The microbiology department at Maidstone Hospital has an exciting opportunity for a Senior BMS with experience or a keen interest in training. and are looking for someone to join our current training officer as we expand our workforce to accommodate 7 day working. The department is accredited by the IBMS for Registration and Specialist diploma and we are working on achieving accreditation for the Clinical Scientist (STP) training programme.
You will join the laboratory senior team which comprises 8 SBMS, Head and deputy HBMS and 4 medical consultants. Your time will be split between training and documentation requirements , maintaining your own laboratory competency by routinely taking responsibility for a section of the laboratory.
We have a purpose built laboratory including 2 CL3 suites . The department currently uses the following main pieces equipment: Biomerieux: Virtuo,vitek, vidas and biofire. Abbott Architect, Brukker: Malid ToF and Flurocycler for TB and respiratory PCR, Bactec Midgit for TB culture, Serosep enteric bio,
LIMS - currently Telepath but moving to Winpath enterprise within 18 months as part of a Kent and Medway project.
Hybrid working may be a possibility to a maximum of one day a week working from home .
The Trust encourages all staff to undertake CPD which will be self directed along with gaining new skills. We are able to offer a variety of leadership training opportunities or other suitable courses
1) to efficiently manage the training of Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists and support staff in the department
2) to foster a culture of continual learning.
3) To be responsible for the documentation and management of the training records and data bases and the implementation of training programmes and schedules for all grades of staff including external placement and work experience students, in line with regulatory guidelines.
4)to provide the necessary training and supervision of staff within the department and develop and improve professional expertise and specialist skills as required by the changing needs of the service.
5)responsible for implementing and executing a continued professional development programme performing audits as required assessing the compliance of staff in line with regulatory bodies.
6) to be a member of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network Education forum and work with colleagues within microbiology to develop a KMPN microbiology training programme
7) to operate as a Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the microbiology dept covering all areas ( bacteriology, enterics, TB, serology and molecular) on a rotational basis
8) to participate in the single discipline microbiology on call service
9) to act as the lone Senior BMS on weekend shifts
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

JOINING US INCLUDES A COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme , with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
  We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
  Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
  All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
  Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document

Please refer the Job description for details