Job summaryPlease note - THIS POST IS ONLY OPEN TO KENT AND MEDWAY PATHOLOGY NETWORK STAFF (I.E. THOSE EMPLOYED BY DARTFORD AND GRAVESHAM NHS TRUST, MEDWAY NHS TRUST, EAST KENT HOSPITALS NHS TRUST, MAIDSTONE AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS NHS TRUST). ANY APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE NOT EMPLOYED BY THE NETWORK WILL NOT BE CONSIDEREDThe post holder will provide operational leadership and management to staff within the Microbiology department at Darent Valley Hospital as well as operational Leadership and support for Health and Safety management at both Darent Valley and Medway Maritime hospital sites.
They will provide leadershipfor service transformation, the implementation of operational and clinical innovations for the Department. They will provide line management to the Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Health Care Support Workers (HSSWs) as well as overall management for all staff within the aligned service.
They will participate in drafting, implementing and reviewing departmental policies and guidelines, ensure the service runs smoothly and efficiently over the 24-hour period, ensure the adoption and alignment to national guidance and local pathways processes and protocols and that the service adheres to the quality standards as set out within the QMS/ Quality Manual and NKPS annual plans.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Main duties of the jobA key part of the postholder's role will be to develop and implement systems and procedures within microbiology to enable the service to run effectively and to ensure it complies with legal requirements including ensuring the attainment and maintenance of UKAS Accreditation and ISO 15189 standards.
The post holder will undertake the role of CL3 Manager, implementing and monitoring the continued safe working in the facility, ensuring legal requirements are met at all times and will also act as Pathology H&S Lead, providing the necessary expertise and leadership to the Pathology H&S committee, representing the Microbiology department and Pathology at both Dartford and Medway sites, Care group safety and governance committees, highlighting compliance and issues. The role will require an element of cross-site working.
The post holder will also have the responsibility of managing a large team of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Support staff as well as managing the department E-rostering systems. Acting as a deputy for Head of Microbiology in their absence and support major internal and external project plans.
About usWe are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
DetailsDate posted01 October 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8aSalary
In order to make an application, simply read through the following job description and make sure to attach relevant documents.
59,798 to 67,020 a year
per annum inclusive of allowances
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time
Reference number252-8292089Job locationsDarent Valley HospitalDarenth Wood RoadDartfordDA2 8DAUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesChief BMS and Technical tasks and responsibilitiesManage Health and Safety and CL3 facility compliance, development and innovations within NKPS.Develop and implement systems and procedures within Microbiology to enable the service to run effectivelyParticipate in the specification and procurement of equipment, reagents and consumables ensuring best value for money.
Undertake routine analytical work involving both automated and manual techniques as required.
Participate in any research and development projects undertaken by the Department as required.
Ensure all equipment is adequately maintained with up to date maintenance records.
Please see attached job description for further information
Job description
Job responsibilitiesChief BMS and Technical tasks and responsibilitiesManage Health and Safety and CL3 facility compliance, development and innovations within NKPS.Develop and implement systems and procedures within Microbiology to enable the service to run effectivelyParticipate in the specification and procurement of equipment, reagents and consumables ensuring best value for money.
Undertake routine analytical work involving both automated and manual techniques as required.
Participate in any research and development projects undertaken by the Department as required.
Ensure all equipment is adequately maintained with up to date maintenance records.
Please see attached job description for further informationPerson Specification
Education and Training
EssentialHCPC Registration. A national accredited degree or equivalent. Microbiology, Virology or Biomedical Science MSc and/or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science. NEBOSH certificateOther level 7 studyEvidence of CPDDesirableManagement or leadership Postgraduate QualificationManagement of CL3 qualification
Knowledge and Skills
EssentialUp to date knowledge of Health and Safety matters and regulations including HSE, ACDP, ISO, DOHKnowledge and application of current microbiology/laboratory health & safety legislationUnderstanding of general developments in the NHS and how these affect Pathology services generally. DesirableSpecialised knowledge of techniques used in serological and immunological analysesKnowledge and understanding of molecular assays
Experience
EssentialSignificant experience as a Senior BMS or above in a busy, ISO accredited Microbiology/Virology laboratoryExperience in all areas of clinical microbiology and serologyExperience with implementation of new technology, equipment, verification and validation processes. Experience of Pathology IT systemsDesirableExperience in undertaking and developing molecular virology diagnostics.
Person Specification
Education and Training
EssentialHCPC Registration. A national accredited degree or equivalent. Microbiology, Virology or Biomedical Science MSc and/or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science. NEBOSH certificateOther level 7 studyEvidence of CPDDesirableManagement or leadership Postgraduate QualificationManagement of CL3 qualification
Knowledge and Skills
EssentialUp to date knowledge of Health and Safety matters and regulations including HSE, ACDP, ISO, DOHKnowledge and application of current microbiology/laboratory health & safety legislationUnderstanding of general developments in the NHS and how these affect Pathology services generally. DesirableSpecialised knowledge of techniques used in serological and immunological analysesKnowledge and understanding of molecular assays
Experience
EssentialSignificant experience as a Senior BMS or above in a busy, ISO accredited Microbiology/Virology laboratoryExperience in all areas of clinical microbiology and serologyExperience with implementation of new technology, equipment, verification and validation processes.
Experience of Pathology IT systemsDesirableExperience in undertaking and developing molecular virology diagnostics.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. xohmjla For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameDartford and Gravesham NHS TrustAddressDarent Valley HospitalDarenth Wood RoadDartfordDA2 8DAUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameDartford and Gravesham NHS TrustAddressDarent Valley HospitalDarenth Wood RoadDartfordDA2 8DAUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Chief Biomedical Scientist Microbiology Pathology H&S Lead CL3 Manager employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
