Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

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.

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

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.

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

The laboratory is accredited by UKAS (ISO15189 standard)

We actively encourage CPD activities.

The department requires staff to support the department in delivering a comprehensive Virology service over 7 days. Staff may be required to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, throughout the 24-hour period if appropriate to the post.

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

Other

• To be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
• To be adaptable to change and to work flexibly in all sections of the laboratory
• Attend courses and maintain appropriate levels of training as necessary. Always maintain high professional standards by continual professional development, keeping up to date with advances in Medical Microbiology and changes in technology
• To maintain effective communication with line managers and to demonstrate a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team
• Support the out of hours service provision, in addition to participating in working as part of a small team, to include evenings, weekends and bank holidays
• To participate in the on-call service
• To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA
• It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes

Professional development

• You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements

Please note this list is not exhaustive

Person specification

Essential role criteria:

• Must have HCPC registration
• Biomedical Science degree or equivalent
• Willingness to study for a post-registration qualification in Virology/biomedical sciences
• 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 (European Certification of Digital Literacy)
• 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

Desirable role criteria:

• Experience as a Biomedical Scientist
• Knowledge of administrative procedures, project management or information analysis
• Basic knowledge of project principles
• Ability to pull together comprehensive draft reports, data and letters Negotiating, networking and persuasive skills
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise
• Skills for supporting project management

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Things you need to know

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

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

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 14 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1250 word supporting statement.

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.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

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

We will take pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Shortlisting:In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Must have HCPC registration

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency Based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our laboratory in Manchester. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interviews dates 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 laboratory based at our Manchester laboratory. 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.

Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

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 : Tom Geldeard
• Email : Tom.Geldeard@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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk