Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Bacteriology IT and Quality Support
Job summary
The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The service is delivered by collaboration between North Bristol NHS Trust and UKHSA. The laboratory also has management input into a hot lab and near patient testing initiatives in University Hospitals Bristol. The laboratory receives more than 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, primary care, as well as referred specimens from the wider Southwest region and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload with a continuous assay review and development program.
Main duties of the job
To provide IT support for the Infection Sciences laboratories incorporating Bacteriology, Virology, Antimicrobial reference and Mycology reference. To provide support and direction to IT project work within Infection Sciences and assist with IT activities arising from either collaborating partner.
To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment. To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through a different section in the laboratory and to supervise, and train other less experienced and qualified staff. The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/ International nature e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak e.g. SARS.
To participate in on call services as necessary.
About us
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To assist with the maintenance and improvement of current LIMS-Winpath Enterprise for the Bacteriology section of the Infection sciences laboratory and provide support to other areas of IS as required including hardware troubleshooting/deployment.
- To assist with the maintenance/development/configuration of upstream/downstream systems (OCS etc) in conjunction with service users.
- Troubleshoot and triage problems with WPE, report problems, that cannot be solved in house to clinisys and any changes needed.
- To support client-side liaison with and between Clinisys and BD to interface Kiestra
- To support and undertake IT project work as required (e.g. LIMS alterations/Interface development and deployment. Third party software role out within Infection Sciences.
- To ensure compliance with IT policies and Procedures within Infection sciences and users as required.
- To assist with the maintenance and improvement of key interfaces (Kiestra)
- To support external customer projects requiring IT support/reconfiguration/deployment e.g. EPR upgrade/maintenance.
- To assist with the training of laboratory staff on relevant systems
- To assist with LIMS queries from external companies- e.g. Laboratory equipment provider
- To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff. This could be through training, auditing and deputising for SEO grade staff on occasion.
- To be aware of the wellbeing of less qualified staff (AO and EO).
- To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms
- To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately
- To adhere to laboratory SOPs
- To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
- 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 skill.
- To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible. To deputise for more senior staff (SEO grade) as required.
- To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
- To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
- To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
- To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
- To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate
- To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
- To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
- To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
- To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
- To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
- Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports
- To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.
- To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training etc.
- To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory
- To report any accidents to a senior member of staff
- To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate containment level
- To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
*Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive*
Essential criteria
- Biomedical Scientist (BMS) Degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS or equivalent experience
- State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent relevant experience
- Strong working knowledge and competency in Bacteriology and a high level of theoretical and practical microbiological knowledge
- Knowledge of common IT programmes and good keyboard skills together with excellent understanding of the IT security policies and procedures of both collaborating partners
- Knowledge of Quality management systems and accreditation with experience in incident and audits closure ISO 15189:2022
- Good accuracy and interpretative skills at bench level
- Able to communicate well with staff at all levels and able to provide judgement on a range of complex problems
- Able to plan day to day organisation of relevant areas
- Able to organise less qualified staff and demonstrate skills in leadership
- Able to train less qualified and less experience staff
- Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff
- An understanding of a commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable criteria:
- Knowledge and experience of Infection Sciences LIMS implementation, training delivery and client-side interface development
- Able to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
Stage 1: Application & Sift
This vacancy is using Competency
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 13 essential criteria listed in the job advert.
You will be required to complete an:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1250 word supporting statement
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words.
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Only those who meet ALL essential criteria will be taken through to the next stage
Shortlisting: If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria will be conducted:
- State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large number of successful candidates.
Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Competency based
You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
This vacancy is being assessed using competency. During the interview we will assess against the below:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Skills and Abilities
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check. When you are based at one of our labs, you willbe required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
Person Specification
Application form & supporting statement
- Application form & supporting statement
Interview
- Questions on Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name
UK Health Security Agency
Address
Lab, Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol
BS10 5NB
Employer's website
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency