Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Microbiology

Job Title: Specialist Biomedical Scientist- Microbiology

Location: Essex

Salary: £35,392 to £42,618 per annum + Joining Bonus of £5,000 and £1,500 wellbeing allowance

Job Type: Permanent, Full time

We are recruiting for Specialist Biomedical Scientists to join our fast paced and dynamic Microbiology team. This role is part of a team which provides an efficient and effective Microbiology service to two general hospitals (Southend University/Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital Trusts) and local GP community.

The Role:

The postholder will be expected to be able to rotate through all areas of Microbiology as required, and to perform all designated duties in accordance with local working practices. You will need to perform and interpret routine and specialist biomedical investigations autonomously and to provide patients results within agreed quality standards of service delivery and turnaround times under the supervision of senior staff. You will need to provide professional leadership to Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioner, Laboratory technicians and MLAs in Bacteriology, Molecular biology, and Serology and provide technical advice to clinicians as to the appropriateness of tests and timescales.

As an important member of our team, you will be fundamental in making a positive difference to our healthcare service. You will receive regular training and coaching to develop your skills and to support you in your working life. We seek candidates who are passionate with good interpersonal skills and the drive to develop their career within our supportive environment.

Job Responsibilities:

Automation Laboratory – Kiestra TLA, MRSA and Urogenital Sections:

• To be experienced in set-up and use of Kiestra automation
• To monitor workflow in area of responsibility, adjusting protocols to ensure smooth throughput of work and in-line with best practice
• To work in conjunction with Team Manager for automated ID, AST, wound swabs, providing cover as required

Automation Laboratory – Automated ID, AST, reading room and wound swab sections:

• To be experienced in set-up, use and advanced trouble-shooting of automated systems for ID and AST (Maldi-Tof and BD Phoenix)
• To act as key contact and laboratory link for Infection Control
• To work in conjunction with Team Manager for Kiestra TLA, MRSA and Urogenital Sections, providing cover as required

Manual Bacteriology – CL3, Mycology and Waste Management:

• To be experienced in set-up, use and advanced trouble-shooting of liquid TB culture platform (BD MGIT)
• To ensure correct procedures are adhered to with regard to handling of CL3 and Schedule 5 organisms
• To oversee autoclave room, ensuring safe practice is adhered to
• To work in conjunction with Team Manager for Blood culture, Sterile body fluid, Faeces, Environmental sections, providing cover as required

Manual Bacteriology – Blood culture, Sterile body fluid, Faeces, Environmental sections:

• To be experienced in set-up, use and advanced trouble-shooting of blood culture platform (BD FX) in ESLs and Hub
• To oversee training and competency assessment of staff loading / unloading BD FX at ESLs
• To work in conjunction with Team Manager for CL3 and Mycology and waste management

NAATs and urinalysis:

• To be experienced in set-up, use and advanced trouble-shooting of automated systems for NAATs (Hologic Panther)
• To be expert in set-up, use and advanced trouble shooting of automated system for urine microscopy (IQ200 sprint)
• To be expert in set-up, use and advanced trouble-shooting of automated system GeneXpert
• To work in conjunction with Team Manager for Serology, providing cover as required
• Serology
• To be experienced in set-up, use and advanced trouble-shooting of automated and semi-automated systems for serology (Beckman-Coulter DXi, AU5812, VIDAS, DS2)
• To work in conjunction with Team Manager for NAATs and urinalysis, providing cover as required

Qualifications & Experience Required:

• HCPC registered, have at least 2 years post registration experience and have a Specialist portfolio or equivalent in Microbiology
• Able to work across 3 different sites in a 24-7 work environment if required
• Able to work with a high degree of accuracy, numeracy, interpretive skills and good problem-solving skills
• Able to demonstrate a good knowledge and experience of industry standard laboratory information management systems and computer applications
• Working knowledge of Microbiological manual and automated techniques and practices
• Working knowledge of serology and Molecular biology techniques and platforms.

Please click the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of; Biomedical Scientist, Biomedical Technician, Biochemist, Microbiology Specialist, HCPC Registered Specialist, Biomedical Laboratory Specialist, Microbiologist may also be considered for this role.