JOB DESCRIPTION Lead Biomedical Scientist Microbiology
Job Details
Job Title: Lead Biomedical Scientist / Deputy Laboratory Manager
Band: Band 8a
Directorate: Laboratory Medicine
Department: Microbiology
Responsible to: Head Biomedical Scientist / Laboratory Manager
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Participation in mandatory weekend and bank holiday
work rota
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Job Purpose
The post holder is the operational manager responsible for delivering a medical laboratory service that achieves the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and resource management within the Trust. He/she is directly responsible to the Microbiology Laboratory Manager for one or more of the following areas of focus Quality, Information Technology, H&S, Training.
The post holder maintains at all times the required high standards and quality, up-to-date knowledge of microbiology and current working practices within the diagnostic laboratory. He/she deputises for the Laboratory Manager.
The post holder authorises the reporting and telephoning of clinical results as appropriate
In microbiology and virology, Biomedical Scientists are responsible for the diagnosis of infection and disease processes by the application of microbiological, virological, biological, serological and molecular technology, utilizing the most up-to- date scientific methods in conjunction with traditional methods of culture, microscopy and antigen/antibody-complex diagnostics.
Diagnostic work includes examination of cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal dialysis fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, blood/serum, pus and other body fluids. Investigations include for example, antibiotic susceptibility testing, therapeutic drug monitoring, serological assays for HIV & Hepatitis B, identification of microorganisms and fungi, and films for intestinal parasites. Specimens for the screening of sexually transmitted infections including medico-legal cases are also investigated.
Job Role
Strengths Based Working (Respect and Dignity) To value differences and individuality, showing respect to all. Identify joint goals with service users
Individualised Approach (Everyone Counts) Providing an equitable service across the Trust so that patients have equal access to key
tests and services are sustainable.
Quality (Commitment to Quality of Care) By working to quality standards set by UKAS, ISO 15189 and other relevant accreditation
bodies By taking personal responsibility for service improvement, by implementing change
positively and contributing to team discussions in a constructive and flexible way.
Partnership and Collaborative Working (Working Together for People) To work in partnership locally and across the region to achieve the best possible outcomes
for our population.
Managing Connections and Relationships (Compassion) To act as a role model, valuing everyone’s opinion and experiences.
Service Delivery and Improvement (Improving Lives) To strive to provide excellent, innovative pathology services that deliver improved, earlier
diagnosis and screening supporting better patient outcomes.
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Most Rewarding Part of the Role
Challenging and varied role with opportunity for making a positive difference to patient outcomes via innovation and the application of science and technology.
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Primary Duties and Areas of Responsibilities
Leadership and ManagementOperational
Is responsible for the day-to-day management of one or more areas of the laboratory Undertakes training of biomedical, Associate Practitioners, support workers
and other staff as appropriate
Acts as the second point of contact for staff disciplinary and performance/ capability competency issues
Participates in recruitment, selection and induction of staff Assists and deputises for the Laboratory Manager as required. Deals with personnel problems, sickness absence, competence and disciplinary. Ensures that resources are used effectively and efficiently Deals with conflicting and changing priorities within existing resources,
recognising the ability of others and working as a team to resolve issuesGeneral
Assimilates and disseminates highly complex information Develops, applies and maintains quality management systems Participates in the formulation of new policies and procedures and
gaining understanding and agreement Manages change within sphere of activity Manages highly complex work situations including:
o Staff shortages/sickness/annual leaveo Management of on-call rosters and staff rotation rosterso Demands of heavy workloado Conflicting priorities and demands
Manages activities and actions to ensure that they are carried out within accreditation standards.
Manages the further development of the quality system by participating in EQA and IQA schemes as appropriate
Organises, attends and contributes to meetings to discuss changes in procedures and protocols as appropriate.
Is responsible for the repair and maintenance of some physical assets Organises programmes of appraisals and conducts appraisals in accordance with
laboratory and Trust policies Is guided by National and local policies and procedures Formulates and agrees policies and procedures within sphere of activity of
laboratory. Sets targets and standards for laboratory staff to follow.
