Job overview

We are looking for a Quality and Virology Senior to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital.

Our laboratory is equipped with a wide range of modern platforms, including the Beckman Coulter Microscan, BioMérieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, Cepheid GeneXpert systems, BD MGIT, BioMérieux VIDAS, Biofire TORCH and FilmArray, Roche Cobas 6800, Bruker MALDI‑TOF, BD Max, Stratec Gemini, MAST Uri System and DS2.

Following the merger with the Luton Microbiology department, the service now provides an extensive repertoire of investigations for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and local GP practices. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and is an IBMS‑approved training laboratory.

In this role, you will be part of the senior Microbiology team, with a particular focus on quality management and virology.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will act as a Quality Lead, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality Team to support departmental quality processes—including non‑conformities, audits, documentation, verification and validation—to maintain UKAS accreditation. They will also provide quality, systems‑improvement and data‑analysis support to the Virology service. Applicants should have substantial experience with Quality Management Systems, a strong understanding of quality processes, and in‑depth knowledge of virology (both molecular and serology).

The post holder will support the senior laboratory team with documentation, monitoring non‑conformances, conducting audits, implementing quality procedures and contributing to staff training. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with operational aspects of the department, including the implementation, monitoring and review of contractual requirements, while ensuring service continuity and effective risk mitigation.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton.  Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

 

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.