Biomedical Scientist Team Manager – Virology
Closing date: 01 May 2026
Hours: 30 hours per week (Mon‑Thu). Fixed term: 18 months (secondment cover). Weekend work on rota basis.
The Virology, Immunology and Microbiology departments that make up Infection Sciences are looking to further develop our test repertoire using the platforms that are available. We have a small, enthusiastic and friendly team with a good reputation who are a key part of acute service provision within North Cumbria. This busy department services internal and external customers and requires individuals to often work under pressure with accuracy.
Applications are invited from HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientists for the above post who have a keen interest in Virology. A strong demonstrable background in Virology is essential, alongside the ability to communicate effectively with the pathology team and senior staff within the wider hospital. Support is available to further develop your management skills.
Main duties of the job
* Manage day‑to‑day operation, quality, efficiency and scientific provision of the Virology section of the laboratory, coordinating and monitoring the work of rotating staff; deputise for the operational manager in their absence.
* Work alongside the Infection Sciences Team Managers to coordinate delivery of the Virology/Immunology service; deputise for the operational manager in their absence.
* Oversee a diagnostic workload of approximately 140 000 virology/immunology tests per year, using automated serological testing platforms: Cobas e601, Dynex DS2, Diasorin Liaison, Phadia 250, Sebia Capillarys, Hydrasys 2, Binding Site Optilite; molecular platforms on site: Cobas 6800, Seegene STARlet, Altona AltoSTAR, Cepheid. Referral centre for Aspergillus, Farmers Lung and Avian precipitin work.
Benefits
* 27‑day holiday scheme rising to 33 days after 10 years.
* NHS discounts.
* Salary sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work.
* Vivup – a free, confidential counselling and information service.
* Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region.
* Subject to eligibility.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc in biomedical science or equivalent.
* HCPC registration.
* MSc in healthcare science or equivalent.
* Foundation management certificate or equivalent.
* Essential IT skills (EITS) or equivalent.
Experience
* Staff supervision within an NHS laboratory.
* Extensive relevant technical/clinical techniques and methodologies.
* Quality, finance, staffing and risk assessment policies and procedures.
Knowledge
* Continuing professional development with portfolio.
* Specialist knowledge in area of practice.
* EQA and IQA procedures.
* Complex analytical systems.
* Equality legislation and best practice.Equality impact assessment.
* Quality management.
* CPA standards.
* Trust and department H&S procedures.
Skills and Aptitudes
* Technical competence with ability to supervise staff in any section of the department.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
* Technical ability to carry out advanced troubleshooting on complex analytical systems.
* Good team worker with ability to motivate and influence a team, fostering good professional practice.
* Ability to use in‑house IT systems and competence with word processing, spreadsheet and database software.
* Good hand‑eye coordination.
* Ability to instigate procedures for corrective action.
* Ability to formulate, perform and evaluate training.
* Ability to organise rotas and work plans.
* Ability to deputise for the operational manager.
* Ability to review anomalous/unexpected findings and take appropriate action.
* Ability to manage people.
* Ability to perform complex statistical analysis of data and interpretation.
Personal Circumstances
* Commitment to CPD.
Other requirements
* Flexible approach to working patterns.
* Able to travel independently between hospital sites.
* Driving licence.
Disability Confident Scheme: applicants meeting all essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required. Standard Check: £27.40; Enhanced Check: £55.40. Costs will be deducted from salary over a four‑month period or as a one‑off payment.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year pro rata.
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