Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo
Full-time
On-site
Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Scientist

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a unique organisation, serving as the sole integrated provider in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire system. Our scope extends beyond boundaries as we oversee adult community services in Swindon and provide acute care from the Great Western Hospital. 

Our 5,500 staff have 1.2m patient contacts a year, with 13,000 operations carried out in our Theatres, around 4,000 babies born, and our emergency attendances are now well over 100,000 per year. Those numbers only tell part of our story about what an exciting time it is to join Great Western Hospitals.

We are cultivating a culture that fosters our ambitions, prioritising equality, diversion, inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. We aim to create an environment where every member of our team can truly thrive.

The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer; all applicants who have a disability can opt to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme, which means that, providing they meet the minimum essential criteria for the post, they will be offered an interview. We are also proudly accredited as a Veteran Aware organisation and have signed The Armed Forces Covenant.

If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close adverts prior to the published closing date. Therefore, we advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

Job overview

We are looking for a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our Microbiology Team on a full time basis.

Biomedical Scientists (BMS) are an integral part of the laboratory team responsible for the diagnosis of infection and disease processes by the application of latest scientific knowledge, coupled with the most up to date scientific methods and use of traditional methods where required.  BMS carry out, and interpret the results of, laboratory tests on biomedical samples that will aid clinical staff in the diagnoses of illness and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.  Further professional development will be expected, as the post holder works towards a Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology.

Advert

  1. To interpret clinical details and patient demographic data for the allocation of tests to samples.
  2. To process biomedical samples using various techniques with a high degree of competency in accordance with standard operating procedures, providing accurate and timely appropriate results.
  3. To accurately interpret and report timely complex analytical results, and authorise Microbiology reports according to laboratory policy.
  4. To communicate effectively test results by telephone, printed report or electronic report, deal with telephone enquiries, and provide technical advice to laboratory users.
  5. To be able to make decisions regarding the quality of specimens and the validity of test data and ensure any anomalies / errors are reported to Senior BMS staff as soon as possible.
  6. To use complex and technical laboratory equipment in the course of their duties including maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment.

Working for our organisation

Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
  2. To work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.
  3. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
  4. To rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology department.
  5. To participate in rotas covering Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday mornings as required.
  6. To participate in the out-of-hours service in a lone worker situation.
  7. To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings and laboratory meetings as appropriate.
  8. To participate in annual joint review in accordance with the Trust appraisal policy.

Thank you for expressing interest in this role. For further employer guidance, please review the attached supplementary applicant information.

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used, then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications, subject to eligibility of the role for a skilled worker visa and salary requirements. Not all roles in the Trust are eligible for sponsorship.

Eligibility for this role requires:

  • Current right to work in the UK, subject to verification.
  • Qualification of the eligibility sponsorship criteria

From 4 April 2024, UK immigration policy changes has increased minimum salary levels for skilled workers. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

Current employees should be aware that this position is advertised as a Great Western Hospitals position and appointment ends any TUPE protection.

Candidates are responsible for covering the cost of their own DBS check if required: £21.50 for a Standard DBS check, recoverable from the first pay, or £49.50 for an Enhanced DBS check, divided and recoverable over the initial two pay periods. Payment for DBS checks for bank posts must be settled prior to commencement. Apprentices are exempt from DBS payment.

We are committed to supporting our staff in achieving a healthy work-life balance through flexible work arrangements. Upon joining the Trust, you have the right to request flexible working, with an unlimited number of requests allowed.

Upon acceptance of a job offer, your information will be transferred to the national NHS Electronic Staff Records System. All communication regarding your application will be conducted via email; please ensure to check your junk/spam folders as emails may occasionally be filtered there.

Apply now