Our Virology department is looking for a HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our team. The successful applicant will be trained to participate in the weekly bench duties expected of a BMS, as well as wider involvement in quality, training and health and safety. The successful post holder will be expected to participate in our weekend rota and the on‑call rota, and has the opportunity to develop practical experience in a variety of diagnostic techniques and equipment, from manual confirmation tests to high throughput serology and molecular automation.
Responsibilities
* To initially assess a patient's needs and appropriate investigations when requests arrive in the laboratory.
* Perform all routine and advanced scientific work of the Virology Laboratory within set local and national quality assurance guidelines.
* Report test results to the Clinical Virologist, hospital clinicians and GPs.
* Ensure confidentiality of patient records and data according to NHS regulations.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of Virology for better service provision to the patient.
* Perform laboratory duties diligently with due care and consideration for health, safety and the welfare of oneself and others.
* Supervise support staff on a daily basis.
* Analyse Virology specimens to identify potential pathogens and provide information for treatment and monitoring of a patient’s disease status.
* Provide bench training of new staff or visitors to a section.
* Organise work and ensure that results are validated and properly quality‑controlled.
* Technically authorise specialist investigations in Virology where the results influence patient care, providing diagnosis and prognosis of viral illnesses and monitoring a patient’s status and need to change anti‑viral therapy.
* Carry out serological testing service where the results provide information on the diagnosis and prognosis of viral illness and treatment outcome of bacterial illnesses.
* Ensure all investigations assessed, as necessary for the investigation of a patient’s condition, are carried out and reported in a timely manner.
* Be proficient in the use of the specialised equipment used in the department.
* Inform the section leader or duty clinical consultant of any results that might be considered erroneous or clinically significant.
* Carry out scheduled internal preventative maintenance on analysers in use, initiating any first‑line remedial action as required.
* Report any technical or machine‑based non‑compliance to the Senior BMS so that immediate corrective action can be taken and results released.
* Attend laboratory meetings to keep up to date with developments in each section of the laboratory.
* Learn the procedures for administration of specimens and use of the pathology‐based computer system.
* Notify stock usage to the laboratory manager or section lead.
* Maintain state registration and provide evidence to management.
* Follow all organisational policies and procedures, and participate fully in the weekend and on‑call rota.
* Cover for and undertake duties of absent colleagues as needed.
Qualifications and Experience
* B.Sc. (Hons) Biomedical Science Degree or clinically relevant equivalent.
* Certificate of Competence to Practice issued by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (post‑graduate qualification).
* HCPC registered.
* Post‑graduate diploma in Virology (or related subject). An IBMS specialist diploma in Virology is an additional advantage.
* Demonstrable experience of working in a clinical laboratory after HPC registration.
* Advanced training in laboratory computer systems, including iSoft Telepath.
* Knowledge of serological and advanced virology techniques (ELISA, immunoblot assays, Chlamydia PCR, real‑time PCR).
* Detailed understanding of laboratory health and safety issues.
* Annex 21 considered if the applicant holds HCPC registration but does not have two years post‑registration experience and/or does not hold an IBMS specialist diploma in Virology.
* Knowledge of COSHH and risk assessment.
* Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
* Ability to concentrate for long periods.
* Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.
* Ability to follow written and spoken instructions.
* Ability to act on own initiative.
* Competent to work unsupervised in all areas of the laboratory.
* Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Computer skills.
* Administrative and clerical skills.
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