Planning and organisation Liaises with other senior staff to ensure the effective use of staff in all sections of
the laboratory Participate in senior staff meetings
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Encourages all staff to participate in decisions, projects, consultation and discussions
Formulates and manage staff daily rotas Assists the department in measuring and monitoring turnaround times
for laboratory results, and to initiate corrective action if necessary Is able to assist, and deputise for, other senior members of staff as required. Supports the Laboratory Manager in the formulation of medium and long term strategies for
the department and contributes to annual business planning
Finance Is an authorised signatory for cash/financial payments Works with Procurement and laboratory manager to ensure value for money is achieved for
all purchasing. Maintains asset registers and capital requirement lists. Delegated responsibility for the management of the relevant cost centres of the
Departmental budget Will ensure that all business is conducted within the framework of the Trust's Standing
Financial Instructions. Support income generation initiatives within the department.
Technical Leadership Provide highly specialist level of theoretical and practical knowledge within Microbiology
department. Be a source of expert advice on technical matters and validity of results arising within the
laboratory and externally. Assist with Interpreting and clinically authorise positive results, using highly developed
analytical skills and expert knowledge Able to progress work at an expert level in all areas of Microbiology and Serology/ Molecular
when required – would be expected to work in the laboratory when necessary Performs work strictly according to current Standard Operating Procedures in
order to facilitate the provision of timely and accurate report Ensures that all activities and actions are carried out within
accreditation standards Is competent in the planning, management and prioritisation of own workload Supervises trouble shooting of analytical equipment or methods. To arrange
service engineer visits, to supervise, and if necessary, participate in the resolution of equipment or method failures. (This may include dismantling instruments to carry out initial repairs)
Undertakes projects within the Pathology Service as required by the Laboratory Manager
Undertakes method and instrument evaluation in collaboration as required by the Laboratory Manager
Participates in the introduction of new equipment and methods where appropriate Is regularly involved in evaluations, audits, clinical trials and other R & D
activities. Keeps up to date with current scientific and technical developments including
participation in scientific meetings if appropriate.
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Risk and Quality
Quality Act as or have delegated responsibility for Quality Manager Role in Microbiology In conjunction with the Laboratory and Quality Manager ensure the implementation and
maintenance of the quality standards set by UKAS, ISO 15189 and other relevant accreditation bodies
Working with the Laboratory Manager develop, coordinate and maintain the Department's programme of continuous service review in accordance with internal and external quality systems and within the Trust's
Assesses, initiates and monitors appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery failure
Collaborates with the Quality Managers to ensure that Quality Management System is relevant and kept up to date and to manage its use in the laboratory
Manages the relevant parts of the EQA and IQA schemes, investigating and reporting anomalies and putting corrective actions in place
H&S Act as or have delegated responsibility for Health & Safety Officer role in Microbiology. Working with the departmental Health & Safety Office to compile and update a Laboratory
Code of Safe Practice and ensure that all staff are fully conversant with this document, and ensure its implementation
Working with the departmental Health & Safety Officer is responsible for H&S induction of new staff, and ongoing training for all microbiology staff
Working with departmental Health & Safety Officer ensures regular H&S audits, regular review of H&S documentation and COSHH updates within the laboratory. This includes preparation for Health and Safety Executive audits when required
In conjunction with the departmental Health & Safety Officer ensure safe systems of practice that are documented and adequately protect staff and reduce risk including COSHH, risk assessments, and relevant Trust policies.
Working with the laboratory manager and departmental H&S officer ensuring departmental risks are recorded/updated on the trusts risk register
Responsible for Incident and Accident reporting using local and trust wide systems Working with departmental H&S officer is to ensure compliance with Trust Safety
regulations, departmental immunisation policy, and manual handling training Working with the departmental H&S officer to ensure the latest government legislation on
biohazards is implementing in the laboratory Responsible for ensuring the safe handling of blood, urine, faeces, organs, other
body tissue and hazardous materials.
