Job summary
- Main area
- Microbiology - Virology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 249-7873018
- Employer
- Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Great Western Hospital
- Town
- Swindon
- Salary
- £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 16/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Virology
NHS AfC: Band 7
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a unique organisation, serving as the sole integrated provider in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire system. Our scope extends beyond boundaries as we oversee adult community services in Swindon and provide acute care from the Great Western Hospital.
Our 5,500 staff have 1.2m patient contacts a year, with 13,000 operations carried out in our Theatres, around 4,000 babies born, and our emergency attendances are now well over 100,000 per year. Those numbers only tell part of our story about what an exciting time it is to join Great Western Hospitals.
We are cultivating a culture that fosters our ambitions, prioritising equality, diversion, inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. We aim to create an environment where every member of our team can truly thrive.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used, then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close adverts prior to the published closing date. Therefore, we advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Job overview
The Virology Section Lead is an integral part of the senior laboratory team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Virology section within the Microbiology department. The role involves providing a cost-effective quality service through review of processes and policies and interpreting technical laboratory tests and diagnostic processes. In addition they must act as a line manager for laboratory staff and provide technical support and advice to the Microbiology consultants.
Main duties of the job
The Virology Section Lead play a vital role to undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Virology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies. The post holder ensures effective time management and supervision of staff, maintains competency in bacteriology, provides technical support to consultants, and participates in the weekend and out-of-hours service. Responsibilities include processing and interpreting complex virology samples, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, leading method evaluations, and supporting audits and quality management initiatives. The role also involves regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, training and mentoring junior staff, contributing to business cases, and ensuring compliance with UKAS, COSHH, and ISO 15189 standards. Professional competence is maintained through continuous development, adherence to HCPC requirements, and active participation in training and appraisal processes. The post holder is expected to manage resources responsibly, contribute to service improvement, and operate effectively under conditions that include physical effort, exposure to infectious materials, and occasional distressing scenarios.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group – a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people. We are creating a heath and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
- To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Virology service, working within departmental
guidelines and safety policies. - To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
- To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
- To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of laboratory equipment.
- To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.
Further information will be found on the attached Job Description
Person specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
- Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
- Master’s degree in relevant subject
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of on-going CPD
- Quality Management training
- Health & Safety training
- Management Qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
- In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology & Virology laboratory within the NHS.
- Advanced knowledge in Clinical Virology
- Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential
Desirable criteria
- Experience of training staff
- Quality Management experience
- Health & Safety Management experience
- Management Experience
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
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Christopher Frearson
- Job title
- Acting Laboratory Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01793 604798
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