Senior Biomedical Scientist - Virology

The post holder will serve as a Senior Biomedical Scientist, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality team to support the Virology service through robust quality processes, documentation management, and staff training, ensuring continued compliance with UKAS accreditation standards. Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience with Quality Management Systems, a strong understanding of quality principles, and a proven ability to train staff across all grades.

In this role, the post holder will support the senior Virology team by maintaining and developing departmental documentation, monitoring and managing non-conformances, conducting audits, implementing quality improvements, and delivering training. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with the operational running of the department, contributing to the implementation, monitoring, and review of contractual requirements while ensuring service continuity and effective risk mitigation.

The post holder will work as an HCPCregistered Biomedical Scientist, contributing to the effective delivery of departmental services.

They will support Laboratory Management in implementing and maintaining a cohesive service, working in partnership with the departments clinical lead.

They will be responsible for applying the departments quality policy, including delivery of agreed quality objectives.

They will contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards by using the established Pathology Quality Management System, supporting the quality cycle and audit processes required for ISO 15189 compliance.

They will assist in developing action plans to address nonconformities identified through internal or external audits or complaints, ensuring that corrective and preventative actions are completed and embedded.

They will follow and update departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the QPulse Document Management Module.

Where delegated, they will take responsibility for drafting, reviewing, and implementing SOPs within the QPulse system.

They will manage the daytoday quality operations within the department, supporting senior staff with documentation, and training staff of all grades in standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Qualifications

Essential: - BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent; - Masters degree or related professional health care qualification or equivalent; - HCPC registration

Experience

Essential: - Audit and evaluation, clinical & information governance; - Significant specialist knowledge of Microbiology acquired over a significant period

Desirable: - Managing staff Implementation of new technologies e.g. laboratory equipment and Pathology information management systems

Skills

Knowledge

Essential: - Highly specialised and extensive knowledge of Microbiology

Desirable: - Lean working; - National and local issues facing Pathology