The post-holder will act as a registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner who provides scientific services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis of microbiological disease.  Accuracy and attention to detail is essential. 

The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. Bioterrorism incident or a major disease e.g. SARS, H5N1 influenza, Covid19, Enteric outbreak etc.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest Virology departments in England. The Virology department forms part of The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), which is a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The laboratory therefore provides both a clinical Virology service and a public health Virology service to the North-West of England and beyond.

Virology, delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs approximately 100 staff and has a workload exceeding 1,000,000 specimens per year. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical virology service combining some traditional methodologies with a wide range of laboratory automation. The department is in a managed service contract with Roche Diagnostics

The laboratory has a friendly atmosphere with a good team spirit and offers the opportunity for you to develop personally and professionally. The department is a designated IBMS training laboratory, has an extensive quality system in operation and is fully accredited.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated HCPC registered BMS's. All applicants must hold be HCPC registered to apply. The post holder will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

Utilising the appropriate testing, and in a timely manner, to assist the Consultant Virologist, and thus ensure the correct clinical diagnosis.  

To perform a range of bacteriological technical and scientific activities, including testing samples referred from other NHS and UKHSA laboratories.

• Works as part of the Laboratory Team - departmental
• Job holder would be expected to rotate through various managed units within virology

Your key responsibilities will include to:

Clinical Governance  

• Participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects, as required.
• Participate in and monitor Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining UKAS accreditation.
• To attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication with the department. 

Management  

• Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables. 

Education and Development  

• Undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Laboratory Manager (or Head/Lead Biomedical Scientist)

Clinical   

• Assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaises with senior technical staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy.
• Ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system.
• Perform sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols.
• Analysis of biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill.
• Use and maintenance of manual and sophisticated automated equipment.
• Assist with the development of new methods and implementation of new technology.
• To work in high-risk Containment Level 3 laboratories following local code of practice within these facilities.
• To assist in disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• To assist in monitoring and maintain appropriate stock levels and facilitate deliveries.
• Exercise judgement and interpretation to validate results and generate laboratory reports in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. The validation process includes analytical and clinical validity.
• Extraction of nucleic acid from biological samples to enable amplification and determination of microbial targets.
• Analyses of biological samples using sophisticated serological methods and equipment.
• Analyses of biological samples using sophisticated molecular biological methods and equipment
• Analyses of biological samples by manual methods.
• To ensure prompt notification or referral of unusual and urgent results to consultant microbiologist or senior BMS staff or Infection Control team as appropriate.
• To refer unusual or unfamiliar events to senior technical staff for action or advice.
• To report by telephone urgent results to medical or nursing staff, GP's and other hospitals.
• To assist in providing a results service to wards, GP's and other hospitals.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Essential criteria

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Biomedical Science degree or equivalent experience working in a laboratory
• Willingness to study for a post-registration qualification
• Must have GCSE or equivalent qualifications at C or above in English and Maths
• Demonstration of on-going participation in CPD activity
• Evidence of manual laboratory skills
• Evidence of working with numbers
• Evidence of IT and keyboard skills (ECDL)
• Can evidence the ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
• Skills for manipulating information
• Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Job contact :

• Name : Harry McCullagh
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]