Biomedical Scientist, Mycology Reference Laboratory

Salary & Grade: AfC Band 6 with CRF GBP35,392 - GBP42,618

The UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory in Bristol is one of the few reference laboratories that are situated outside the main reference facility currently housed at Colindale. The laboratory undertakes local diagnostic testing and national reference and referred tests across a varied panel, together these currently amount to more than 65,000 tests per year. The laboratory also houses and maintains the UK National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi (NCPF) and works with the North Bristol Trust Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory to provide an assay service for antifungal drugs.

The laboratory currently employs 17 staff, and the post-holder would be an integral part of the team providing a comprehensive national diagnostic and reference service to assist with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and surveillance of fungal infection and antifungal drug resistance within the UK.

The post holder will act as a Biomedical Scientist to provide specialist technical and clerical activities in support of the scientific services to patients and service users as an aid to clinical diagnosis within the Mycology Reference Laboratory. You would be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties, such as media and microtitre dilution plate preparation, performance of antibody, antigen and other fungal biomarker tests, culture identification and susceptibility testing to ensure the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Healthcare Scientist (HCS) and Clinical Scientist (CS) staff. To prepare and disseminate reports, evaluate and introduce new tests and procedures and assist in the calibration, cleaning and maintenance of specialist equipment.

Location

This is a lab-based role located at Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol, BS10 5NB.

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.

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Understand use of the LIMS, undertake data entry for samples received and look up results. -Assist in the production/dissemination of lab reports, data and statistics, including issuing of authorised reports by telephone. Awareness of the priority of reports.
• Liaise with service users for general enquiries.
• Process clinical specimens, including reading and interpreting cultures.
• Perform/interpret identification and sensitivity tests on clinical isolates.
• Recognise anomalous results and ensure that important/unusual reports are drawn to the attention of senior staff. Report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
• Liaise with medical, scientific and other healthcare staff in all matters relating to diagnosis.
• Assist in calibration and maintenance of equipment. Use equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Assist in the research/evaluation of new methods/equipment.
• Maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in all tests carried out in the laboratory.
• The postholder would assist in the training of other staff and visitors to the laboratory and to cover the duties of other healthcare staff in their absence where possible.
• You would help revive, prepare and dispatch items for the National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi.

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:

• BSc in a relevant subject
• State registration with HCPC
• Working knowledge of mycology laboratory procedures
• At least 2 years post-registration experience in a relevant field
• Experience with LIMS
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes
• Evidence of ability to train others
• Knowledge of health and safety practices
• Able to provide judgement on a range of problems
• Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff.

Desirable:

• MSc in a relevant subject
• Practical experience in a mycology laboratory
• Experience of working in a healthcare environment

For full job description and further details, please click Apply Now.