Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology Department at Bedford Hospital on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave.

The laboratory is equipped with a wide range of modern microbiology and molecular diagnostic platforms, including Beckman Coulter MicroScan, bioMrieux BacT/ALERT VIRTUO, Cepheid GeneXpert, BD MGIT, bioMrieux 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 provides a comprehensive range of microbiology investigations to Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and surrounding GP practices. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2012 and is an IBMS-approved training laboratory, supporting the development and training of future biomedical scientists.

As a member of the Microbiology Senior Team, you will play a key role in maintaining and improving quality standards, staff training and service development. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the department to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and safe microbiology service.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as a Senior Biomedical Scientist within the Microbiology Department, supporting the Laboratory Manager and Senior Management Team in the effective delivery of the service.

Applicants should have significant experience in Microbiology, a strong understanding of quality management processes, and proven experience in training and supporting staff across all grades.

The post holder will assist the Laboratory Manager with the day-to-day operational management of the department, including the implementation, monitoring and review of relevant contracts and service requirements. They will contribute to maintaining service continuity, quality and patient safety, while proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks.

About us
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.

Job responsibilities

• To work as a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS), contributing to the safe, effective and efficient delivery of the departments diagnostic services.
• To support the Laboratory Management Team in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive and high-quality service, working in collaboration with the Clinical Lead for the department.
• To support the implementation of the departments Quality Policy and agreed quality objectives, ensuring that quality standards are maintained and continuously improved.
• To contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards and ISO 15189 compliance, using the established Pathology Quality Management System. This will include participation in quality activities, quality improvement initiatives and audits required to demonstrate compliance.
• To assist with the development and implementation of action plans to address non-conformities identified through internal or external audits, incidents or complaints, and to monitor the completion and effectiveness of identified corrective and preventive actions.
• To follow, review and update the departments Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the Document Management Module within the Q-Pulse Quality Management System, ensuring that documentation remains accurate, current and compliant with relevant standards.
• Where delegated, to take responsibility for the development, review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the department, utilising the Q-Pulse Document Management Module and ensuring appropriate consultation and approval processes are followed.
• To support the day-to-day management of quality processes within the department and across the relevant teams. This will include supporting senior staff with quality documentation, monitoring compliance and providing training to staff at all grades in the application of standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.
• To promote a culture of continuous quality improvement, supporting staff in understanding and maintaining the standards required for safe, effective and patient-focused laboratory services.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
• Masters degree or related professional health care qualification or equivalent
• HCPC registration
• IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent

Desirable

• IBMS certificate in Expert Practice in Quality Management

Experience
Essential

• Audit and evaluation, clinical and information governance, use of Quality Management systems
• Significant specialist knowledge of Microbiology acquired over a significant period

Desirable

• Experience training staff
• Experience in the implementation of new processes

Skills
Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
• Manage and analyse highly complex information and data
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Document writing

Desirable

• Leadership skills
• Time management skills

Knowledge
Essential

• In depth knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Understanding of quality management systems
• QC trending and QC monitoring
• SOP writing, ability to complete non conformity records

Desirable

• Specialised knowledge of Microbiology
• Lean working

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Bedford Hospital South Wing, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Serology & Molecular Laboratory Manager, Deborah Karim, deborah.karim@ldh.nhs.uk, 01234795913