Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Virology Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology Department at Bedford Hospital.

Our laboratory is equipped with an extensive range of modern platforms, including the 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, Roche Cobas 8000, and the DS2 system.

Following our merger with the Luton Microbiology Department, we now provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and local GP practices. The department is UKAS-accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and is recognised by the IBMS as an approved training laboratory.

In this role, you will be a key member of the senior Microbiology team, with a primary focus on Virology and Quality.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will serve as a Senior Biomedical Scientist, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality team to support the Virology service through robust quality processes, documentation management, and staff training, ensuring continued compliance with UKAS accreditation standards. Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience with Quality Management Systems, a strong understanding of quality principles, and a proven ability to train staff across all grades.

In this role, the post holder will support the senior Virology team by maintaining and developing departmental documentation, monitoring and managing non-conformances, conducting audits, implementing quality improvements, and delivering training. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with the operational running of the department, contributing to the implementation, monitoring, and review of contractual requirements while ensuring service continuity and effective risk mitigation.

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
The post holder will work as an HCPCregistered Biomedical Scientist, contributing to the effective delivery of departmental services.

They will support Laboratory Management in implementing and maintaining a cohesive service, working in partnership with the departments clinical lead.

They will be responsible for applying the departments quality policy, including delivery of agreed quality objectives.

They will contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards by using the established Pathology Quality Management System, supporting the quality cycle and audit processes required for ISO 15189 compliance.

They will assist in developing action plans to address nonconformities identified through internal or external audits or complaints, ensuring that corrective and preventative actions are completed and embedded.

They will follow and update departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the QPulse Document Management Module.

Where delegated, they will take responsibility for drafting, reviewing, and implementing SOPs within the QPulse system.

They will manage the daytoday quality operations within the department, supporting senior staff with documentation, and training staff of all grades in standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.

Qualifications
Essential

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

Experience
Essential

• Audit and evaluation, clinical & information governance
• Significant specialist knowledge of Microbiology acquired over a significant period

Desirable

• Managing staff Implementation of new technologies e.g. laboratory equipment and Pathology information management systems

Skills
Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
• Good listening skills
• Manage highly complex information
• Excellent Inter-personal skills
• Ability to utilise evaluation tools
• Ability to analyse complex data and use information to inform judgements
• Standard keyboard skills
• Personal integrity - leading by example
• Drive and determination
• Flexibility Tactful and diplomatic
• Flexible in approach and in working relationships

Desirable

• Leadership skills
• Able to communicate with multi-disciplinary teams throughout Health Economy
• Negotiation skills
• Proven project management skills
• Team Leader and decision maker
• Commitment to service development

Knowledge
Essential

• Highly specialised and extensive knowledge of Microbiology

Desirable

• Lean working
• National and local issues facing Pathology

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.

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).

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