Specialist Biomedical Scientist / Trainee Specialist BMS

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., 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.
Main duties including:
+ 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.
To ensure that we provide world-class patient care, UHCW recruits people that can demonstrate the Trust's Values and Behaviours in their everyday life. Therefore, if you are invited to interview, you will be undertaking a Values Based Interview/Assessment, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trust's Values and Behaviours which can be accessed on the right side of this page under the job description.
The Supporting Information Section in your application should therefore reflect your understanding of the Trust's Values and associated Behaviours. You will be expected to provide us with examples from work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviour.
The Trust is committed to Equal Opportunities within the workplace. All vacancies will be considered for Job Share unless otherwise stated. All applicants who have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be interviewed. Where a post has an overwhelming response, this Trust may use random selection in order to reduce numbers to interview, any disabled applicants will automatically be guaranteed an interview and will be exempt from this process.
In submitting an application form, you authorise University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust to confirm from your previous or current NHS employer and other prior employers; previous NHS service details and personal data held about you, including Occupational Health data (inoculations and screening tests). This data will be transferred using NHS Electronic Staff Record and third-party systems via an automated process and only used for the purposes of obtaining and maintaining accurate employment records, should you be appointed to the post.
UHCW NHS Trust, by virtue of its Green Plan, is committed to ensuring that the way we provide services minimises the impact on the environment and the future health of the public e.g. zero waste to landfill, reducing our carbon footprint and increasing our recycling and reuse percentages.
If you are successful at interview you will receive a conditional offer of employment and we'll ask you for information so that we can carry out pre-employment checks. You must successfully complete all pre-employment checks to progress to a final unconditional offer.
We must confirm the identity of our staff and their right to work in the United Kingdom. We will ask you to submit proof of your identity and right to work documents via a secure digital platform approved by the Home Office, named TrustID. Alternatively, you may be asked to attend our office with original documents.
Depending on you level of exposure with patients you may be required to undertake a Standard or Enhanced DBS. The cost of this check will be charged to you and will be deducted from your salary over the first 3 months of employment at the current rate.
All correspondence will be sent by email; please check your account regularly including your Junk/SPAM folders

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.