Deputy Laboratory Manager - Microbiology in Plymouth

Job summaryWe currently have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Biomedical Scientist to join our Microbiology team, supporting and serving our clinical partners throughout the South West Peninsula. Reporting to the Microbiology Laboratory Operations Manager you will be a part of the Senior Pathology Management & Leadership Team. This is an opportunity to utilise your existing experience and develop your knowledge and skills working within a progressive Peninsula Pathology Network.This is an exciting time for Pathology having recently upgraded our current LIMS to an EPR. Our laboratories are UKAS accredited, have full HCPC/IBMS training accreditation and support a range of educational pathways to professional success.You will hold a post graduate qualification or be a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists and will be State Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will be self-motivated with excellent communication skills and have significant experience within Microbiology.The postholder will be required to work at both Derriford and peripheral sites.If this opportunity is the next step for your development and you would like an informal discussion, please contact us:Charlotte BarrettCharlotte.barrett21@nhs.net*Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.*Main duties of the job The post holder will directly manage a group of approximately 60 staff including scientific, technical, support, and administrative staff. The post holder in collaboration with the Laboratory Operations Manager, Pathology Service Line Manager, Deputy Pathology Service Line Manager and Consultant Pathologists will provide a timely, high quality, accurate, cost-effective and safe service.The post holder will ensure the timely processing of patient samples serving UHP, ICB's representing 90 general practices.About usWe are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date.DetailsDate posted04 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8aSalary 57,528 to 64,750 a year Per Annum ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number216-LT-DB8237202Job locationsDerrifordDerriford RoadPlymouthPL6 6DHUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesAssists and deputises for the Laboratory Manager as required.To assist the Microbiology Laboratory Manager in the management of the clinical technical service provided by the Bacteriology Department and ensuring that this meets the requirements of the clinical leads.To be responsible for planning and prioritising the scientific workload of the Bacteriology Laboratory on a day-to-day basis.Achieve, demonstrate, maintain and promote scientific & technical excellence, and by example ensure high professional standards amongst the scientific, technical and support staff in your sections within the Laboratory.To ensure that all staff meet the necessary standards of speed, quality and accuracy, appropriate to the level of experience and training.Ensuring the release of staff to attend Essential Skills and Knowledge Training annually.Support and help to develop the training of the Departments technical and scientific staff.Working with relevant Clinical Leads, will be responsible for the evaluation of new equipment, new/replacement test methods and new techniques within the Laboratory. This will include leading on the development of test cost models, working with service users to improve test ordering and supporting the implementation of a new LIMS.To be responsible for implementing any procedural changes required by the Laboratory Manager and disseminate information relating to them.For further information please see attached job description Job description Job responsibilitiesAssists and deputises for the Laboratory Manager as required.To assist the Microbiology Laboratory Manager in the management of the clinical technical service provided by the Bacteriology Department and ensuring that this meets the requirements of the clinical leads.To be responsible for planning and prioritising the scientific workload of the Bacteriology Laboratory on a day-to-day basis.Achieve, demonstrate, maintain and promote scientific & technical excellence, and by example ensure high professional standards amongst the scientific, technical and support staff in your sections within the Laboratory.To ensure that all staff meet the necessary standards of speed, quality and accuracy, appropriate to the level of experience and training.Ensuring the release of staff to attend Essential Skills and Knowledge Training annually.Support and help to develop the training of the Departments technical and scientific staff.Working with relevant Clinical Leads, will be responsible for the evaluation of new equipment, new/replacement test methods and new techniques within the Laboratory. This will include leading on the development of test cost models, working with service users to improve test ordering and supporting the implementation of a new LIMS.To be responsible for implementing any procedural changes required by the Laboratory Manager and disseminate information relating to them.For further information please see attached job descriptionPerson Specification Qualifications EssentialFellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS) by examination or hold an MSc in Biomedical Sciences or hold an equivalent qualification in a Clinical Pathology discipline or demonstrable experience.Hold A Post Graduate Management Diploma or demonstrable equivalent management experienceState registration with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).DesirableA willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement.Trust recognised trained risk assessor.Leadership course, Trust or equivalent. Knowledge and Experience EssentialProven ability to demonstrate and apply knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within Blood Sciences.Specialist proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in the technical field of a Pathology discipline.Advanced analytical, scientific and technical skills commensurate with the Pathology speciality and seniority of the post-holder.DesirableParticipation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme.Advanced Computing skills.Demonstrable experience LIMS and in particular Epic/Beaker APTITUDE & ABILITIES EssentialExcellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy.Excellent influencing and interpersonal skills.Excellent negotiating and motivational skills. Person Specification Qualifications EssentialFellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS) by examination or hold an MSc in Biomedical Sciences or hold an equivalent qualification in a Clinical Pathology discipline or demonstrable experience.Hold A Post Graduate Management Diploma or demonstrable equivalent management experienceState registration with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).DesirableA willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement.Trust recognised trained risk assessor.Leadership course, Trust or equivalent. Knowledge and Experience EssentialProven ability to demonstrate and apply knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within Blood Sciences.Specialist proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in the technical field of a Pathology discipline.Advanced analytical, scientific and technical skills commensurate with the Pathology speciality and seniority of the post-holder.DesirableParticipation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme.Advanced Computing skills.Demonstrable experience LIMS and in particular Epic/Beaker APTITUDE & ABILITIES EssentialExcellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy.Excellent influencing and interpersonal skills.Excellent negotiating and motivational skills.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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameUniversity Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustAddressDerrifordDerriford RoadPlymouthPL6 6DHUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameUniversity Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustAddressDerrifordDerriford RoadPlymouthPL6 6DHUnited KingdomEmployer's website