Specialist Biomedical Scientist Microbiology
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a proactive, motivated and enthusiastic HCPC‑Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join its Microbiology Department. The closing date is 16 June 2026.
Applications are invited from HCPC-registered specialist biomedical scientists, including those who are working towards completion of their specialist portfolio.
The post holder will work 37.5 hours per week across seven days, including out‑of‑hours and on‑call duties. Participation in the discipline‑specific on‑call service is required, with scheduled late shifts (12:00–20:00), Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays (08:00–16:00) as required.
The Microbiology Department provides a full range of microbiology services, including serology and molecular testing, to the population of Worcestershire, receiving approximately 690 000 specimens annually. The department uses the Clinsys Winpath LIMS and iPassport QMS. It is UKAS-accredited and approved by the IBMS as a training laboratory. The laboratory is well‑equipped with automation such as Biomerieux MALDI‑TOF, Vitek, Virtuo blood‑culture analysers, Sedimax urine analyser, Mast UI system, VIDAS 3, COBAS 6800 and Cepheid GeneXpert system.
Main Duties of the Job
* Responsible for work carried out in the designated section, supervising biomedical scientists, associate practitioners and MLA staff, ensuring work is completed in line with service requirements.
* Perform pre‑analytical preparation of specimens, including matching and data entry into the laboratory IT system with accuracy.
* Analyse potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures, either manual or automated, to produce accurate results and maintain excellent patient care.
* Carry out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex automated systems, keeping appropriate records and liaising with senior staff and service engineers.
* Handle potentially highly infectious material (Hazard Group 2 & 3 pathogens), interpret diagnostic investigations and be responsible for the validity of own results.
* Verify and validate results, generate reports, interpret clinical data and recommend additional tests where appropriate.
* Manage reagent stocks, ensuring efficient use and timely ordering of supplies.
* Exercise individual initiative, work collaboratively to process workload in a timely and efficient manner, and prioritise tasks.
* Maintain compliance with ISO 15189, SOPs and other professional standards, and adhere to HCPC guidance and the Trust’s protocols.
* Provide specialist technical advice to medical staff and other service users regarding validity of results, reference ranges, specimen sampling and turnaround times.
* Communicate effectively with internal and external staff groups, including healthcare professionals, patients, representatives, suppliers and external agencies.
* Participate in the on‑call rota, working alone as required and following escalation procedures.
* Engage with the Quality Management System, conduct audits, complete non‑conformance record forms, participate in risk assessments and SOP development.
* Attend departmental and directorate staff meetings, participate in induction and training of staff and visitors, and undertake competency assessment schemes.
* Take part in mandatory training, personal development and clinical trials/research as directed by a consultant microbiologist.
* Carry out any other duties deemed necessary to maintain the microbiology service.
Person Specification
Experience
* Post HCPC registration laboratory experience.
* Specialist knowledge in an NHS microbiology laboratory.
* Active participation in CPD and up‑to‑date knowledge in microbiology.
* Understanding of good laboratory practice and laboratory health and safety.
* Experience in out‑of‑hours and on‑call service.
* Experience in mycology.
* Experience in parasitology.
* Good communication skills within the team and users of the department.
* Ability to troubleshoot equipment or procedures.
Qualifications
* Registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
#J-18808-Ljbffr