevention & control.
- Knowledge of complex facts or situations, requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of option analysis and interpretation of test / investigation results.
- Provides specialist / highly specialist clinical technical services.
- Provides specialist, clinical and scientific advice to clinicians.
- Undertakes, screens and interprets diagnostic tests, including use of specialist equipment.
- Knowledge of and training in research, development and audit techniques. Regularly undertakes research and audit work to facilitate service improvements.
- Use of a wide range of analytical methods, techniques and instrumentation
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of quality assurance requirements for results and laboratory operations.
- Computer skills and statistics.
- Data entry, text processing or storage of data; regular requirement to use computer software to interpret reports.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to train, supervise and support other members of the team.
- Good time management skills, including working under pressure to deadlines.
Qualifications
Essential
- 1st or upper 2nd class honours degree in Microbiology or highly related infection science subject
- MSc in Microbiology, or highly related infection science subject, or subject assessed equivalent knowledge.
- Successful certified completion of a formal postgraduate training program approved as appropriate for registration as a Clinical Scientist with the HCPC e.g. STP program or equivalence portfolio.
Desirable
- Demonstration of continued professional development
Experience
Essential
- Appropriate relevant experience as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6), trainee Clinical Scientist, or equivalent in a microbiology or infection sciences department.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing new techniques / equipment into laboratory including validation and verification procedures.
- Basic knowledge of managerial processes and structures within the NHS.
- Implementation of policies and procedures.
- Proposal and implementation of changes to practices for area.
Desirable
- Experience with quality processes including UKAS 15189 standards and accreditation.
- Experience of operational workflow efficiencies.
- Experience of specialized areas within infection sciences including virology and molecular tests.
- Experience of infection prevention and control including outbreak management.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Physical Skills:
- Good hand eye co-ordination / manual dexterity for fine manipulation of instrumentation and manual laboratory techniques.
- Personal Attributes:
- Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations and to take control of situations where more junior staff are in difficulty.
- Self-confidence, positive attitude and self- motivation.
- Reliable and conscientious, good attention to detail.
- Good communication & interpersonal skills
- Role Specific
- Supervision of staff including leading the team within own work area and junior clinical colleagues / trainees.
- Practical and specialist training for departmental or other staff groups.
- Frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions including handling of contained or controlled hazardous materials, contact with body fluids and human derived samples.
- Long periods of concentration for tests, investigations & reports including microscopy or equivalent work for lengthy periods with frequent interruptions for urgent tests
- Ability and willingness to work flexible hours (across a 24/7 service) across any Trust site as required.
Statutory Registration
Essential
- Registered as a Clinical Scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
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).
