Biomedical Scientist/Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest microbiology departments in England as a Biomedical scientist. The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP) is a collaboration between UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

You will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment. The Microbiology delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs around 130 staff and has a workload of approximately 1.2 million specimens. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical bacteriology service combining traditional methodologies with laboratory automation.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Job description

The post-holder will act as a registered Biomedical who provides scientific services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis of microbiological disease. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.

To perform a range of bacteriological technical and scientific activities, including testing samples referred from other NHS and UKHSA laboratories.

Utilising the appropriate testing, and in a timely manner, to assist the Consultant Microbiologists, and thus ensure the correct clinical diagnosis.

To assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. Bioterrorism incident or a major disease e.g. COVID, SARS, H5N1 influenza, Enteric outbreak etc..

This role is advertised as a Band6, however we may also consider appointing at Band5, depending on experience. The Band5 salary is £32,073–£39,043.

All appointments are made strictly in merit order based on assessment results.

If you're found appointable at the advertised grade but no Band6 roles are available, we may offer a similar opportunity at Band5, in merit order.If you're not appointable at Band6, we can only consider you for Band5 where you’ve been assessed at that grade and found appointable, and this possibility is set out in the campaign information.

To be considered for the band 6 role candidate would need : IBMS Specialist Diploma (from 2005) or IBMS fellowship in Medical Microbiology.

Clinical Governance

• Participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects, as required
• Participate in and monitor Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining UKAS ISO15189 accreditation.
• To attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication with the department

Management

• Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.

Education and Development

• Registration with the Health Profession Council
• Undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Laboratory Manager (or Head/Lead Biomedical Scientist)
• Undertake in the training, supervision, co ordination and monitoring of Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants, Clinical and Medical Staff, Nursing staff and students in accordance with nature of a large teaching hospital.

Clinical

• Assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaises with senior technical staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy.
• Ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system.
• Perform sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high
  risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols.
• Analysis of biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill.
• Preparation and interpretation of identification tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
• Use and maintenance of manual and sophisticated automated equipment
• Assist with the development of new methods and implementation of new technology.
• To work in high risk Containment Level 3 laboratories following local code of practice within these facilities.
• To assist in disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• To assist in monitoring and maintain appropriate stock levels and facilitate deliveries.
• To be competent in the use of microscopes for identification of microorganisms.
• Exercise judgement and interpretation to validate results and generate laboratory reports in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. The validation process includes analytical and clinical validity.
• Extraction of nucleic acid from biological samples to enable amplification and determination of microbial targets
• Analyses of biological samples by a variety of methodologies to detect microbial antigens and antibodies to those antigens.
• To ensure prompt notification or referral of unusual and urgent results to Consultant microbiologist or senior BMS staff or Infection Control team as appropriate.
• To refer unusual or unfamiliar events to senior technical staff for action or advice.
• To report by telephone urgent results to medical or nursing staff, GP’s and other hospitals.
• To assist in providing a results service to wards, GP’s and other hospitals.

Other

• To be registered with the Health Professions Council.
• To be adaptable to change and to work flexibly in all sections of the laboratory.
• Attend courses and maintain appropriate levels of training as necessary. Maintain high professional standards at all times by continual professional development, keeping up to date with advances in Medical Microbiology and changes in technology.
• To maintain effective communication with line managers and to demonstrate a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team.
• Support the out of hours service provision, in addition to participating in working as part of a small team, to include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Job holder will be required to work within a rotational shift pattern which may include shifts throughout the department, 24 hours a day / 7days per week, to meet service needs

Person specification

• HCPC Registration (Biomedical Scientist)
• IBMS Specialist Diploma (from 2005) or IBMS fellowship in Medical Microbiology
• Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area in a laboratory
• Good all-round knowledge of medical microbiology
• Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do
• Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
• Clear and effectiv