As a Band 8a laboratory manager in the Microbiology Department the post holder will be responsible for the operational and technical delivery of the service and management of all sections of Microbiology including Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics, as well as maintenance of UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189. The post holder is the Microbiology budget holder and will take a lead role in the management and development of all staff within the Department.
Main duties of the job
* The role involves leading the operational, technical and workforce management of the Microbiology Department, ensuring high quality service delivery across Bacteriology, Virology, Molecular Diagnostics, Parasitology and Mycology, maintaining UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation, managing the budget and developing staff.
* To be responsible for the technical leadership for service developments which clinical teams and Consultant Microbiologists or Clinical Scientists may wish to introduce.
* To monitor and maintain the high professional standards of the Microbiology service and initiate remedial action where necessary.
* To plan, oversee, perform, and technically validate all Microbiological investigations to a high level of competence.
* To oversee the technical validation of test results prior to reporting, ensuring the standard operating procedures as agreed by the Consultant Microbiologists are followed.
* To be responsible for the data management of results on the laboratory computer systems to ensure they are reported accurately and in a timely manner.
* To implement and monitor Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.
* To ensure the effective and timely commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology to ISO 15189 standards.
* To give technical support and guidance to all Microbiology staff, clinical staff and for research / clinical trials involving Microbiology.
* To implement Microbiology polices and maintain all documentation.
* To ensure stock levels are maintained to the required level within Microbiology.
* To ensure equipment within the department is fit for purpose, monitored, working at optimal performance and support collation of maintenance records.
* To implement new methodology into Microbiology in accordance best practice and accreditation and regulatory requirements.
Personal responsibilities
* To ensure the effective deployment of Biomedical Scientists in the department.
* To ensure comprehensive EWP rotas are prepared in a timely fashion.
* To develop close working relationships and communicate effectively with the Consultants and Clinical Scientists in the Microbiology Department.
Supervisory / Management duties
* To be a member of the Pathology Management team and deputise for the Pathology Directorate Manager as required.
* To represent the Microbiology Department at the Pathology Directorate meetings.
* To be named Quality Lead for the department.
* To be named Health and Safety lead for the department.
* To work with the Pathology Directorate Manager and other local heads of service to develop strategic plans and policy for Microbiology/Pathology, including technical leadership for any collaborative working across the network.
* To contribute to the planning of decisions regarding laboratory repertoire and equipment procurement.
* To provide statistical information within Microbiology and produce written reports.
* To contribute to the recruitment, appointment, and retention of staff in line with Trust polices and guidelines.
* To take the lead in control of staff deployment and maintain discipline in Microbiology according to Trust Policy.
* To ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Health and Safety, fire etc. in the section.
* To conduct annual appraisal for the Team leaders and ensure all staff have an appraisal once a year and ensure developmental needs are actioned.
* To undertake responsibility for counselling, grievance, and welfare matters.
* To contribute to the analysis and workforce planning needs of the Microbiology establishment and skill mix as appropriate to the safe provision of service.
* To organise staff in covering the 24-hour working patterns of Microbiology.To oversee the monitoring and recording of attendance, holidays, special leave, and sickness absence.
* Monitor cost effectiveness with the Microbiology budget and contributing to Waste Reduction Schemes.
* To lead on business case development for staff, equipment purchases or new service or strategic developments.
Teaching / Development / Communication
* To co-ordinate induction, training and development of all staff in Microbiology.
* To ensure personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs.
* To ensure personal compliance with professional codes of conduct and personal development according to service needs.
* To facilitate two-way communication between higher management and staff.
* To promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.
* To develop appropriate links with colleagues in the Pathology Clinical Network and Public Health Agencies and other stakeholders.
* To maintain up-to-date knowledge of methodology and technology in all aspects of Microbiology.
* To ensure all staff are competent to perform microbiological techniques and relevant tasks and maintain up to date records of the staff competencies.
* To provide mentorship to technical staff within Microbiology and to encourage continual professional and personal development.
* To provide support and supervision for staff engaged on work related study including portfolios and apprenticeships.
Clinical Governance
* To be the Departmental Quality Lead.
* To ensure that incidents and complaints are investigated in a timely manner and appropriate actions implemented.
* To ensure that Quality Management Systems are maintained as scheduled.
* To work within regulatory and accreditation requirements, Trust policies and protocols.
* To ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Finance
* To be responsible for the Microbiology budget, producing a balanced budget and achieving financial control and improvement targets.
For further details / informal visits contact:
This advert closes on Wednesday 4 Mar 2026
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