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Job overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Job Title: Molecular Microbiology and Virology Section Manager
Contract Type: Permanent
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Microbiology and Virology department at UHS. As part of our team, you will be responsible for all aspects of operational oversight and leadership for the Molecular section within the Microbiology and Virology department, reporting into the Operations Manager.
The department processes over 1,000,000 specimens per year. We employ almost 100 staff and provide a comprehensive 24/7 service covering bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, serology, parasitology and molecular testing. As part of the laboratory management team, participation in weekend and bank holiday on call to support this 7 day service is expected.
The Molecular section operates an extensive specialist in-house repertoire of tests, with bespoke IT interfacing between equipment and LIMS. Knowledge and experience of IT and molecular techniques is highly desirable.
HCPC registration as either Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist is essential.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
In this role, your key responsibilities will include.
- To manage the staff and resource of a section within the laboratory.
- To deliver a high-quality service that meets the needs of the patients and service users.
- To manage training and education of all grades of staff within the section. To liaise with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service.
- To deputise for the Operations Manager as required.
In the role you will be expected to have the ability to:
- Work closely and collaboratively with the Clinical Scientist development team for the delivery of specialist in-house molecular repertoire of diagnostic tests.
- Have good written and verbal communication skills to foster key working relationships with consultant colleagues, laboratory team, external service users, agencies and suppliers
- To be flexible and manage competing priorities as part of a cohesive team player and leading through periods of change.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Person specification
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential
- Relevant MSc, Higher Specialist Certificate (IBMS) or equivalent
- HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Significant, demonstrable, postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in relevant clinical laboratory discipline
- In depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate
- Thorough knowledge of Laboratory Health and Safety arrangements
- Sound knowledge of common IT programme and excellent keyboard and IT skills
- Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff
- Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice
- Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential group
Desirable
- Management Training
- Chartered Scientist
- Member of Professional Body
- Ability to perform technically advanced procedures as applicable
- An understanding of quality assurance procedures
- Experience of working in different laboratories
- Experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Molecular Microbiology and Virology Section Manager with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust in Southampton General Hospital. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 - Per Annum, Pro Rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 17 Sep 2026.
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