Job overview
The Microbiology Laboratory is based on a single site at the Eastbourne District General Hospital (EDGH) and is equipped with state of the art analysers/ equipment and has a Pathology-wide IT system that links with the hospital HISS system. The department processes in the region of 255,000 specimens a year. The department has a technical staff of 19 serving the Conquest Hospital, Eastbourne District General Hospital, and a large GP catchment area, providing an interesting and varied workload. This UKAS-accredited, IBMS training-approved and fully computerised department provides a comprehensive diagnostic service, including Serology. Current instrumentation includes BD Bactec blood culture system, Cepheid Genexpert PCR system, Urine Sedimax, MastUri, BDMax PCR analyser, Biomerieux MALDI-TOF. We currently have a vacancy for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to undertake all aspects of routine laboratory work, and function at a Specialist Biomedical Scientist level. You must be suitably qualified and HCPC-registered, with at least 2 years post-registration laboratory experience in the UK, with a completed IBMS specialist portfolio. Qualified and HCPC-registered BMS staff participate in the contractual 7-day rotas.
Main duties of the job
Biomedical Scientists working in Microbiology are responsible for analysing and interpreting the various causes of infection by the identification of disease-causing microorganisms, and for recommending their antibiotic treatment where appropriate. These processes utilise the most up-to-date scientific methods and highly complex analytical equipment, in conjunction with the traditional methods of culture, microscopy and antigen/antibody-complex diagnostics, and by the application of microbiological, biochemical, serological and molecular techniques. The post-holder will be required to have a variety of microbiology skills in order to perform all these tests.
Diagnostic work includes the examination of a wide variety of samples such as blood, tissue, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and faecal material. Investigations include culture and identification of bacteria and fungi, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the identification of lice, fleas and parasites. Serological investigations include assays for the diagnosis of HIV and Hepatitis B, other blood borne viruses and the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Advanced microbiology techniques
- Highly developed microbiology skills
- Good knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures as applied in Pathology
- Good knowledge of Good Laboratory` Practice
- Basic molecular diagnostic techniques.
- Capable of working with minimum supervision after state registration
- Ability to validate results for clinical use. Identification of microorganisms and interpretation of diagnostic tests.
Desirable
- Good molecular diagnostic techniques. Good scientific numeracy.
- Capable of working under pressure
- Capable of working in difficult environmental conditions.
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of 3 years of post HCPC-registration experience in a Microbiology Laboratory in the UK is required.
- Previous experience of working as part of a team
Desirable
- Experience working with BDMax, BD BACTEC, BD Viper, WASP, Vitek MS, Vidas, Cobas, Sedimax, MAST Uri
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- Health Professionals Council registered.
- Specialist Portfolio in Microbiology.
- Evidence of continued professional develop to post graduate level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience
- Demonstrable knowledge and skills achieved through ongoing professional development and attendance on educational and practical courses e.g. specific Mycology training courses, specific Parasitology training courses, advanced instrument training courses, BSAC Symposia, etc.
Desirable
- MSc Microbiology
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist Biomedical Scientist Microbiology with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards On Sea, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 27 Jul 2026.
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