SCIENTIST MICROBIOLOGY SERVICES SURVEILLANCE

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JOB SUMMARY

This interesting and vitally important role provides an exciting opportunity to join a small multi-disciplinary team in Microbiology Services. Your work will directly impact on the health and safety of both donors and patients.
As the link between the NHSBT reference laboratory and the Microbiology Services clinicians, you will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the Microbiology Services including collaboration with epidemiology and virology colleagues based in Public Health England, as well as the wider NHSBT.
This is a diverse role interpreting a variety of test results on a number of blood and tissue products, including donations from blood, cord, tissue and organ donors. The successful applicant will work with the clinical panel to manage donors with markers of infections, support changes in donor selection and screening and maintain a robust quality framework.
We provide an extensive induction programme and offer a number of opportunities for ongoing development to support you in your role and achieving your career ambitions.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Broad science knowledge particularly virology/microbiology.
• Experience of interpretation of laboratory reports.
• Experience of working with Information Technology using Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Experience of working in an NHS environment and/or in the pharmaceutical industry or similar.
• Experience of working to the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Laboratory Practice and other relevant statutory guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist.
• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline e.g. Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology.
• Specialist additional knowledge acquired through a post graduate diploma or equivalent experience/knowledge working in Microbiology.
• Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD).

ABOUT US

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.
Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.
By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we’ll save and improve more lives than ever.
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
• 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
• We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
  To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.
  This vacancy will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 10th September 2025.
  Interviews are anticipated to be held on 25th September 2025 subject to confirmation.
  For informal enquiries please contact Su Brailsford - Consultant in Epidemiology and Health Protection via email Su.Brailsford@nhsbt.nhs.uk or Farhana Begum Biomedical Scientist, Microbiology Services Surveillance via email Farhana.Begum@nhsbt.nhs.u

You will be required to work with colleagues in the national reference laboratories, screening laboratories and with clinical colleagues to provide a high-quality service. The section provides the link between the laboratories and clinicians for follow-up of donors with markers of infection and suspected transfusion-transmitted infections. Your responsibilities will include:

• Working with the team to ensure that, where possible, suitable actions are taken to allow donors to return to the donation panel.
• Ensuring that all tasks are performed in accordance with current policies, procedures, standards and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Providing specialist advice to a range of service users.
• Contributing to the service provided by Microbiology Services leading to the management of blood donors and contributing to the management of donors of tissues and cells.
• Ensuring the team works closely with the quality departments to manage inappropriate recalls, discards and unusual results.
• Managing the collection, archiving and issue of microbiology positive blood products both internally and externally for use in research, preparation of quality control panels and similar.
• Managing quality issues by working closely with quality assurance colleagues to identify system errors and introduce procedures to reduce this. You will work with colleagues across the section and the wider department to investigate and implement any required changes following quality incidents.
• Acting as mentor, supervisor & trainer of Healthcare Scientist staff within own area of expertise.
• Having knowledge of communicable disease surveillance would be desirable.

You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which will involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice.