Job overview
We are looking for a Quality and Virology Senior to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital.
Our laboratory is equipped with a wide range of modern platforms, including the Beckman Coulter Microscan, BioMérieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, Cepheid GeneXpert systems, BD MGIT, BioMérieux VIDAS, Biofire TORCH and FilmArray, Roche Cobas 6800, Bruker MALDI‑TOF, BD Max, Stratec Gemini, MAST Uri System and DS2.
Following the merger with the Luton Microbiology department, the service now provides an extensive repertoire of investigations for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and local GP practices. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and is an IBMS‑approved training laboratory.
In this role, you will be part of the senior Microbiology team, with a particular focus on quality management and virology.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will act as a Quality Lead, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality Team to support departmental quality processes—including non‑conformities, audits, documentation, verification and validation—to maintain UKAS accreditation. They will also provide quality, systems‑improvement and data‑analysis support to the Virology service. Applicants should have substantial experience with Quality Management Systems, a strong understanding of quality processes, and in‑depth knowledge of virology (both molecular and serology).
The post holder will support the senior laboratory team with documentation, monitoring non‑conformances, conducting audits, implementing quality procedures and contributing to staff training. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with operational aspects of the department, including the implementation, monitoring and review of contractual requirements, while ensuring service continuity and effective risk mitigation.
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
1. Work as the departmental Quality Lead, contributing to the effective delivery of departmental services.
2. Support Laboratory Management 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. Assist in developing and delivering action plans to address non‑conformities identified through internal or external audits or complaints, ensuring timely completion of corrective and preventive actions.
6. Follow and update departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the Q‑Pulse Document Management Module.
7. Where delegated, take responsibility for drafting and implementing SOPs within the department using the Q‑Pulse Document Management Module.
8. Oversee the day‑to‑day quality operations within the department, supporting senior staff with documentation, and training staff at all levels in standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
9. BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
10. Masters degree or related professional health care qualification or equivalent
11. HCPC registration or working towards
Desirable criteria
12. IBMS certificate in Expert Practice in Quality Management
Experience
Essential criteria
13. Audit and evaluation, clinical and information governance, use of Quality Management systems
14. Significant specialist knowledge of Virology (Serology and Molecular) diagnostic methods
15. Significant experience of UKAS assessment processes
16. Project management experience
Desirable criteria
17. Experience training staff
18. Experience in the implementation of new processes
Skills
Essential criteria
19. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
20. Manage and analyse highly complex information and data
21. Excellent interpersonal skills
22. Document writing
23. Use of statistical packages and data management
Desirable criteria
24. Leadership skills
25. Time management skills
Knowledge
Essential criteria
26. Experienced in use of Quality Management systems
27. Knowledge of assessment criteria and relevant standards
28. Experienced in use of Excel and statistical programmes for data handling and presentation
29. Specialist knowledge of Virology
Desirable criteria
30. Lean working