Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Job Summary

Applications are invited from highly motivated and enthusiastic HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists with Specialist Portfolio or earlier equivalent, for a permanent Band 6 role with Chester & Wirral NHS Microbiology Service (CWMS).

CWMS is the shared microbiology service for Countess of Chester Hospital and Wirral University Teaching Hospital. The laboratory is based off-site from the hospitals in Bromborough and is open 7 days a week 24/7.

CWMS performs bacteriology, mycology, serology and molecular diagnostics.

CWMS uses the "Telepath" LIMS and has a significant number of interfaced analysers.

After suitable training, you would be expected to participate in the 24/7.

The successful candidate will join our friendly team of experienced Biomedical Scientists and support staff rotating through all sections of our busy laboratory.

You will be encouraged and supported to participate in further education, training and Continuing Professional Development.

Main duties of the job

• To work and rotate around sections of the laboratory.
• Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with ward staff where there are doubts, assigning high risk samples to an appropriate containment area and dealing with leaking/damaged specimens.
• Bacteriology: Selection of an appropriate media, incubation temperatures and atmospheres as indicated by specimen type and clinical information provided. Interpretation of culture results and selection of appropriate organism (bacterial, fungal or yeast) for identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing, based on the interpretation of clinical information and application of specialist knowledge and experience of infectious diseases. Interpretation of findings from these results to produce a final report with an appropriate report comment. Perform extra/further investigations as indicated by culture findings or when requested by Microbiology medical staff.
• Microscopy: The examination of clinical specimens using a range of microscopes, e.g. fluorescent, lights and inverted microscopes.
• Serology: Perform routine serological procedures in the diagnosis of viral diseases, particularly Hepatitis B and HIV.

About us

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising of the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust-wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

Date posted
06 February 2025

Pay scheme
Agenda for change

Band
Band 6

Salary
£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum

Contract
Permanent

Working pattern
Full-time

Reference number
408-25-055

Job locations
Chester and Wirral Microbiology Service
11 Bassendale Road
Bromborough
CH62 3QL

Job Description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description for further information about the Specialist Biomedical Scientist position available at WUTH.

Responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description for further information about the Specialist Biomedical Scientist position available at WUTH.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Biomedical sciences or a qualification acceptable by the Health & Care Professions Council
• Able to satisfy registration requirements with the Health & Care Professions Council, plus, if registered prior to July 2008, have met registration requirements at the time
• Completed IBMS Specialist Portfolio Diploma or equivalent experience

Knowledge and Skills

• A good understanding of microbiological concepts in relation to patient care and environmental services
• Demonstrates ability to work competently and unsupervised
• Demonstrates technical expertise and experience in bacteriology, serology and molecular methods
• Demonstrates good organisational skills in a pressurised work environment
• Demonstrates ability to organise, prioritise workload and good time management skills

Desirable

• Proficient in the use of the laboratory computer systems

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates ability to communicate and relate effectively, clearly and professionally at all levels
• Adopt a courteous, approachable and helpful manner when dealing with customers, staff and the public
• Able to work in a team
• Respond to unexpected changes and adopt a flexible approach
• Demonstrate adaptable and flexible approach in undertaking duties required of the post
• Ability and willingness to undergo further training and continual professional development
• Comply with Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures
• Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust's Policies

Desirable

• Ability to motivate and lead staff, evidence of a management or supervisory role
• Experience of laboratory audit procedure to comply with quality standards

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name
Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address
Chester and Wirral Microbiology Service
11 Bassendale Road
Bromborough
CH62 3QL

Employer's website
https://www.wuth.nhs.uk