Specialist Biomedical Scientist
The closing date is 17 May 2026.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, suitably qualified HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to work within the Microbiology and Virology Department, based at the Freeman Hospital.
The successful candidate will join a large progressive team of healthcare professionals. We require enthusiastic and flexible individuals who work to the highest professional standards.
Applicants should be highly motivated, have an accredited degree in Biomedical Sciences and have completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma (or equivalent qualifications).
* 37 hours 30 minutes/week
The post involves investigating samples for the detection of a range of pathogens in order to diagnose infection to support patient management. Future personal development will be actively encouraged.
The post holder will perform microscopic analysis of samples, interpret bacterial culture results, use automated testing platforms, liaise with medical colleagues and document results in the laboratory information management system (LIMS). The post holder must be flexible to the needs of the service and will be required to participate in the out-of-hours rotas when fully competent.
Job responsibilities
* The post holder will rotate through different sections of Microbiology and Virology as required.
* Perform analytical and other laboratory work as directed by senior staff with Microbiology and Virology.
* Ensure data integrity when entering patient demographics and results into the laboratory information system.
* Perform microscopical examinations on a variety of samples, identifying any abnormal results and taking appropriate actions.
* Use judgement and specialist knowledge to decide on possible significant pathogens, identify micro-organisms, perform antibiotic susceptibility tests, validate and report results, add interpretive comments and initiate any further tests that may be required.
* Process blood and serum samples by automated or manual methods, analysing and reporting results and interpretive comments.
* To bring any significant or aberrant results to the attention of the departmental senior staff, Medical staff and Infection Prevention & Control Nurses as appropriate.
* To provide technical advice to Medical and Infection Prevention & Control staff regarding the results obtained.
* Operate subject to manufacturers constraints and laboratory policy, instrument and analysers in the laboratory.
* Troubleshoot, repair and maintain instruments for correct operation, keeping equipment in optimal condition for use, making adjustments as necessary.
* Participate in the department Quality Assurance programmes and to report any non-compliant events to a senior member of staff.
* Adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances.
* Maintain an up to date relevant knowledge of the technical aspects of the laboratory.
* Continually improve service by, when necessary, contributing to the development of SOPs or undertaking evaluations.
* In the absence of the Section Leader supervise work of the section.
* Assist Section Leaders in organisation of work within a subsection of microbiology and virology.
* In the absence of the Section Leader ensure adequate stock of reagents and consumables.
* Supervise, teach and train students, unqualified staff, Specialist Registrars or visitors, and to cover for absent colleagues.
* Participate in relevant audit under the supervision and of guidance of Advanced Biomedical Scientist.
* Participate in Microbiology on-call rotas when sufficiently trained. The post holder will be required to provide cover for Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday duties in the department.
Qualifications
* BSc Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent qualification
* Registered with the HCPC
* Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Specialist Portfolio, IBMS Diploma of Specialist Practice, Councils for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) Log Book or equivalent qualification
Experience
* Previous post HCPC registration experience in NHS clinical microbiology or virology laboratory
* Previous experience of organisational change
* QI or Lean Management Projects
Knowledge
* In depth knowledge of clinical microbiology or virology
* Participates in continuous professional development
* Knowledge of laboratory health and safety
* Knowledge to operate highly complex microbiology or virology equipment
* Knowledge of UKAS, HSE and quality systems in a diagnostic laboratory
Skills
* Ability to apply knowledge to laboratory problems
* Good interpersonal and communication skills
* Good organisational skills
* IT skills and keyboard skills
* Broad based and specialised technical skills in microbiology or virology
* Good judgement and ability to problem solve
* Ability to prioritise work
* Analytical and technical problem
* Additional responsibilities i.e. H&S, manual handling, first aid, quality
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr