Molecular Microbiology and Virology Section Manager

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Job Title: Molecular Microbiology and Virology Section Manager Contract Type: Permanent

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Microbiology and Virology department at UHS. As part of our team, you will be responsible for all aspects of operational oversight and leadership for the Molecular section within the Microbiology and Virology department, reporting into the Operations Manager.

The department processes over 1,000,000 specimens per year. We employ almost 100 staff and provide a comprehensive 24/7 service covering bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, serology, parasitology and molecular testing. As part of the laboratory management team, participation in weekend and bank holiday on call to support this 7 day service is expected.

The Molecular section operates an extensive specialist in-house repertoire of tests, with bespoke IT interfacing between equipment and LIMS. Knowledge and experience of IT and molecular techniques is highly desirable.

HCPC registration as either Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist is essential.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, your key responsibilities will include.

To manage the staff and resource of a section within the laboratory.
To deliver a high-quality service that meets the needs of the patients and service users.
To manage training and education of all grades of staff within the section. To liaise with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service.
To deputise for the Operations Manager as required.

In the role you will be expected to have the ability to:

Work closely and collaboratively with the Clinical Scientist development team for the delivery of specialist in-house molecular repertoire of diagnostic tests.
Have good written and verbal communication skills to foster key working relationships with consultant colleagues, laboratory team, external service users, agencies and suppliers
To be flexible and manage competing priorities as part of a cohesive team player and leading through periods of change.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

Relevant MSc, Higher Specialist Certificate (IBMS) or equivalent
HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
Significant, demonstrable, postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in relevant clinical laboratory discipline
In depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate
Thorough knowledge of Laboratory Health and Safety arrangements
In depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate
Sound knowledge of common IT programme and excellent keyboard and IT skills
Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff
Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice
Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential group

Desirable

Management Training
Chartered Scientist
Member of Professional Body
Ability to perform technically advanced procedures as applicable
An understanding of quality assurance procedures
Experience of working in different laboratories
Experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects

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

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Southampton

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 5YA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx

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