Job summary
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.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job 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
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Proven ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of infectious disease throughout the Department of Microbiology
- To have sufficient knowledge, competence and experience to work on rotation in all bacteriology and serology sections of the laboratory as required, and to achieve the equivalent accuracy and turnaround times of other staff of the same grade
- Post registration experience in a Microbiology laboratory
- Successful completion of IBMS Specialist Portfolio or preceding IBMS training 'logbook'.
- A proven working knowledge and practical application of IT systems
- Participation in Continual Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable
- Demonstrable post qualification experience
- Demonstrable experience with specialist techniques within a section of the laboratory
- Participation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme
Qulaifications
Essential
- Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or Life Sciences or equivalent qualification acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Heath Professions Council for registration
- State registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
Desirable
- Member of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)
- A willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement
Aptitude and abilities
Essential
- Proven ability to fulfil the Occupational Health Dept. requirements for working specifically in a Microbiology laboratory
- Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy
Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills
Circumstances
Essential
- The post holder will be required to participate in the on call rota when fully trained, which will involve working a late duty shift on weekdays. There is also a requirement on to work Weekends and Bank Holidays which are on a rolling rota
- Required to work in an area of biological risk, frequently exposed to biological and chemical hazards and with the requirement to remove unpleasant bodily fluids, e.g. urine, faeces, sputum etc. from their containers for analysis
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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address
Derriford
Derriford Road
PLYMOUTH
PL6 8DH
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
This listing was aggregated from publicly-available sources. The employer holds an A-rated sponsor licence at the time of this listing, but sponsorship of this specific role is not guaranteed — the employer's offer and UK Visas and Immigration are the final authority. Details may have changed since our last update — verify with the employer via the Apply link.