Job overview
We are seeking a Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital. Our laboratory is equipped with a comprehensive range of modern platforms, including the BioMérieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, BD MGIT, DS2, BioMérieux Vidas, Biofire Torch and FilmArray, Roche Cobas 6800, BD Max, Cepheid GeneXpert, Beckman Coulter Microscan, Stratec Gemini and the Bruker MALDI‑TOF.
Following the merger with the Luton Microbiology department, the service now provides an extensive repertoire of investigations for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, as well as local GP practices. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2012 and is an IBMS‑approved training laboratory.
In this role, you will work as part of a dedicated Microbiology team, delivering high‑quality microbiological analysis to support accurate diagnosis and optimal patient care.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, performing a range of microbiological techniques to support the clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases in accordance with established SOPs.
They will be expected to contribute to the delivery of training in line with the departmental training policy and to support Senior staff in maintaining a high‑quality, efficient and effective service.
Once fully trained, the post holder will participate in the departmental shift rota, which includes weekend, bank‑holiday and on‑call duties. The service is progressing towards a 24/7 shift model.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities.
1. Work as an HCPC‑registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist, contributing to the effective delivery of departmental services.
2. Support the Senior Biomedical Scientist in implementing and maintaining a cohesive, well‑coordinated service in collaboration with the department’s clinical lead.
3. Apply the departmental quality policy and work towards achieving agreed quality objectives.
4. Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards, using the established Pathology Quality Management System to support quality cycles and audits required for ISO 15189 compliance.
5. Act as deputy for the Senior Biomedical Scientist when required.
Person specification
Personal Skills
Essential criteria
6. Excellent inter-personal skills
7. Personal integrity - leading by example
8. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, at all levels.
9. Good awareness of quality processes in Microbiology
10. Document writing skills
Desirable criteria
11. Ability to analyse complex data and use information to inform judgements
Qualifications
Essential criteria
12. BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
13. HCPC State Registration
14. IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology or equivalent, or working towards
Desirable criteria
15. Master degree or related professional health care qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
16. Significant specialist knowledge of Microbiology
17. Awareness of serological and molecular techniques
18. Experience of verification and validation processes
19. Training of staff
Desirable criteria
20. Audit and evaluation
21. On call and out of hours working
22. Good knowledge of antibiotics and resiatance mechanisms
23. Experience working in Cat 3 and with samples for Mycobacterial analysis
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.