Biomedical Scientist Practitioner

The Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge current provides services to Addenbrooke’s, Royal Papworth, and the E&N Herts Hospitals, the surrounding district and other NHS Laboratories. It has active research and epidemiological interests. The laboratory is accredited to UKAS ISO 15189 standards with strong teaching interests. Set on the outskirts of the university city of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital is one of the top hospitals in the UK and a thriving NHS Foundation Trust. Addenbrooke’s is closely associated with leading educational providers including the University of Cambridge and is a major centre for biomedical research and education.

The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. It makes extensive use of automation including Qiagen platforms, Microarray, BacTec, Sedimax, MGIT, Vitek, Centaur XP, Tigris, Panther, Liaison XL and Vidas analysers and BD Kiestra.

Job Summary

The post holder would be HCPC registered and expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS, H5N1 influenza etc

To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological and serological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

To assist in the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to assist in the supervision and training of trainee BMSs or HCSSWs. 

Location

This is a Lab based role located at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Working Pattern – Full-Time, 24-hour shift pattern including weekends.

Responsibilities section:

• To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturer’s guidelines and training.
• Based upon knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on the various samples.
• Using microbiological, serological and molecular techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Laboratory, namely Serology, Virology, Molecular Diagnostics and Bacteriology.
• To adhere to laboratory SOPs and to organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
• To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
• To be able to interpret and report on routine Microbiology tests.
• To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
• To maintain consumable supplies within the area of responsibility.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

• Educated BMS degree or equivalent, ongoing training in line with HCPC/IBMS portfolio, demonstration of on-going participation in CPD activity, and state registration with HCPC.
• GCSE or equivalent qualifications at C or above in English and Maths.
• Evidence of manual skills and working with numbers, keyboard skills, ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills.
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales.

Desirable

• Evidence of continuing professional development and willingness to study for a post-registration qualification.
• Experience as BMS and knowledge of administrative procedures, project management or information analysis.
• Basic knowledge of project principles.
• Ability to pull together comprehensive draft reports, data and letters Negotiating, networking and persuasive skills.

Working for the UKHSA

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form and statement of suitability. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this. 

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve an interview either face to face or via video. 

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. 

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 12^th of April 2024 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: TBC

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.  Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.  People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. 

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/