Job Description

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Biomedical Scientist Microbiology at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust to join the Microbiology Department at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. You will be responsible for performing specialist microbiology and serology investigations in accordance with departmental procedures, professional standards, and established laboratory protocols to ensure an efficient and effective diagnostic service. You will be managing and supporting laboratory activities, communicating with clinical and laboratory staff, GPs, nursing teams, and other colleagues to support the smooth running of the department. You will also be expected to take on team leadership responsibilities during weekends and bank holidays, working under the overall direction of the Lead and Senior Biomedical Scientists. The role is 37.5 hours per week within a 24-hour laboratory service, requiring participation in the shift rota, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays, following a suitable orientation period.

Main duties of the job

As a Biomedical Scientist Microbiology, you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results within your designated work section, maintaining quality standards and complying with relevant departmental policies. You will be managing the communication of unusual and abnormal findings to appropriate colleagues and providing technical advice to external clients regarding test results and the appropriate use of laboratory services. You will be supporting effective information sharing by attending staff meetings, sharing relevant updates with colleagues, and using information technology appropriately. You will also be responsible for safeguarding confidential patient information, maintaining accurate and complete work records, following departmental procedures for telephone enquiries and message handling, and escalating any issues or complaints to the appropriate person. Additionally, you will be actively participating in at least one departmental group, such as Quality, Health and Safety, Training, or Equipment Key User, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of departmental standards and practices.

About us

Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges

Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave

Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want

Job Roles & Responsibilities

• To assess personal knowledge, skills, and development needs relevant to the post, taking responsibility for continuous professional development (CPD), maintaining up-to-date development records, and actively participating in the annual appraisal process to support professional growth.
• To apply specialist expertise in the induction, mentoring, and practical training of colleagues, acting as a nominated training coordinator where appropriate, and evaluating learning activities to identify their effectiveness and recommend improvements to future training.
• To identify and assess potential hazards associated with laboratory activities, implement appropriate risk-management measures, and respond promptly to emergencies by obtaining assistance when necessary. You will also be responsible for recognising risks to workplace security and specimen integrity and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• To critically evaluate existing laboratory procedures and contribute suggestions for service development, discussing proposed changes with colleagues, implementing agreed improvements within specified timescales, and helping team members understand and adapt to revised working practices.
• To undertake biomedical investigations by selecting suitable methods according to departmental protocols, verifying specimen identity and suitability, and processing samples according to their urgency and risk. You will be responsible for applying appropriate quality-control criteria, interpreting findings, generating laboratory reports, operating equipment competently, and disposing of specimens in accordance with established protocols.
• To uphold professional standards by complying with relevant legislation, Trust policies, financial instructions, professional codes of conduct, and information governance requirements. You will also be responsible for promoting equality, diversity, and respectful treatment, ensuring accurate data processing and secure information storage, using resources efficiently, and participating in rostered unsocial hours and bank holiday working following the required orientation period.

Person Specification & Qualification

• HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Biomedical Science degree or equivalent qualification.
• Relevant IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent.
• Strong post-registration diagnostic pathology laboratory experience.
• Experience in bacteriological culture, sensitivity interpretation, standard diagnostic methods, and CPD participation.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This 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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

NHS Professionals Limited

Location

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Mandeville Road,
AYLESBURY, Buckinghamshire, HP21 8AL, United Kingdom