Biomedical Scientist Mircrobiology

We have an exciting opportunity for a Biomedical Scientist Microbiology at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust to join the Microbiology Department at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. You will be responsible for performing specialist microbiology and serology investigations in accordance with departmental procedures, professional standards, and established laboratory protocols to ensure an efficient and effective diagnostic service.

You will be managing and supporting laboratory activities, communicating with clinical and laboratory staff, GPs, nursing teams, and other colleagues to support the smooth running of the department. You will also be expected to take on team leadership responsibilities during weekends and bank holidays, working under the overall direction of the Lead and Senior Biomedical Scientists. The role is 37.5 hours per week within a 24-hour laboratory service, requiring participation in the shift rota, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays, following a suitable orientation period.

Main duties of the job:

• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results within your designated work section, maintaining quality standards and complying with relevant departmental policies.
• Managing the communication of unusual and abnormal findings to appropriate colleagues and providing technical advice to external clients regarding test results and the appropriate use of laboratory services.
• Supporting effective information sharing by attending staff meetings, sharing relevant updates with colleagues, and using information technology appropriately.
• Safeguarding confidential patient information, maintaining accurate and complete work records, following departmental procedures for telephone enquiries and message handling, and escalating any issues or complaints to the appropriate person.
• Actively participating in at least one departmental group, such as Quality, Health and Safety, Training, or Equipment Key User, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of departmental standards and practices.

Job responsibilities:

• Assessing personal knowledge, skills, and development needs relevant to the post, taking responsibility for continuous professional development (CPD), maintaining up-to-date development records, and actively participating in the annual appraisal process to support professional growth.
• Applying specialist expertise in the induction, mentoring, and practical training of colleagues, acting as a nominated training coordinator where appropriate, and evaluating learning activities to identify their effectiveness and recommend improvements to future training.
• Identifying and assessing potential hazards associated with laboratory activities, implementing appropriate risk-management measures, and responding promptly to emergencies by obtaining assistance when necessary.
• Critically evaluating existing laboratory procedures and contributing suggestions for service development, discussing proposed changes with colleagues, implementing agreed improvements within specified timescales, and helping team members understand and adapt to revised working practices.
• Undertaking biomedical investigations by selecting suitable methods according to departmental protocols, verifying specimen identity and suitability, and processing samples according to their urgency and risk.
• Upholding professional standards by complying with relevant legislation, Trust policies, financial instructions, professional codes of conduct, and information governance requirements.

Person Specification:

• HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Biomedical Science degree or equivalent qualification.
• Relevant IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent.
• Strong post-registration diagnostic pathology laboratory experience.
• Experience in bacteriological culture, sensitivity interpretation, standard diagnostic methods, and CPD participation.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.