Skip to main content
Please wait, loading

Job summary

Main area
Clinical Microbiology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 5
Contract
12 months (Fixed term - 12 months)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (covering 24/7 working)
Job ref
358-7732620-CSI
Employer
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Clinical Microbiology
Town
Leicester
Salary
£31,049 - £37,796 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
02/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust logo

Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology-Bacteriology)-Fixed term 12 months

NHS AfC: Band 5

AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants can support you as you complete your application. For example, they can check for spelling or grammar errors, or help you to decide what to include.

But they shouldn’t replace your own responses or be used to write the application for you.

Relying too much on AI can negatively impact your chances of success, because automatically generated answers:

  • might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
  • often seem generic and not personalised enough – an AI response won’t show your unique voice and perspective
  • could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience

We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.

Job overview

Applications are invited from individuals who are dedicated, enthusiastic, energetic, skilled and confident in their technical abilities to apply for the post of Biomedical Scientist (Band 5)  within our Clinical Microbiology Laboratory based at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The post holder will be required to work on sites as appropriate for the delivery of the service and may be asked to work across sites within the trust. The post holder will be required to support a 24/7 service including on-call (out of hours) provision as required. Early, core, late and night shift patterns will operate which includes weekends and bank holidays. 

Applicants must be HCPC registered and with relevant laboratory (UKAS ISO 15189) experience.   Applicants without HCPC registration need not apply as you will not be considered for this post.

Additional qualities that the department seek are an understanding of UKAS and quality within a clinical laboratory, a drive to improve laboratory processes, a strong team ethic as well as good performance as an individual BMS

If you believe that this could be you and are looking for a new challenge, your application would be gratefully received.

Main duties of the job

To participate in the routine work of the laboratory in accordance with laboratory procedure in an efficient, cost effective and safe manner.

  • Infection Control: To maintain a clean, safe environment, ensuring adherence to the Trust’s standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control.
  • Health and Safety: To co-operate fully in adhering to the Trust policies and procedures with regard to health and safety. 
  • Governance: To actively participate in governance activities to ensure that the highest standards of care and business conduct. 
  • Equipment maintenance:  Check the safety and functioning of all equipment.
  • Stock Control: Maintain sufficient stocks of reagents, supplies etc. for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Maintain stock control records.
  • Information and IT: Ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures for own work area are kept up to date and displayed appropriately.  Assist in proposing, developing and implementing new procedures. Use word processing and spread sheet packages to produce draft SOPs, audit reports and laboratory data.
  • Planning: Plan and organise own workload and may be required to assign work to Biomedical assistants.
  • Supervisory: Participate in the training of new biomedical assistants and associate practitioners. Supervise biomedical assistants and less experienced staff, allocating work, training, etc.
  • Quality Control: Perform quality control as appropriate and report any out of consensus results for investigation.

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals: 

  • high-quality care for all, 
  • being a great place to work, 
  • partnerships for impact, and 
  • research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

  • we are compassionate,
  • we are proud, 
  • we are inclusive, and 
  • we are one team 

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Perform other technical duties as required within post-holder’s training and competence.

Clinical / Scientific / Technical

  • Carry out all laboratory analyses associated with the post, including reporting results, maintaining appropriate records and documentation.
  • Participate in the department’s rosters as required.
  • Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action.
  • Participate in the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.
  • Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables, reagents and equipment.
  • Ensure the competent and efficient use of computerised data management systems.
  • Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the department’s training plan.
  • Maintain on-going Professional Portfolio and update Professional Development Plan. Undertake courses and other activities to satisfy HCPC Continuing Professional Development requirements.
  • Assist with the development of new methods and the implementation of new technology.
  • Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance and Accreditation standards.
  • Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Ensure that safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy.
  • Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health and safety.
  • Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
  • Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as required.
  • Participate in and contribute to own Personal Development Review.

GENERAL DUTIES

  • To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (UKAS or equivalent).
  • Participate in clinical audit and clinical governance.
  • Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System

Out of hours working

  • The post holder will be expected to gain competence in techniques to allow participation in the delivery of the departments’ service outside core hours. This entails contracted participation in the out of hour’s rotas (On call) and overnight working as rostered.

Training relevant to this post, including safety aspects in the handling of biological material, will be given.

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • HCPC State Registered
  • Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and training
Desirable criteria
  • Qualifications in Clinical Microbiology
  • Two years post qulaification experience working in a Microbiology laboratory

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous or Proven relevant (UKAS accredited 15189) hospital laboratory experience
  • Previous Computer Skills
  • Aware of health and safety and confidentiality issues
  • Demonstrates ability to organise their own work effectivel
  • Able to demonstrate competency in appropriate laboratory techniques
Desirable criteria
  • Experienced in bacteriology - covering tasked as outlined in the JD and PS
  • Departmental specific laboratory / advanced techniques
  • Training junior staff
  • Experience of Specialist discipline.
  • Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of Health and safety, quality management systems and service improvement.

Analytical and judgement

Essential criteria
  • Able to make judgements regarding a range of facts/situations
  • Can work accurately and methodically following verbal and written instructions
  • Knowledge and understanding of pathology tests and medical terminology
  • Ability to perform intricate procedures e.g. pipetting
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of troubleshooting appropriate instrumentation

Planning and Organisation

Essential criteria
  • Able to plan and prioritise own work activities
Desirable criteria
  • Able to work under pressure or to deadlines.

Requirements

Essential criteria
  • Work flexibly to cover service including able to participate in an out of hours roster and shifts required as part of 24/7 working

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential criteria
  • Able to participate in out of hour’s roster or other flexible working arrangements.
  • Able to maintain concentration for prolonged periods at various tasks

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoCare quality commission - Goodhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Hiten Mistry
Job title
Scientific Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Apply online nowAlert me to similar vacancies