Job summary
We are pleased to invite applications for a motivated and committed Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) to join our Microbiology Department based at our Sutton site. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Biomedical Scientist to play a key role within a specialist cancer centre, providing a comprehensive microbiology service that supports the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infections in immunocompromised oncology patients.

The successful candidate will contribute to the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. They will be expected to demonstrate specialist knowledge across a range of microbiology disciplines, participate in quality management activities, support service development initiatives, and contribute to the supervision and training of Biomedical Scientists, Laboratory Assistants and other support staff.

Working within an ISO 15189-accredited laboratory, the post holder will have the opportunity to further develop expertise in diagnostic bacteriology, molecular microbiology, infection prevention and control, quality management and service improvement, while contributing to the wider objectives of a leading specialist NHS Trust.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will:

• Perform, interpret and validate complex microbiological investigations.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 15189, Trust policies and laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Participate in quality management activities, including audits, EQA, IQC and service improvement projects.
• Assist with the supervision, training and competency assessment of Biomedical Scientists, Laboratory Assistants and students.
• Contribute to the implementation and evaluation of new methodologies and technologies.
• Maintain effective communication with clinical colleagues and the wider pathology team.
• Participate in the departmental shift, weekend and bank holiday rota as required.

There will be occasions when the post holder is required to take responsibility for the operational management of the laboratory area in the absence of senior staff, ensuring continuity of service delivery and patient safety.

About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

• To assist with enquiries from ward staff
• To ensure the timely and efficient provision of core or specialised services
• To supervise trainee staff to ensure that work is carried out in line with Standing Operational Procedures and or Departmental policy.
• To review SOPs and inform senior staff of discrepancies or possible updates.
• To ensure the quality control tests are conducted and meet required analytical standards.
• To maintain and assist the development and expansion of the IQC programme
• Where appropriate implement a remedial action plan in line with SOPs under the guidance of a section leader.
• To maintain HCPC registration
• To ensure that professional standards are maintained

Person Specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential

• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to express themselves clearly
• Good telephone manner, diplomatic
• Ability to write clearly and concisely
• Ability to use in-house IT systems
• Educational qualification in mathematics
• Ability to perform complex scientific calculations and data analysis
• Good judgement, analytical, perceptive, eye for detail
• Able to deal with all simple day to day problems and trouble shooting

Desirable

• Awareness of organisational and logistical issues
• Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Evidence of personal development
• Able to work unsupervised
• Commitment to team working

Desirable

• Enthusiasm for job and profession
• Self confident, contributes to laboratory meetings
• Flexible approach to work

Specific Experience
Essential

• Degree in biomedical science
• HCPC registration
• Evidence of post registration study (IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent)
• Experience of working in all areas of relevant diagnostic laboratory
• Able to understand / follow SOPs
• Full understanding of all laboratory H&S procedures
• Able to work to deadlines
• Full understanding of EQA & IQA and their implications

Desirable

• Able to perform basic training
• Experience in molecular techniques

Clinical Responsibility
Essential

• Understanding of relationship between laboratory investigations and clinical practice
• Awareness of clinical significance of laboratory findings and implications for patients
• Ability to extrapolate from basic information to consider additional investigations to perform
• Ability to review anomalous / unexpected findings and take further appropriate action

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