Job overview
Applications are invited from a highly self-motivated, enthusiastic, suitably qualified and experienced candidates to join the Virology team, as part of the Microbiology and Infection Service, in the role of Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Quality Officer. Applicants must be HCPC registered, have a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or Fellowship of the IBMS with extensive post registration experience in a NHS routine diagnostic virology laboratory. Applicants must be prepared to work and attend meetings at any site.
Main duties of the job
An advanced scientific knowledge of Virology / Microbiology along with the ability to demonstrate extensive experience of staff support, training, development and supervision is essential.
An extensive knowledge and awareness of the requirements of UKAS ISO 15189 standards and the UKAS accreditation journey.
The successful candidate will act as part of the Virology Senior Specialist BMS team and as the Quality Officer for Virology.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As a Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist the post holder will plan and undertake an extensive range of highly complex investigations to assist in the diagnosis of disease, and monitoring of treatment. These investigations include manual, semi-automated and automated techniques on highly specialised analytical equipment. The post holder will supervise a team of specialist biomedical scientists and support staff, to provide a safe, accurate, efficient, cost effective and timely clinical service to patients.
The post-holder will serve as a departmental lead for local health and safety issues providing support, specialist knowledge and scientific/technical expertise on all health and safety matters to ensure the safe delivery of the clinical diagnostic service.
The post-holder will be responsible for the local delivery of the UHSussex Pathology health and safety management system. This will include facilitating the delivery of specialist training and systematic inspection programmes for all staff grades
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Postgraduate qualification
2. Post Registration Experience NHS Virology Laboratory (5+years)
3. HCPC registration
Desirable criteria
4. Quality Qualification (IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Quality)
5. Experience of UKAS assessments and Quality Management Systems
6. Post Registration Experience NHS Microbiology Laboratory (5+years)
Equality Diversity Inclusion
Essential criteria
7. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
8. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications