Biomedical Scientist- Microbiology

Applications are invited from suitable applicants to join the team of Biomedical scientists (BMS) in the busy Department of Microbiology laboratory at Derriford Hospital. Applicantsmustbe HCPC registered, have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio or previous equivalent, andmusthave significant experience of working in a diagnostic NHS Microbiology laboratory.

The Department has over 60 staff and processes over 500,000 samples per year. It has full UKAS accreditation and is a recognised IBMS training laboratory. The successful applicant will rotate through the Bacteriology/Virology/Serology sections of the laboratory and the Molecular facility in UHP Estover. They will be expected to examine a wide range of clinical samples from patients, in order to determine the laboratory diagnosis and the appropriate treatment of infection due to bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Staff are encouraged to further their own development and assist with CPD related activities. The laboratory is well equipped and is fully computerised.

This is a full time post Monday to Friday. There are early (08:00-16:30), core 09:00-17:30) and late shifts (14:00-22:00) in operation on a rotational basis. There is also a commitment to participate in a weekend rota, overnight rota (22:00-08:00) and on call once trained. All weekend work is paid at an enhanced rate.

For more information please contact Allan Speirs (Microbiology Laboratory Manager)a.speirs@nhs.net t: 01752 433216
1. The examination of a wide range of clinical samples from patients, in order to determine the laboratory diagnosis, and the appropriate treatment, of infection due to bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Samples may additionally include environmental samples, food, water and other samples related to the potential for cause or spread of infection
2. To undertake scientific duties in any section of the Department as required in order to facilitate the smooth running of the service.
3. To operate, and perform basic maintenance on, specialist equipment up to a value of £1 million.
4. To supervise, mentor and support Trainee Biomedical Scientists, support staff and any other new or trainee staff.

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Available as a 12 MONTH fixed term contract

1. To perform microbiological analysis of biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, cerebral spinal fluid and other clinical samples, taking personal responsibility for the quality of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of infectious disease, and the detection and monitoring of hospital and community-based outbreaks of infection.
2. Maintain a high standard of professional knowledge and competence in the performance of all tests and complex investigations carried out at bench level, and to take responsibility for all work being carried out on the allocated ‘bench’.
3. To make diagnostic decisions of infection and treatment options, based on microscopic findings, the analysis of bacterial culture plates, and the subsequent assessment of bacterial susceptibility tests, which requires a high level of in-depth knowledge, experience, expertise and judgement.
4. When working alone at night or at weekends, e.g. when on-call, to carry out essential investigations and make critical diagnostic decisions unsupervised, and with no on-site back-up or reference point.
5. To work with the quality manager to ensure all necessary quality standards are met, including UKAS ISO15189.
6. To work, if required, with high-risk samples and cultures, at Containment Level 3, and to be aware when circumstances arise necessitating the move of normal laboratory investigations (Containment Level 2) to a higher containment level.
7. To have sufficient knowledge, competence and experience to work on rotation in all bacteriology and serology sections of the laboratory as required, and to achieve the equivalent accuracy and turnaround times of other staff of the same grade.
8. To participate in, understand, and take responsibility for, the quality assurance programs of the allocated ‘bench’, which will include both internal (IQA) and external schemes (NEQAS).
9. To be prepared to train in the use of new and emerging techniques and procedures, eg. molecular microbiology.
10. The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi- automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.