Specialist Biomedical Scientist and Departmental Quality Officer

Job summary
Applications are invited from a highly self-motivated, enthusiastic, suitably qualified and experienced candidates to join the Microbiology team, in the role of Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Quality Officer. Applicants must be HCPC registered, have a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or Fellowship of the IBMS with extensive post registration experience in a NHS routine diagnostic laboratory. Applicants must be prepared to work and attend meetings at any site.

Main duties of the job
An advanced scientific knowledge of Microbiology along with the ability to demonstrate extensive experience of staff support, training, development and supervision is essential.

An extensive knowledge and awareness of the requirements of UKAS ISO 15189 standards and the UKAS accreditation journey.

The successful candidate will act as part of the Senior Specialist BMS team and as the Quality Officer for Microbiology.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job responsibilities
We are seeking an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist with a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline or Fellowship of the IBMS, together with substantial post-registration experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory. Applicants should possess an advanced scientific knowledge of microbiology, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a proven ability to support, train and develop staff.A strong understanding of quality management systems, accreditation standards, audit processes and continuous improvement methodologies is essential. Experience of supporting or leading UKAS assessments and implementing quality improvements within an accredited laboratory environment would be highly advantageous.The successful candidate will become an integral member of the Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist team and will play a key role in maintaining and developing the department's quality culture, ensuring the continued delivery of safe, effective and high-quality diagnostic services.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Postgraduate qualification
• Post Registration Experience NHS Virology Laboratory (5+years)
• HCPC registration
• MSc/Mphil(Master of Science or Philosophy) or equivalent & FIBMS.

Desirable

• Quality Qualification (IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Quality)
• Experience of UKAS assessments and Quality Management Systems
• Post Registration Experience NHS Microbiology Laboratory (5+years)

Equality Diversity Inclusion
Essential

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.