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Occupation Type
Biochemists and biomedical scientists
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£45,900
(£23.54 per hour)
Occupation rate applies
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Description
Bristol, (Southmead Hospital)
Job Summary
Job Overview
The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The service is delivered by collaboration between North Bristol NHS Trust and UKHSA. The laboratory also has management input into a hot lab and near patient testing initiatives in University Hospitals Bristol. The laboratory receives more than 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, primary care, as well as referred specimens from the wider Southwest region and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload with a continuous assay review and development program.
This role offers NHS AfC Terms & Conditions.
Working for your organisation
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job Description
To provide IT support for the Infection Sciences laboratories incorporating Bacteriology, Virology, Antimicrobial reference and Mycology reference. To provide support and direction to IT project work within Infection Sciences and assist with IT activities arising from either collaborating partner.
To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment. To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through a different section in the laboratory and to supervise, and train other less experienced and qualified staff. The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/ International nature e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak e.g. SARS.
To participate in on call services as necessary.
This list of duties is not exhaustive.
To assist with the maintenance and improvement of current LIMS-Winpath Enterprise for the Bacteriology section of the Infection sciences laboratory and provide support to other areas of IS as required including hardware troubleshooting/deployment.
To assist with the maintenance/development/configuration of upstream/downstream systems (OCS etc) in conjunction with service users.
Troubleshoot and triage problems with WPE, report problems, that cannot be solved in house to clinisys and any changes needed.
To support client-side liaison with and between Clinisys and BD to interface Kiestra
To support and undertake IT project work as required (e.g. LIMS alterations/Interface development and deployment. Third party software role out within Infection Sciences.
To ensure compliance with IT policies and Procedures within Infection sciences and users as required.
To assist with the maintenance and improvement of key interfaces (Kiestra)
To support external customer projects requiring IT support/reconfiguration/deployment e.g. EPR upgrade/maintenance.
To assist with the training of laboratory staff on relevant system
To assist with LIMS queries from external companies- e.g. Laboratory equipment provider.
Staff
To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff. This could be through training, auditing and deputising for SEO grade staff on occasion.
To be aware of the wellbeing of less qualified staff (AO and EO).
Laboratory
To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms
To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately
To adhere to laboratory SOPs
To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
To maintain a high standard of technical skill.
To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
To deputise for more senior staff (SEO grade) as required.
To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate
To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports
To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.
Safety
To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training etc.
To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory
To report any accidents to a senior member of staff
To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate containment level
To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
To provide IT support for the Infection Sciences laboratories incorporating Bacteriology, Virology, Antimicrobial reference and Mycology reference. To provide support and direction to IT project work within Infection Sciences and assist with IT activities arising from either collaborating partner.
To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment. To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through a different section in the laboratory and to supervise, and train other less experienced and qualified staff. The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/ International nature e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak e.g. SARS.
To participate in on call services as necessary.
This list of duties is not exhaustive.
To assist with the maintenance and improvement of current LIMS-Winpath Enterprise for the Bacteriology section of the Infection sciences laboratory and provide support to other areas of IS as required including hardware troubleshooting/deployment.
To assist with the maintenance/development/configuration of upstream/downstream systems (OCS etc) in conjunction with service users.
Troubleshoot and triage problems with WPE, report problems, that cannot be solved in house to clinisys and any changes needed.
To support client-side liaison with and between Clinisys and BD to interface Kiestra
To support and undertake IT project work as required (e.g. LIMS alterations/Interface development and deployment. Third party software role out within Infection Sciences.
To ensure compliance with IT policies and Procedures within Infection sciences and users as required.
To assist with the maintenance and improvement of key interfaces (Kiestra)
To support external customer projects requiring IT support/reconfiguration/deployment e.g. EPR upgrade/maintenance.
To assist with the training of laboratory staff on relevant system
To assist with LIMS queries from external companies- e.g. Laboratory equipment provider.
Staff
To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff. This could be through training, auditing and deputising for SEO grade staff on occasion.
To be aware of the wellbeing of less qualified staff (AO and EO).
Laboratory
To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms
To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately
To adhere to laboratory SOPs
To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
To maintain a high standard of technical skill.
To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
To deputise for more senior staff (SEO grade) as required.
To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate
To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports
To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.
Safety
To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training etc.
To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory
To report any accidents to a senior member of staff
To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate containment level
To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
Biomedical Scientist (BMS) Degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent relevant experience
Strong working knowledge and competency in Bacteriology and a high level of theoretical and practical microbiological knowledge
Knowledge of common IT programmes and good keyboard skills together with excellent understanding of the IT security policies and procedures of both collaborating partners
Good accuracy and interpretative skills at bench level
Able to communicate well with staff at all levels and able to provide judgement on a range of complex problems
Able to plan day to day organisation of relevant areas
Able to organise less qualified staff and demonstrate skills in leadership
Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff
An understanding of an commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable criteria
Knowledge and experience of Infection Sciences LIMS implementation, training delivery and client side interface development
Able to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Competency-based
Required
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 12 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application
1250 word Supporting Statement
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words.
Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria
Meets some essential criteria
Meets no essential criteria
Those falling into the ‘Meets all essential criteria’ pile will progress to shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event of a larger number of applications we may conduct an initial sift on the lead criteria of:
State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.
Stage 2: Interview
Competency Based
You will be invited to a face to face interview at our lab in Bristol . In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews dates are yet to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check .
If based at one of our labs, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Future location
UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/
International Police check
If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.
Internal Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.
Careers website
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
NHS Pension
This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.
If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs.
If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.
Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
Name : Charlene Gwekwerere
Email : charlene.gwekwerere@ukhsa.gov.uk
Recruitment team
Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Further information
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a
complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.
http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7702163
Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Infection Sciences IT support | UK Health Security Agency | Hunt UK Visa Sponsors
