Advanced Biomedical Scientist
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a unique organisation, serving as the sole integrated provider in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire system. Our scope extends beyond boundaries as we oversee adult community services in Swindon and provide acute care from the Great Western Hospital.
Our 5,500 staff have 1.2m patient contacts a year, with 13,000 operations carried out in our Theatres, around 4,000 babies born, and our emergency attendances are now well over 100,000 per year. Those numbers only tell part of our story about what an exciting time it is to join Great Western Hospitals.
We are cultivating a culture that fosters our ambitions, prioritising equality, diversion, inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. We aim to create an environment where every member of our team can truly thrive.
The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer; all applicants who have a disability can opt to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme, which means that, providing they meet the minimum essential criteria for the post, they will be offered an interview.We are also proudly accredited as a Veteran Aware organisation and have signed The Armed Forces Covenant.
If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close adverts prior to the published closing date. Therefore, we advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Job overview
Part Time - 30 hours per week
Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover
The Senior Biomedical scientist will work with other seniors in the team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Microbiology department. The role involves providing a cost-effective quality service through review if processes and policies’ and interpreting technical laboratory tests and diagnostic processes.In addition they must act as a line manager for laboratory staff and provide technical support and advice to the Microbiology consultants.
Main duties of the job
The Advanced Band 7 Biomedical Scientist in Bacteriology plays a vital role in delivering a high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic service by overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations in line with Trust protocols, safety regulations, and quality standards.The post holder ensures effective time management and supervision of staff, maintains competency in bacteriology, provides technical support to consultants, and participates in the weekend and out-of-hours service. Responsibilities include processing and interpreting complex microbiological samples, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, leading method evaluations, and supporting audits and quality management initiatives.
The role also involves regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, training and mentoring junior staff, contributing to business cases, and ensuring compliance with UKAS, COSHH, and ISO 15189 standards. Professional competence is maintained through continuous development, adherence to HCPC requirements, and active participation in training and appraisal processes.The post holder is expected to manage resources responsibly, contribute to service improvement, and operate effectively under conditions that include physical effort, exposure to infectious materials, and occasional distressing scenarios.
Working for our organisation
Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community.Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
- To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental
- To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
- To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of highly complex and expensive laboratory equipment.
- To maintain competency in all areas of bacteriology.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria- • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
- • Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- • IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
- • Evidence of on-going CPD
- • MSc Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- • Higher Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology
- • Quality Management training.
- • Health & Safety training.
- • Management Qualification
Experience
Essential criteria- • In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
- • In-depth experience of working at a management level in Microbiology.
- • In-depth experience of UKAS assessments
- • Previous experience of lone working and our of hours working
- • Quality Management experience.
- • Health & Safety Management experience.
- • Bacteriology Training experience
Knowledge
Essential criteria- • Advanced knowledge of Bacteriology and Virology
- • Ability to demonstrate problem solving and trouble-shooting skills
- • Knowledge of LIMS systems, exclusively WinPath Enterprise
- • Presentation skills
- • A good knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Other Job-Related Requirements
Essential criteria- • Able to demonstrate an organised and methodical approach to working.
- • Ability to work successfully in a team.
- • Ability to work effectively under pressure, managing time and prioritize workloads.
- • Ability to motivate/lead a team successfully
Thank you for expressing interest in this role. For further employer guidance, please review the attached supplementary applicant information.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used, then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
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, subject to eligibility of the role for a skilled worker visa and salary requirements.Not all roles in the Trust are eligible for sponsorship.
Eligibility for this role requires:
- Current right to work in the UK, subject to verification.
- Qualification of the eligibility sponsorship criteria
From 4 April 2024, UK immigration policy changes has increased minimum salary levels for skilled workers. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
Current employees should be aware that this position is advertised as a Great Western Hospitals position and appointment ends any TUPE protection.
Candidates are responsible for covering the cost of their own DBS check if required: £21.50 for a Standard DBS check, recoverable from the first pay, or £49.50 for an Enhanced DBS check, divided and recoverable over the initial two pay periods.Payment for DBS checks for bank posts must be settled prior to commencement. Apprentices are exempt from DBS payment.
We are committed to supporting our staff in achieving a healthy work-life balance through flexible work arrangements. Upon joining the Trust, you have the right to request flexible working, with an unlimited number of requests allowed.
Upon acceptance of a job offer, your information will be transferred to the national NHS Electronic Staff Records System. All communication regarding your application will be conducted via email; please ensure to check your junk/spam folders as emails may occasionally be filtered there.