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Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Bacteriology IT and Quality Support
| Posting date: | 18 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £38682.00 - £46580.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 05 January 2026 |
| Location: | Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | K9919-25-0496 |
Summary
To assist with the maintenance and improvement of current LIMS-Winpath Enterprise for the Bacteriology section of the Infection sciences laboratory and provide support to other areas of IS as required including hardware troubleshooting/deployment. To assist with the maintenance/development/configuration of upstream/downstream systems (OCS etc) in conjunction with service users. Troubleshoot and triage problems with WPE, report problems, that cannot be solved in house to clinisys and any changes needed. To support client-side liaison with and between Clinisys and BD to interface Kiestra To support and undertake IT project work as required (e.g. LIMS alterations/Interface development and deployment. Third party software role out within Infection Sciences. To ensure compliance with IT policies and Procedures within Infection sciences and users as required. To assist with the maintenance and improvement of key interfaces (Kiestra) To support external customer projects requiring IT support/reconfiguration/deployment e.g. EPR upgrade/maintenance. To assist with the training of laboratory staff on relevant systems To assist with LIMS queries from external companies- e.g. Laboratory equipment provider To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff. This could be through training, auditing and deputising for SEO grade staff on occasion. To be aware of the wellbeing of less qualified staff (AO and EO). To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately To adhere to laboratory SOPs To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes. To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory. To maintain a high standard of technical skill. 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 deputise for more senior staff (SEO grade) as required. To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required. To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results. To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections. To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available. To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff. To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained. To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols. To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade. To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection. To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable. Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects. To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs. To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training etc. To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory To report any accidents to a senior member of staff To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate containment level To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals. To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner. *Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive* Essential criteria Biomedical Scientist (BMS) Degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS or equivalent experience State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent relevant experience Strong working knowledge and competency in Bacteriology and a high level of theoretical and practical microbiological knowledge Knowledge of common IT programmes and good keyboard skills together with excellent understanding of the IT security policies and procedures of both collaborating partners Knowledge of Quality management systems and accreditation with experience in incident and audits closure ISO 15189:2022 Good accuracy and interpretative skills at bench level Able to communicate well with staff at all levels and able to provide judgement on a range of complex problems Able to plan day to day organisation of relevant areas Able to organise less qualified staff and demonstrate skills in leadership Able to train less qualified and less experience staff Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff An understanding of a commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships Desirable criteria: Knowledge and experience of Infection Sciences LIMS implementation, training delivery and client-side interface development Able to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development Stage 1: Application & Sift This vacancy is using Competency At sift stage you will be assessed against the 13 essential criteria listed in the job advert. You will be required to complete an: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1250 word supporting statement Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Only those who meet ALL essential criteria will be taken through to the next stage Shortlisting: If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria will be conducted: State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large number of successful candidates. Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Competency based You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. This vacancy is being assessed using competency. During the interview we will assess against the below: Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check. When you are based at one of our labs, you willbe required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Salary Information If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.