Job summary
- Main area
- Microbiology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- 12 months (Full time Monday-Friday, 12 months fixed term)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 418-BIO48829-CW
- Employer
- Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Bedford Hospital South Wing
- Town
- Bedford
- Salary
- £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 28/09/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology
NHS AfC: Band 7
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology Department at Bedford Hospital on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave.
The laboratory is equipped with a wide range of modern microbiology and molecular diagnostic platforms, including Beckman Coulter MicroScan, bioMérieux BacT/ALERT VIRTUO, Cepheid GeneXpert, 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 provides a comprehensive range of microbiology investigations to Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and surrounding GP practices. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2012 and is an IBMS-approved training laboratory, supporting the development and training of future biomedical scientists.
As a member of the Microbiology Senior Team, you will play a key role in maintaining and improving quality standards, staff training and service development. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the department to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and safe microbiology service.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as a Senior Biomedical Scientist within the Microbiology Department, supporting the Laboratory Manager and Senior Management Team in the effective delivery of the service.
Applicants should have significant experience in Microbiology, a strong understanding of quality management processes, and proven experience in training and supporting staff across all grades.
The post holder will assist the Laboratory Manager with the day-to-day operational management of the department, including the implementation, monitoring and review of relevant contracts and service requirements. They will contribute to maintaining service continuity, quality and patient safety, while proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
-
To work as a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS), contributing to the safe, effective and efficient delivery of the department’s diagnostic services.
-
To support the Laboratory Management Team in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive and high-quality service, working in collaboration with the Clinical Lead for the department.
-
To support the implementation of the department’s Quality Policy and agreed quality objectives, ensuring that quality standards are maintained and continuously improved.
-
To contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards and ISO 15189 compliance, using the established Pathology Quality Management System. This will include participation in quality activities, quality improvement initiatives and audits required to demonstrate compliance.
-
To assist with the development and implementation of action plans to address non-conformities identified through internal or external audits, incidents or complaints, and to monitor the completion and effectiveness of identified corrective and preventive actions.
-
To follow, review and update the department’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the Document Management Module within the Q-Pulse Quality Management System, ensuring that documentation remains accurate, current and compliant with relevant standards.
-
Where delegated, to take responsibility for the development, review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the department, utilising the Q-Pulse Document Management Module and ensuring appropriate consultation and approval processes are followed.
-
To support the day-to-day management of quality processes within the department and across the relevant teams. This will include supporting senior staff with quality documentation, monitoring compliance and providing training to staff at all grades in the application of standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.
-
To promote a culture of continuous quality improvement, supporting staff in understanding and maintaining the standards required for safe, effective and patient-focused laboratory services.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- Masters degree or related professional health care qualification or equivalent
- HCPC registration
- IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent
Desirable criteria
- IBMS certificate in Expert Practice in Quality Management
Experience
Essential criteria
- Audit and evaluation, clinical and information governance, use of Quality Management systems
- Significant specialist knowledge of Microbiology acquired over a significant period
Desirable criteria
- Experience training staff
- Experience in the implementation of new processes
Skills
Essential criteria
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
- Manage and analyse highly complex information and data
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Document writing
Desirable criteria
- Leadership skills
- Time management skills
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- In depth knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Understanding of quality management systems
- QC trending and QC monitoring
- SOP writing, ability to complete non conformity records
Desirable criteria
- Specialised knowledge of Microbiology
- Lean working
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Deborah Karim
- Job title
- Serology & Molecular Laboratory Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01234 795913
List jobs with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Health Science Services or all sectors