Healthcare Scientist

The post holder will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high-quality microbiology service in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

To assist in the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to assist in the supervision and training of trainee BMSs or HSSWs.

The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.

Location

The job role is located in the Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham which is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratory and is in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust (UHB). The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive microbiology services and specialist services to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull Hospital and general practitioners throughout the area.

The Public Health Laboratory Birmingham is part of the Directorate of Laboratory Medicine at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. It is one of the largest microbiology laboratories in the West Midlands NHS Region and is the Regional Public Health Laboratory of UK Health Security Agency. It is fully accredited with UKAS and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. The post is rotational and will involve working in Bacteriology, Serology and Molecular Virology, Molecular Bacteriology and Mycobacteriology.

Key Responsibilities

Staff

• To assist in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff.
• To assist in the day-to-day-supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area.
• To assist in the training of less qualified staff.
• To be aware of the “well-being” of less qualified staff in the allocated area.

Laboratory

• To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturer’s guidelines and training.
• Based upon knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on the various samples.
• Utilising microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of West Midlands Public Health Laboratory including Bacteriology, National Mycobacteria Reference Service, Molecular Biology, and Viral Serology.
• To work within the UKHSA and Laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.
• To adhere to laboratory SOPs and to organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
• To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
• To maintain a high standard of technical skills.
• To be able to interpret and report on all routine tests.
• To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies.
• To maintain consumable supplies within the area of responsibility.
• To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system.
• To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to develop scientific knowledge, commensurate with the grade of Biomedical Scientist Practitioner. Also, to undergo further training as may be necessary and available, and to work towards the Band 6 Specialist Job Description and Personal Specification.
• To be responsible for equipment and automated processors in the area of responsibility, identifying any problems and bring them to the attention of senior staff.
• To communicate effectively with all members of the West Midland UKHSA team and other health care professionals as appropriate.
• To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
• To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff.
• To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
• To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
• To assist where appropriate with research and audit projects.
• To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data statistics.

Other

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Professional development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Communication and key working relationships

Internal

• Laboratory Management Team
• Other laboratory staff within Microbiology Services Division.

External

• NHS Trusts
• Local & Port Health Authorities
• Commercial Customers
• Professional Contacts including UKAS

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 words (max) that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential Criteria:

• BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.
• Has an understanding of UKAS
• Has an understanding of supporting R&D activities.
• Has an understanding of Health & Safety.
• Has an understanding of Data Protection and Information Governance legislation.
• Has an understanding of National Standards.
• Experience of using computerised data systems.
• Ability to work effectively as a part of team
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in training staff.
• Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment.
• Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK

Job contact :

Name :
Manirika Karmkar
Email :
ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com

Recruitment team

Email :
ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com