Information Technology Act as or have delegated responsibility for Laboratory IT Manager role in Microbiology. Working with the laboratory IT manager ensure IT user manual is updated and staff trained in
the use of all required software applications Ensure infection and epidemiological data is provided to outside agencies (e.g. monthly
reporting to Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre and the Health protection Agency) Work with the IT Laboratory manager to ensure the procurement and implementation of
new IT applications and systems
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Be proactive and act as trouble shooter in response to software application and hardware problems and liaisons with Trust IT and system support teams.
Working with the laboratory IT Manager is responsible for completion of regular complex audits to monitor workload data. To aid in annual Business planning and in response to data requests.
Inputs patient data onto laboratory computer system. Enters and recalls results from various computer systems Maintains the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases Understands the data protection legislation. Understands the need for, and complies with, confidentiality and security
of results (see end notes) Uses spread sheets for the manipulation of data Uses Word, PowerPoint and other appropriate computer packages for the
processing and distribution of information. Extracts and uses computer-generated information. Undertakes work file management to ensure that all results are reported
within the agreed turnaround time
Other responsibilities Act as or has delegated responsibility for the Training Manager role in
Microbiology. Deals with conflicting and changing priorities within existing resources,
recognising the ability of others and working as a team to resolve issues Liaises with colleagues and managers as appropriate Communicates with other departments and outside agencies
disseminating information efficiently Provides training for laboratory staff and those from other departments
both within and external to the Pathology Service as required by the laboratory manager
Deals politely with all service users, showing sensitivity as appropriate. Works both as a team member and unsupervised
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Clinical Governance and Risk ManagementThe Trust believes everyone has a role to play in improving and contributing to the quality of care provided to our clients. You are expected to take a proactive role in supporting the Trust’s clinical governance agenda by:
Taking part in activities for improving quality such as Valuing Everyone’s Experience training or (for staff working within clinical specialties) clinical audit
Identifying and managing risks through incident and near miss reporting and undertaking risk assessments
Following Trust polices, guidelines and procedures Maintaining and improving your skills through continued professional
development/your personal development plan agreed annually with your line manager.
All clinical staff making entries into health or social care records are required to follow the Trust standards of record keeping.
Code of ConductYou are required to work in accordance with the code of conduct for your professional body.
Confidentiality and Information GovernanceYou must ensure that you adhere to the relevant Trust guidance in relation to Confidentiality and Information Governance, which includes the collection and sharing of information in relation to staff, patients, relatives, partner organisations and third parties. The Trust has created guidance which satisfies the requirements of the relevant Acts of Parliament, including the Data Protection Act (2018), Freedom of Information Act (2000) and Access to Health Records Act (1990) as well as Department of Health guidance.
Conflict of InterestsYou may not without the consent of the Trust engage in any outside employment and in accordance with the Trust’s Conflict of Interest Policy you must declare to your manager all private interests which could potentially result in personal gain as a consequence of your employment position in the Trust.
In addition, the NHS Code of Conduct and Standards of Business Conduct for NHS Staff requires you to declare all situations where they or a close relative or associate has a controlling interest in a business (such as a private company, public organisation, other NHS or voluntary organisation) or in any activity which may compete for any NHS contracts to supply goods or services to the Trust. You must therefore register such interests with the Trust, either on appointment or subsequently, whenever such interests are gained. You should not engage in such interests without the written consent of the Trust, which will not be unreasonably withheld. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are not placed in a position which may give rise to a conflict of interests between any work that you undertake in relation to private patients and their NHS duties.
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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)Applicants for posts in the NHS are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Where relevant to the role, applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. This includes details of cautions, reprimands, final warnings, as well as convictions. Further information is available from the Disclosure and Barring Service at www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Equal OpportunitiesThe Trust aims to promote equal opportunities. A copy of our Equality Scheme is available from the Trust website. You must ensure that you treat members of staff, clients and visitors with dignity and respect at all times and report any breaches that you witness to the appropriate manager.
