Sti Reference Laboratory Operational Lead (Deputy Virology Lab Manager)

Salary & Grade: AfC Band 8a (National) £50,952 - £57,349

The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust (Severn Pathology). This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialities located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.

The laboratory is located within North Bristol NHS Trust and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest.

The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work. The virology department has recently established a partnership with Colindale to re-establish a national bacterial STI Reference Laboratory.

You will act as STI Reference Laboratory Operational Lead and deputise for the Virology Laboratory Manager with delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management of the work of the Virology department and associated STI Reference Laboratory functions in cooperation with the Virology Laboratory Manager. You all also assist with liaison between the Bristol and Colindale laboratories and other units of UKHSA, NHS organisations and local authorities.

You would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS.

We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.

Location

This is a lab based role located at Severn Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS105NB.

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

Responsibilities section:

As the STI Reference Laboratory Operational Lead (Deputy Virology Lab Manager), you will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• To deputise in the absence of the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations / Laboratory Managers and other Senior Team Managers staff
• Assist the Virology Laboratory Manager in the recruitment and selection of appropriate staff and in the induction, education and training and professional development of staff.
• Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences
• To maintain the physical skills and knowledge obtained through practice to work in order to support the working of the laboratory as a whole when required
• To carry out and interpret highly complex tests, including a variety of molecular techniques.
• To be responsible for analysis of biological samples involving complex/specialist investigations
• Manage the provision of an efficient and timely Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory service and monitor the service against the standards agreed with users
• Lead the introduction, maintenance and improvement of methodologies and innovations within Clinical Virology and the STI Reference Laboratory in cooperation with the Service Development and Clinical Scientists and working with the Consultant Virologist and clinical leads to develop the service according to clinical need
• Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained
• Take a lead role in advising staff regarding technical difficulties

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

• Registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio or relevant experience.
• An MSc (or a degree and relevant experience) in Microbiology or Biological Science or related subject.
• Health and Safety qualification IOSSH or equivalent.
• Laboratory experience in working within the field of STI diagnostics
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Understands quality assurance principles and procedures.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and initiate change in laboratory practice
• Evidence of in depth technical and theoretical knowledge of molecular techniques.
• Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively.
• Able to respond positively to change.
• Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing
• Evidence of negotiating skills

Desirable

• Relevant management training and qualification to certification level
• Understanding of training programmes and training assessment
• Evidence of motivating others
• Experience in marketing and liaising with customers
  

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