Job overview
The microbiology department at Maidstone Hospital is looking for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our growing team. Shifts are 7.5 hours with varied start times between 08:00 -09:30 hours worked as part of a 7-day pattern to include approx 2 weekend shifts per month and 2 bank holidays per year.
We would consider applications from HCPC-registered staff who do not have an IBMS Specialist diploma, looking for a development opportunity to join us on Annexe 21 B6 for 2 years, moving to full B6 on completion of the IBMS Specialist portfolio and relevant competencies.
You will rotate throughout all sections of the department, which include: routine bacteriology, CL3 respiratory, including TB culture and PCR, enterics using PCR and manual techniques, faecal parasitology, serology and molecular sections.
Participation in the on-call rota will be expected on completion of relevant competencies.
Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway ICB.
Main duties of the job
a. To undertake work in Containment Level 2 & 3 laboratory sections handling Hazard Group 2 & 3 pathogens.
b. To undertake manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
c. To perform microscopy (including light, inverted and UV microscopy)
d. accurately aliquot samples (small and very small volumes) and reagents using precision equipment.
e. To follow the standard operating procedures and to participate in their regular review and update.
f. To undertake routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments.
g. To undertake technical validation of the complex results from laboratory investigations, ensuring accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
h. To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
To carry out corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance and to communicate this to SBMS.
j. To prepare reagents required for laboratory investigations
k. To report any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure.
To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as required.
To participate in research and development as directed by departmental management.
To participate in the delivery of training to all microbiology staff, F1 doctors, medical students and work experience students when required.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent
6. HCPC Registration
7. IBMS Specialist Portfolio or appropriate equivalent
8. Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
Experience/ Knowledge
Essential criteria
9. Working as a member of a team
10. Able to demonstrate working in bacteriology, serology and molecular microbiology setting
Desirable criteria
11. Working alone during an out of hours service
12. Able to train
13. Problem solving
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Ability to interpret bacterial cultures
15. Ability to undertake technical validation of results
16. Command of written and spoken English
17. Basic use of Microsoft Word Excel
Desirable criteria
18. Use of Qpulse
19. Use of Telepath LIMS