Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Infectious Sciences in Taunton

Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) is seeking a highly motivated and organised Biomedical Scientist, with HCPC registration and IBMS Specialist Portfolio to join our friendly Infection Science team. Applicants can earn up to £48,117 per annum depending on qualifications and experience and subject to agreement, may be entitled to a £10,000 welcome bonus.

For over 10 years, SPS has supported healthcare improvement across Somerset. Formed in 2012, Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) is a joint venture between SYNLAB UK & Ireland and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The partnership serves a population of around 500,000 and delivers services to the Trust and more than 50 GP practices, delivering on over 11 million tests annually. We hold ISO15189 UKAS accreditation and are an HCPC-approved laboratory for IBMS Registration and Specialist Portfolio training.

SYNLAB has a strong commitment to investment in both people and services. A well-established central ‘Hub’ laboratory is based in Taunton, supported by Essential Service Laboratories at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital to provide urgent testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The laboratory has one of the first new generation Kiestra automated platforms in the UK, with over 40 staff processing 400,000 samples per year.

About the role:

SYNLAB UK & Ireland has a strong track record of working in partnership with the NHS to enhance pathology services through successful joint ventures, including SPS. You will be based within the Infectious Sciences laboratory (including Bacteriology, Parasitology, Virology, Molecular and Mycology), at the Hub laboratory site in Taunton. There will be a requirement to rotate within all areas, subject to completion of suitable training. The department operates 7 days per week with rota for weekend working, on-call and bank holidays - all these have pay enhancements.

Key responsibilities include:

• To perform and interpret routine and specialist Biomedical investigations autonomously to provide patients results within agreed quality standards of service delivery and turnaround times under the supervision of senior staff.
• Work independently, implement and propose changes to procedures for own work area.
• Act as the lead specialist for a designated area within Infection Sciences, such as Quality Management, Health & Safety, Information Technology, or a specific technical discipline, providing expert oversight, driving service development, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and policies.
• To continue with personal development through academic and/or practical experience.
• To provide professional leadership and training to Basic Grade, Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners (equivalent grades) and Medical Laboratory Assistants.
• To maintain the standards of conduct required by the Health Professions Council to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist.
• To provide technical advice to clinicians as to the appropriateness of tests and timescales.
• To assist and carry out duties as directed in Health and Safety, audit, training, incident reporting and quality assurance/quality control.
• Together with Senior staff help ensure compliance with all policies as required by regulatory directives, accreditation bodies and local management.
• Utilise the laboratory LIMS, Q-Pulse quality monitoring system and other application software according to authorised protocols including assisting in computer data entry in all areas of the laboratory, document review, non-conformance review and quality assurance processes.
• Communicate efficiently, courteously and with clarity at all times, whether face to face, telephone or electronic methods referring enquiries to senior staff where appropriate. Matters being communicated may include complex information and/or results.
• Demonstrate ongoing competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities.

About you:

Qualifications:

• BSc Degree, accredited by the Healthcare Professions Council and IBMS.
• HCPC Registration.
• Specialist Portfolio in Microbiology or equivalent experience prior to specialist portfolio release.

What we offer:

All staff commencing on SYNLAB Hospital terms and conditions are subject to a 3-month probationary period and may be entitled to a welcome bonus of £10,000. We offer a comprehensive training budget to support career development, providing the resources and opportunities needed for professional growth. SPS promotes continuous professional development through regular seminars, and as part of HCPC registration, staff are expected to maintain an up-to-date CPD portfolio. There is a healthy training budget to allow local/distant attendance at Congress/seminars/symposiums.

Candidates with experience of; Biomedical Scientist, Senior Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Scientist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Laboratory Scientist, Specialist Clinical Scientist will also be considered for this role.