Environmental issues The Trust is committed to reducing its impact on the environment by preventing pollution, continually improving its environmental performance which increases the wellbeing of staff and clients. As a member of staff you are expected to adhere to policies to assist the Trust in meeting its environmental and sustainability target.
Health and SafetyYou must co-operate with management in discharging its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and take reasonable health and safety precautions for yourself and others and ensure the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for patients, employees and visitors.
Infection Control The post holder, whether clinical or non-clinical, is required ;-
To undertake all mandatory and essential training in Infection Prevention and Control.
To familiarise themselves with and adhere to current Infection Prevention and Control policies relevant to them and their area of work.
To take responsibility to ensure the workplace is kept clean and tidy so that it is safe for all other users of that area.
To communicate any identified infection risks to the Infection Prevention and Control Team and where appropriate report any Healthcare Associated Infections in line with the Trust’s Incident Reporting Policy.
To take part in the safety improvement projects related to infection prevention and in particular follow the Trust requirements regarding hand hygiene.
Fire Safety Fire Safety in all the premises from which we operate is the concern of all those who work within these premises. It is of the utmost importance that all members of Staff whether part-time, temporary, bank or permanent are fully aware of and familiar with the Fire Safety Policy and Procedures in the department they are working in. All new employees will receive Fire Safety training within the Trust’s induction training programme.
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Freedom of InformationYou should be aware of the responsibility placed on employees under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and are responsible for helping to ensure that the Trust complies with the Act when handling or dealing with any information relating to Trust activity.
Identity and Registration Authority BadgesYour identity badge should be on your person at all times whilst working in the organisation and available for inspection if challenged. Registration Authority Smartcards should be used in strict accordance of the Terms and Conditions agreed when signing the application form. Employees must comply with all trust policies in relation to IT access and confidentiality.
Information Quality AssuranceYou are expected to take due diligence and care in regard to any information collected, recorded, processed or handled by you during the course of your work and that such information is collected, recorded, processed and handled in compliance with Trust requirements and instructions.
Medical ExaminationsAll appointments are conditional upon prior health clearance by the Trust's Occupational Health Service. Failure to provide continuing satisfactory evidence will be regarded as a breach of contract.
NHS ConstitutionYou are required to comply with the NHS Constitution in relation to the staff responsibilities that it sets out for NHS employees. You are expected to adhere to the NHS core values described in the NHS Constitution, which the Trust has adopted.
Professional RegistrationAll post holders undertaking work which requires professional/state registration are responsible for ensuring that they are so registered and that they comply with any Codes of Conduct applicable to that profession. Proof of registration must be produced on appointment and, if renewable, proof of renewal must also be produced.
Risk ManagementYou have a responsibility to report all clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents promptly and, when requested, to co-operate with any investigation undertaken.
Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk and is dedicated to robust recruitment checks. Every employee has a responsibility for safeguarding and the protection of children and adults at risk. As such if the post holder witnesses, suspects or is told that abuse is occurring they have a duty to report the incident. Please refer to the Trust policies on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.
Work Visa/ Permits/Leave to Remain
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The Trust will consider British /EEA nationals for appointment in the first instance. If the applicant is a non-resident of the United Kingdom or European Economic Union, they are required to have a valid work visa and leave to remain in the UK, which is renewed as required. The Trust is unable to employ or continue to employ the applicant/post holder if they require but do not have a valid work visa and/or leave to remain in the UK.
Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the organisation. It will be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.
JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Agreed and Signed (Manager) Date
Agreed and Signed (Post Holder) Date
Date Role Description Effective From:
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Attributes Essential Desirable Assessment Method
Qualifications BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent MSc in Biomedical Science (or related subject) or
equivalent Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Registered with the Health Professions Council Evidence of continuing professional development Evidence of management training or qualification
Trained auditor Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Experience Training and supervising a team Working as a member of a team Minimum of 8 years post HCPC registration Previous experience of laboratory work Working alone during an out-of-hours service Experience of using technical and scientific
knowledge to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
Understands quality systems and their laboratory application
Experience at recruiting staff Experience of business management including
marketing and liaising with customers
Knowledge and Skills Possesses advanced technical expertise (theoretical
and practical) in the field of microbiological. Understanding of manual techniques and also
automated technology Knowledge of basic molecular diagnostic techniques Is able to manage staff effectively in a large medical
laboratory Ability to organize workload of less qualified staff
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Ability to train less experienced and less qualified Proven communication and interpersonal skills to
work effectively with both own co-workers and other, external health care professionals
Understands microbiology and its application in clinical practice and public health
Able to communicate complex information (e.g. workload analysis) to peers and other managers
Able to initiate changes in procedure or policies to develop service in conjunction with line manager
Able to plan and manage own time economically and effectively
Ability to work under pressure, and respond to urgent queries for information
Ability to perform appraisals as appropriate Use of computer package(s) to raise requisitions for
reagents and consumables Validates and clinically comments on microbiology
reports
Special Experience Computer literacy including the use of Word and
Excel, including ability to set up spreadsheets Ability to analyse and interpret data in spreadsheets,
and perform ongoing audit Process mapping experience Knowledge of latest national guidelines for diagnostic
microbiology practices
In depth experience of a computerised Pathology System
Highly specialised knowledge of Health and Safety issues, particularly those associated with Biohazards
Personal Requirements Has good communication and interpersonal skills and is able to convey instructions and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Is able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient
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manner Is able to work flexibly Is willing to undertake further training Is articulate and clear thinking Has an interest in staff training and development
Other Requirements Has general good health Has good eyesight (with glasses if required)
Physical Effort Extended periods of time sitting at computer terminals (up to 5 hours daily) Highly developed manual skills for manipulation of clinical material Manual dexterity required for analyser Maintenance involving delicate parts Regular extended periods of sample manipulation for manual assays and tests Ability to perform technically advanced procedures Good hand-eye co-ordination required for manual techniques, handling of delicate precision equipment, pipetting
samples and reagents, performing and checking test results Handling of waste containment bins may be required three times a week Handling of gas cylinders may be required about once a month
Emotional Effort During the management of performance/ competency may be required to impart unwelcome news, which may result in exposure to emotional circumstances.
Mental Effort Frequent requirement for prolonged periods of concentration while interpreting data, troubleshooting IT, authorizing results, or preparing documents.
Would usually spend up to 5 hours per day concentrating Needs to be able to respond to urgent matters and telephone calls at any time when at work
Requirements due toWorking Environment
Daily handling of samples of potential high risk and some confirmed HIV and Hepatitis Positive all of which required the use of gloves and laboratory coats
Involves daily, continuous, unavoidable exposure to unpleasant body fluids including faeces, blood, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid and urine, etc
Handling of hazardous chemicals and reagents Unavoidable exposure to pathogens from ACDP (Advisory Group on Dangerous Pathogens) Groups 2 and 3 Pathogens
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(e.g. TB)
Organisation Chart
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Infection Control consultant
Dr Selina Hoque
Head of Department/Clinical Lead
Dr PaulTurner
Head Biomedical Scientist/Laboratory
Manager Band 8b
Gillian Hewlett
Lead Biomedical Scientist/Deputy
Laboratory manager Band 8a
Vacancy
BMS 2 Quality Manager Band 7
0.95 WTE
BMS 2 Technical Lead Virology/Molecular Band 7
1.0 WTE
BMS 1 Band 5 & 6
9.78 WTE
Associate Practitioner Band 4
2 WTE
Medical Lab Assistant Band 3
4.53 WTE
Assistant Technical Officer Band 2
3.27 WTE
BMS 2 Technical Lead Bacterology/Mycology
Band 7
1.0 WTE
Medical Secretaries X2
1.0 WTE
Antimicrbial Consultant
Dr Tony Maggs
