Biomedical scientist

Job overview

Applicants must be HCPC state registered and have demonstrable experience of working in a diagnostic Microbiology laboratory.

The Department has over 60 staff and processes over 500,000 samples per year. It has UKAS accreditation and is recognised IBMS training laboratory.  The applicant will rotate through the all sections of the laboratory.  They will be expected to examine a wide range of clinical samples from patients, to determine the laboratory diagnosis and the appropriate treatment of infection due to bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.   Staff are encouraged to further their own development and assist with CPD related activities. The laboratory is well equipped and is fully computerised.

It is a full-time post 09:00-17:30 Monday to Friday; with extended working days (early 8am, core, late shifts up to 10pm and nightshifts from 10pm-8am).  Participation in a weekend rota, bank holiday rota and on call once trained is expected. All weekend work is paid at an enhanced rate as per Agenda for Change.

For the applicants requiring sponsorship, please check the attached criteria to qualify.

***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

To perform microbiological analysis of biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, cerebral spinal fluid and other clinical samples, taking personal responsibility for the quality of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of infectious disease, and the detection and monitoring of hospital and community-based outbreaks of infection.

Maintain a high standard of professional knowledge and competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out at bench level.

To make diagnostic decisions of infection and treatment options, based on microscopic findings, the analysis of bacterial culture plates, and the subsequent assessment of bacterial susceptibility tests, which requires in depth knowledge, experience, expertise and judgement.

When working alone at night or at weekends, e.g. when on call, to carry out essential investigations and make critical diagnostic decisions unsupervised, and with no on-site back-up or reference point.

To work, if required, with high-risk samples and cultures, at Containment Level 3, and to be aware when circumstances arise necessitating the move of normal laboratory investigations (Containment Level 2) to a higher containment level.

To have sufficient knowledge and competence to work on rotation in all bacteriology and serology sections of the laboratory as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To be prepared to train in the use of new and emerging techniques and procedures, eg. molecular.
• The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi-automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.
• As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council to understand the pathology of infectious disease in relationship to the results produced, with reference to the normal findings, whilst understanding their significance for patient treatment and welfare.
• Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.
• To prioritise work and perform urgent analyses, reporting results promptly to requesting clinicians as appropriate.
• Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure prompt reporting, follow up and referral to medical staff, and to other reporting bodies, as required.
• Following protocols, request additional tests or samples to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease.
• To understand the principles underlying the analytical processes used in your area of work to maintain their operation and quality of results.
• To receive request forms, and accompanying samples, to decide on the appropriate investigations by understanding and interpreting the clinical information provided, to prepare samples and reagents for analysis, inoculate culture medium and set up tests as required.

For further information please see attached job description