Biomedical Scientist - Virology and Molecular Sciences in Preston

Are you fascinated by viruses? Then you are the right person to join our team of Biomedical Scientists in Virology. We have a fantastic opportunity for a Band 5 HCPC Biomedical Scientist to join our team based in Virology at Blackpool Teaching Hospital. Previous experience of working in an NHS laboratory would be desirable. Consideration will be given to those with an accredited biomedical science degree working towards their registration portfolio.

We are a very busy, well-equipped laboratory and receive a variety of patient samples, such as blood, urine, faeces, and swabs from both hospital and community patients in Blackpool and the Fylde coast. We are accredited by UKAS (ISO15189) and are an IBMS approved training laboratory.

As a Biomedical Scientist, you are an integral part of the team; responsible for identifying pathogens which cause disease either by PCR or analysing serological results in order to aid the diagnosis of infection. We provide the information that medical staff use to determine appropriate treatment options to help our patients quickly and effectively.

As well as this, you would be involved with the maintenance and troubleshooting of various automated systems including Alinity, Ingenius, Vidas, and Cobas 4800. You will need to be enthusiastic about providing an excellent standard of work which contributes to patient care. You should be highly motivated, computer literate, demonstrate good interpersonal skills, and always remain respectful of the Trust values.

You will be supported in your training by our dedicated team of experienced staff who will ensure all your training needs are met to become competent in all areas. This position is full time working 37.5 hours a week between the hours of 8am and 6pm, including weekends and Bank Holidays. Once established, you will partake in the weekend rota whereby lone working may be required.

We have fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria. Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.

You’ll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you’d never have done. You’ll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path. You’ll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.

Perform a range of laboratory tests autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease processes under investigation. Be able to work on a shift rota, covering seven days a week. To communicate, as appropriate, using information technology. To direct more junior staff regarding technical and work issues. Dealing with telephone enquiries from nurses, clinicians, healthcare practitioners, giving technical advice on results and use of the service. Appropriate recording of inventory management within the section to ensure accurate stock management. To assist in effective verbal and written communication by qualified and unqualified staff. Report any issues to an appropriate person.

We look forward to you joining our close-knit Virology family. The environment is busy – but you will embrace this and enjoy the challenge of working to tight turn-around-times and targets. You will go home after your working day knowing you have made a positive difference to the patients we serve.