Biomedical Scientist - Infection Sciences

Job summary As Part of the commissioning of the Hertfordshire and West Essex (HWE) Pathology service HSL will establish a new hub laboratory based at 7 Croxley Park, Watford.
This newly developed hub laboratory will provide pathology testing across a range of disciplines including Sample Reception, Biochemistry, Haematology, Routine Coagulation and Microbiology.The HSL laboratory services will be supported by wider facilities including stores, courier control, general HSL offices and a staff breakout/kitchen area and will provide parking facilities for HSL staff and hub laboratory is enhanced by the wider Business Park facilities which include bus access from local Watford stations, cafeteria and on-site gym set within parkland surroundings".The Halo, HSLs flagship suite of laboratories spread over 11 floors, is home to more than 1,000 staff working within a connected suite of laboratories.
The pioneering work conducted at the Halo is seamlessly linked to our group national network of hub and spoke laboratories throughout the UK.We combine The Doctors Laboratorys long standing, specialist pathology expertise with the Royal Free London and UCLHs internationally recognised heritage of continual research, development and academic excellence.
We maintain rigorously high standards of quality, while also delivering efficiencies to healthcare through careful workforce planning, pioneering technology, and significant investment in infrastructure and IT.
Main duties of the job As a BMS within the department you could find yourself working on a number of cutting edge techniques in the daily running of the laboratory, this includes working in a state of the art CL3 laboratory, carrying out Rapid Diagnostic Methods, the chance to attend consultant lead seminars and case studies, and the chance to work with the extensive range of samples processed at the Halo.The Main Duties of a BMS include but are not limited to, performing Real Time PCR assays, using the BD Phoenix system for automated identification and susceptibility testing, working on the BD KIESTRA TLA and MALDI TOF systems, operating Beckman Coulter and Copan instrumentation and analysers such as SediMax, AutionMax and EntericBio.Other responsibilities will include querying specimens for microbiological investigations and carrying out laboratory testing according to defined protocols, to ensure that specimen and request form details are correct and discuss ambiguous test requests with senior scientists or clinicians and to answer enquiries from health care professionals at the hospital or in the community.Within infection sciences staff are encouraged to bring forth their own ideas and suggestions for service improvement and there is a strong focus on promoting a task-orientated culture aimed at supporting confidence and staff empowerment.
About us At HSL weoffer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:Trainingand development opportunities supporting professional developmentAnnualperformance related salary reviewNobanding restrictions: As we are a private company we are not restrictedby salary bandings and so are able to negotiate appropriate salaries based onexperience.
This also means that annual salary reviews do not hit a bandceiling.Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership schemewith Better GymsCashhealthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs includingdentist and opticiansSick PayEntitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20days thereafterPermanentHealth Insurance and Death in Service CoverLifeAssurance providing salary continuation for long termillness (six months qualifying period)EmployeeAssistance Programme supporting staff wellbeingSeasonTicket Loan Scheme interest free loan for the cost of annual travelticketPerkboxAccess to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discountsCompanyPension Scheme company and staff contributions whichincrease with serviceCompetitiveannual leave allowance-28 daysFlexibleworking hours hours standard working week Job description Job responsibilities Thisrole will be based at Croxley Park, Watford, WD18 8YA, however the first 12-18months the post will be based at The Halo Building, WC1H 9AX while preparationsare made to transfer service to Croxley Park.Investigation and analysisof patient andenvironmental samples bythe application of microbiological, biological, serologicaland gene-probe/molecular technology, utilising the most up to datescientific methods inconjunction with traditionalmethods of culture,microscopy, antigen/antibody-complexand molecular diagnosticsand MALDI- TOFfor microbial ID& Undertake nucleic acid amplification technique analysis ofpathogens.The post holder will be required to work withinany section of microbiology/pathology including the high level isolationpathology laboratory.
24/7 working, weekends and bank holidaysTo include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:Participate in all areas of laboratory benchwork, whilst adhering to standard operating procedures and participating intheir regular review and update.Multidisciplinary workingwithin the HLIUPLMolecular diagnostics and amplification techniqueanalysis of pathogens including screening of Gram negative resistance profilesCommunicate patients results and answerenquiries from health care professionals providing information regardingappropriate investigations required and explanation of results, withindepartmental guidelines and professional code of conduct.Interpret clinical information and usescientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advicefrom senior staff and clinicians when necessary.Undertake specimen preparation and analysisfor bacteria, fungi and parasites.
This includes preparation of stained smears,use of the microscope, antibiotic sensitivity testing, also utilising molecularand semi and fully automated techniques and diagnostic kits.Operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.Evaluate and monitor the accuracy andprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality controlprocedures.Interpret complex scientific data and enter test results onpathology computer systemCheck reports for further action by the Microbiology Clinicians.Authorise reports as delegated within departmental policy.Replace stocks ofconsumables and reagents when required and inform the Section Leader if back-upstocks are low.To assist when required in the preparation of documentation for UKAS(ISO) accreditation.Able to solve complex problems within workarea, but advise both clinicians and senior staff of any clinical andmanagerial issuesTraining and EducationMultidisciplinary Training as requiredTo maintain own personaldevelopment and attend departmental meetings as required.To maintain registration withthe Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and participate in a recognisedCPD scheme.To take an active interest inand keep abreast of developments in the discipline.To further develop juniorcolleagues by assisting in the training of SpRs, trainee HCS and MLAstaff, and to undertake,complete, and sign off all competencies associated with these grades.Investigate environmentalsamples for multi drug resistant hospital acquire infections .
Person Specification Experience Essential Theoretical and practical knowledge in all disciplines of pathology relevant to its multidisciplinary nature.
Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in techniques appropriate to the discipline Skills and Abilities Essential Work accurately, neatly and efficiently.
Attention to detail is very important.
Work as part of a team.
Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Work on own initiative Communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English both verbally and in writing.
Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System.
Qualifications Essential BSc /MSc or equivalent IBMS / ACB Portfolio / FRC Path Registration with HCPC Registered with the IBMS or ACB CPD scheme