Specialist Biomedical Scientist / Trainee Specialist BMS

at  University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated Biomedical Scientist to join the rapidly expanding Virology & Molecular Pathology Department. The facility is multi-discipline performing viral serology and molecular testing for a range of pathology disciplines encompassing infection science, cellular pathology and blood science targets. Recent developments include expansion of targets for oncology PCR, implementation of new high throughput equipment and collaboration within the Blood Science transformation.
Coventry & Warwickshire Pathology Service (CWPS) is an established, high profile network operating in a hub and spoke model of care. The viral serology service is based within the hub at George Eliot NHS Trust, whilst the molecular tests are mainly located at UHCW.
The qualification required for a band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist post is the IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent predecessor qualification to this (such as CPSM logbook). In addition, appointed staff must have sufficient post HCPC registration and NHS pathology experience to demonstrate a specialist knowledge of the pathology discipline in which they are applying. These requirements are essential to be appointed as a qualified band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist.
The qualification required for a band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist post is the IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent predecessor qualification to this (such as CPSM logbook). In addition, appointed staff must have sufficient post HCPC registration and NHS pathology experience to demonstrate a specialist knowledge of the pathology discipline in which they are applying. These requirements are essential to be appointed as a qualified band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist.
Applicants who do not meet these criteria but are HCPC registered and have sufficient post registration NHS experience in a Biomedical Scientist post are encouraged. This experience needs to demonstrate broad based knowledge of the Pathology discipline in which they are applying. Such applicants may be considered if there are insufficient candidates to appoint to a band 6 qualified Specialist Biomedical Scientist post. In these circumstances, successful applicants will be appointed as a Trainee Specialist Biomedical Scientist and paid according to the AFC band 5 salary scale. Trainee specialist Biomedical Scientists will be expected to complete the IBMS specialist diploma within 2 years of appointment whilst gaining specialist knowledge and experience within the discipline. A learning contract will be put in place to manage this process and upon completion of this qualification, the trainee will move into a band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist post.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence ® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation’s core values.
As Band 6, the post holder will be responsible for the supervision of department section areas, undertake more specialised tasks including new test validation, audit review, ordering and liaison with supply companies and production and assessment of quality documentation to ISO 15189 standard.
Ideally the successful candidate will be highly self-motivated, quality focused, have experience of supervising staff and workflow and be willing to work within a demanding but rewarding environment. We offer the opportunity to participate in the on-going transformation of the service and encourage staff to bring forward ideas for improvement. Applicants are welcome to view the department as part of their submission.
The successful candidate will be required to work within a 7-day shift system and be required to work across sites.
We offer the opportunity to participate in the ongoing transformation of the service and the ability to rapidly expand both operational and managerial experience
Successful candidates will be both patient and quality focused, innovative and professionally motivated, to help promote and progress CWPS services. They must be confident and adaptive with the ongoing changes and be willing to work flexibly within a demanding, yet rewarding environment.

Daily perform routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient or environmental samples containing potentially infectious material.
To carry out routine maintenance on analytical equipment as required and in accordance with standard operating procedures.
To carry out equipment and method troubleshooting, advise the Section Manager of situations requiring further action, work with service engineers on fault resolution.
To prepare, store and use reagents required for laboratory investigations.
To perform manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations to exacting medical and scientific standards according to Standard Operating Procedures.
Interpretation of diagnostic investigations and be responsible for the validity of results and ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols and procedures
To report to the Section Manager any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure, but be fully involved in the resolution of such events.
To develop and investigate new techniques or analysers as required by the changing needs of the service.
To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time and to take remedial action, for example communicating appropriately with colleagues and managers.
Work to meet laboratory performance targets as directed by senior staff.
For further details please see the attached job description