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Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology (fixed term maternity cover)
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust View all jobs
Posted 1 day(s) ago
Reference: 418-BIO48831-CW
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced 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 diagnostic technologies, including bioMrieux BacT/ALERT VIRTUO, Beckman Coulter MicroScan, bioMrieux VIDAS, BioFire TORCH, Roche cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert, BD MAX, Bruker MALDI-TOF, DS2 and BD MGIT.
The laboratory provides a comprehensive range of microbiological investigations to Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and surrounding GP practices. The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and is an IBMS-approved training laboratory, supporting the education and development of biomedical science staff.
As a member of the Microbiology Team, you will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and patient-focused microbiology service. You will perform a range of microbiological analyses and investigations, providing accurate and timely results to support the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of patients across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as a Biomedical Scientist, performing a range of microbiological techniques and investigations to support the accurate and timely diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Following completion of the required training and competency assessments, the post holder will be expected to participate in the department's shift working arrangements, which will include working weekends and bank holidays, as well as participating in the on-call service where required.
The department is progressing towards a 24-hour, 7-day microbiology service, and the post holder will be expected to work flexibly as part of this developing 24/7 service provision.
About us
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.
Details
Date posted
14 September 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
Depending on experience per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
418-BIO48831-CW
Job locations
Bedford Hospital
Kempston Road
Bedford
MK42 9DJ
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this vacancy and should be reviewed for full details of the role, duties and responsibilities.
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To work as a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS), contributing to the safe, effective and efficient delivery of the departments diagnostic services.
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To support the Specialist Biomedical Scientists and Senior Biomedical Scientists in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive, high-quality service, working in conjunction with the Clinical Lead for the department.
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To support the implementation of the departments Quality Policy and agreed quality objectives, ensuring that appropriate quality standards are maintained.
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To contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards and ISO 15189 compliance, utilising the established Pathology Quality Management System and participating in relevant quality activities and audits.
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To assist with the implementation of action plans required to address non-conformities identified through internal and external audits, complaints or other quality processes, and to support the completion of identified corrective and preventive actions.
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To work in accordance with the departments Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), accessing and following current controlled documents through the Q-Pulse Document Management System.
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Where appropriately assigned, to assist with the delivery of staff training and competency assessment in conjunction with the departmental Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Officer. This will include providing one-to-one training, supporting competency assessments in accordance with ISO 15189, completing relevant training and competency documentation, and assisting with the collection and maintenance of appropriate evidence.
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To comply with all Trust, Pathology and departmental policies, procedures and protocols relevant to the role, ensuring that professional, quality, health and safety and regulatory requirements are consistently maintained.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this vacancy and should be reviewed for full details of the role, duties and responsibilities.
-
To work as a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS), contributing to the safe, effective and efficient delivery of the departments diagnostic services.
-
To support the Specialist Biomedical Scientists and Senior Biomedical Scientists in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive, high-quality service, working in conjunction with the Clinical Lead for the department.
-
To support the implementation of the departments Quality Policy and agreed quality objectives, ensuring that appropriate quality standards are maintained.
-
To contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards and ISO 15189 compliance, utilising the established Pathology Quality Management System and participating in relevant quality activities and audits.
-
To assist with the implementation of action plans required to address non-conformities identified through internal and external audits, complaints or other quality processes, and to support the completion of identified corrective and preventive actions.
-
To work in accordance with the departments Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), accessing and following current controlled documents through the Q-Pulse Document Management System.
-
Where appropriately assigned, to assist with the delivery of staff training and competency assessment in conjunction with the departmental Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Officer. This will include providing one-to-one training, supporting competency assessments in accordance with ISO 15189, completing relevant training and competency documentation, and assisting with the collection and maintenance of appropriate evidence.
-
To comply with all Trust, Pathology and departmental policies, procedures and protocols relevant to the role, ensuring that professional, quality, health and safety and regulatory requirements are consistently maintained.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Good knowledge of Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology)
Desirable
- Knowledge of Serological and Molecular methods
- Specialised knowledge of Microbiology
- Knowledge of quality systems and processes such as audit
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in Pathology Laboratory Environment
- Experience of working in Microbiology (Bacteriology/Serology/Molecular)
Desirable
- Experience working at a specialist level within Microbiology
- Experience using LIMS (Winpath)
- Experience in use of quality systems and processes
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- HCPC State registration
Desirable
- Specialist portfolio in Medical Microbiology
- Specialist portfolio in Virology
Skills
Essential
- Excellent inter-personal skills
- Ability to utilise evaluation tools
- Standard keyboard skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, at all levels
Desirable
- Flexible in approach and working relationships
Other
Essential
- Ability to tolerate frequent exposure to highly unpleasant substances and infectious substances
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Good knowledge of Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology)
Desirable
- Knowledge of Serological and Molecular methods
- Specialised knowledge of Microbiology
- Knowledge of quality systems and processes such as audit
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in Pathology Laboratory Environment
- Experience of working in Microbiology (Bacteriology/Serology/Molecular)
Desirable
- Experience working at a specialist level within Microbiology
- Experience using LIMS (Winpath)
- Experience in use of quality systems and processes
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- HCPC State registration
Desirable
- Specialist portfolio in Medical Microbiology
- Specialist portfolio in Virology
Skills
Essential
- Excellent inter-personal skills
- Ability to utilise evaluation tools
- Standard keyboard skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, at all levels
Desirable
- Flexible in approach and working relationships
Other
Essential
- Ability to tolerate frequent exposure to highly unpleasant substances and infectious substances
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Bedford Hospital
Kempston Road
Bedford
MK42 9DJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Bedford Hospital
Kempston Road
Bedford
MK42 9DJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)