Specialist Biomedical Scientist, Microbiology

Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) has an opportunity for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) in Infection Sciences at the Hub Laboratory in Lisieux Way, Taunton. External applicants can earn up to £46,221, depending on qualifications and experience and subject to agreement, may be entitled to £5000 relocation and £10,000 welcome bonuses.

Are you the right candidate for this opportunity Make sure to read the full description below.

Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) is seeking a highly motivated and organised individual, with HCPC registration and IBMS Specialist Portfolio, to join our friendly team of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants, in a location surrounded by several Areas of Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

SPS is a Synlab Laboratory, which operates a number of laboratories across the UK and Europe. This gives SPS staff excellent access to various Continuous Professional Development Activities, both remotely and in face-to-face courses.

You will be primarily based within the Microbiology section (including bacteriology, parasitology and mycology), but there may be a requirement to work within the Virology and Molecular section, subject to suitable training. There is also an expectation that you will participate in the out-of-hours service, after receiving training. There may be some opportunity to work from home, at the discretion of the management team.

As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist you will be expected to be able to rotate through all areas of the Laboratories 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. Biomedical investigations will be performed autonomously, following standard operating procedures and within agreed quality standards of service delivery and turnaround times, under the supervision of Team Managers. In order to continue practice and maintain registration with the Healthcare Professions Council, you will be expected to participate in continuous professional development through academic or practical experience, maintaining the standards of conduct required. You will also provide professional leadership and supervise Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in and assist with clinical trials, the development of new tests and research & validation of equipment ensuring at all times compliance with all policies as required by regulatory directives, accreditation bodies and local management policies and practices.
• To provide technical advice to clinical staff.
• To perform and interpret routine and specialist Biomedical investigations and to participate daily in the scientific and technical activities of the laboratory section under the supervision of senior staff.
• Together with Senior staff help ensure compliance with all policies as required by regulatory directives, accreditation bodies and local management, including; Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA), Southwest Pathology Service policies and SOPs, MHRA, HTA, HFEA and Any other body in area of responsibility.
• 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.
• Attend and participate positively in laboratory and other meetings as directed by Laboratory senior staff.
• 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.
• Attend and participate positively in laboratory and other meetings as directed by Laboratory senior staff.
• As directed by senior laboratory staff, plan and prioritise work allocations, training plans, 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 / or systems by being a change advocate.
• Report all incidents and adverse events to senior staff.
• Demonstrate on going competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities.

Other:

• Be an ambassador for Diversity and Inclusion.
• Communicate and role model the values and behaviours of SYNLAB.
• Communicate efficiently, courteously and with clarity at all times, whether face to face, telephone or electronic methods referring enquiries to senior staff where appropriate.
• Undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate manager.
• Demonstrate on going competency against training plans and participate positively in CPD (continuous professional development) activities.
• Complete all statutory, mandatory and essential training within timeframes specified.

Safety:

• Observe safety regulations and attend mandatory fire, manual handling and other courses as required.
• Report all incidents and adverse events to managers and assist in the investigations of any incidents.
• Participate in risk assessment monitoring.
• Ensure that the equipment within area of work is maintained and operated as per SOP’s.

Qualifications:

• BSc Degree, accredited by the Healthcare Professions Council and IBMS.
• HCPC Registration
• Specialist Portfolio, MSc or equivalent qualification.

About us:

SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to provide a complete pathology offering.

We operate in increasingly diverse environments which is reflected in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities and partners. We believe an inclusive workplace culture is the best way to source, attract and retain diverse and talented people, and create a sustainable, high-performing workforce.

We believe our staff is vital to the principle of making a positive difference to healthcare, therefore, we promote a culture of continuous personal development where scientists and staff have the support and resources to acquire new skills and build their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching and clear career pathways.

We promote an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models and facilitate a two-way communication, engage with staff and stakeholders transparently and actively encourage feedback and suggestions.

Please note that we reserve the right to close any adverts once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within two weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion.

SYNLAB UK & Ireland is a committed equal opportunities employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable UK employment law.