Biomedical Scientist Team Manager in Taunton

We are looking for a Biomedical Scientist Team Manager to join our Infectious Sciences team at Southwest Pathology Services. This role would particularly suit an individual who is keen to expand their experience in teaching, mentoring, and operational management, especially if these opportunities are limited within their current role. They must have strong quality management experience and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement within laboratory quality systems and processes. Someone who can identify opportunities for service improvement, strengthen quality management practices, and support the department in maintaining high standards of compliance and patient care. Excellent organisational and IT skills are essential, along with the resilience to work effectively within a busy and evolving service.

The role involves lone working during evening and weekend shifts, therefore the successful candidate must be confident working independently and making decisions autonomously when required. Although based within the Infectious Sciences laboratory (including Bacteriology, Parasitology, Virology, Molecular and Mycology) there is a requirement to rotate within all areas, subject to completion of suitable training. There is also an expectation that you will participate in the out-of-hours on-call service, weekend working on rotation and bank holiday rotas.

Main duties of the job:

• To be able to rotate through all areas of a Laboratory in Infectious Sciences as required (dependent on qualifications, experience and training), to perform all designated duties in accordance with local working practices, to maintain high Professional standards and conform to Health and Safety regulations.
• 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.
• Continue personal development through academic and/or practical experience.
• Provide professional leadership and training to Basic Grade, Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners (equivalent grades) and Medical Laboratory Assistants.
• Maintain the standards of conduct required by the Health Professions Council to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Provide technical advice to clinicians as to the appropriateness of tests and timescales.
• Assist and carry out duties as directed in Health and Safety, audit, training, incident reporting and quality assurance/quality control.

The department operates 7 days per week with rota for weekend working, on-call and bank holidays – all these have pay enhancements.

Working for our organisation:

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 100 GP practices, delivering on over 9 million tests annually. The department is an IBMS accredited training laboratory and has full UKAS accreditation. There is a well developed central ‘hub’ laboratory in Taunton with an ‘essential services laboratory’ at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital to provide urgent testing. All staff commencing on SYNLAB Hospital terms and conditions are subject to a 6‑month probationary period and may be entitled to a welcome bonus of £10,000.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• Train scientific and support staff and access/manage competencies.
• Organise and conduct appraisals.
• Develop policies and plan for change implementation.
• Provide management cover for other Team Managers and Deputy Manager.
• Chair committees such as Health & Safety, Training or Audit.
• Participate in Senior Management on-call roster as required.
• Assist with clinical trials, the development of new tests and research & validation of equipment ensuring compliance with all policies required by regulatory directives, accreditation bodies and local management policies and practices.
• Perform and interpret routine and specialist Biomedical investigations and participate daily in the scientific and technical activities of the laboratory sections.
• Utilise the laboratory LIMS, Q-Pulse quality monitoring system and other application software according to authorised protocols, including assisting in computer data entry, 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.
• Attend and participate positively in laboratory and other meetings as directed by senior staff.
• Plan and prioritise work allocations, training plans and audits of both yourself and junior staff, responding appropriately to the needs of routine and urgent activities.
• Encourage active participation in continuous professional development and support the introduction of new technologies and systems by being a change advocate.
• Report all incidents and adverse events to senior staff and enter the information in the CAPA module of Q‑pulse in a timely manner, conducting Root Cause analysis and remedial action as required.
• Produce and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Manage the introduction of new technologies/processes and maximise the benefits accrued.
• Be responsible for External and Internal Quality Assurance in area of responsibility, reporting on and completing corrective actions required to address any areas of poor performance, including staff performance management where required.
• Ensure all documentation required for the Quality Management System is recorded and maintained.
• Plan and organise audits and audit calendar, chair/lead and/or participate in Technical, Training, Quality, Audit and Management meetings as required.
• Be proficient in use of ERP system (Axional).
• Management of consumables and conduct stocktakes in line with iPP policies.

Person specification:

Qualifications:

• MSc Degree, accredited by the Healthcare Professions Council and IBMS.
• HCPC Registration.
• Completed IBMS specialist portfolio in Microbiology/Virology or equivalent (if registration post 2004).
• Management qualification to ILM level 3 or relevant experience.
• IBMS membership.

Experience:

• Significant demonstrable broad based experience as a specialist BMS.
• High degree of accuracy, numeracy, interpretive skills and good problem‑solving skills.
• Good knowledge and experience of computer Laboratory Information Systems and applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Statistical Packages.
• Advanced understanding of theoretical and practical Biomedical Sciences and technically adept at majority of routine and advanced laboratory procedures.
• Development of special interest and expertise in one or more areas of the laboratory, for example Quality, Health & Safety, Training or IT.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Able to work independently and propose changes to procedures for own work area.
• Demonstrates a sound understanding of the physiology, pathology, and scientific principles relevant to specialism.
• Demonstrates a high degree of skill and knowledge where interpretation of results can be highly subjective.
• Leadership qualities with experience of coaching, coordinating and supervising a team.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy. For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.

• Contributory pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Ground‑breaking development opportunities.