Job overview

The Bacteriology department has an exciting vacancy for a Biomedical Scientist, Band 5 or 6, dependent upon previous experience. To be eligible for the role at Band 6 level, you must have completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Microbiology, or have equivalent experience  working in Bacteriology.

The post holder will work as part of a team under the direction of Senior Staff to provide routine and specialist diagnostic laboratory service in Microbiology in accordance with national and professional standards. 

The post holder will work on a rotational basis in all sections of the laboratory.

The post holder will participate in the training, development and supervision of new members of BMS staff, Associate Practitioners,  Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA), medical staff and other healthcare professionals within the department.

To understand more about Pathology at NBT, watch our video. 

Main duties of the job

• To receive, document and process samples submitted to the department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
• To examine and report on microscopic preparations and cultures of patient samples and decide upon further tests required to identify any organisms isolated. To perform antibiotic susceptibility tests on significant pathogens for guidance of patient treatment.
• Process screening samples e.g. MRSA and C. difficile for the Trust Infection Control Team.
• Interpret, technically validate and report on all routine tests.
• To process antibiotic assays, enabling guidance to be given to requesters on effective dosing.
• To work in rotation in any area of the department.
• To work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures.
• To take responsibility for organising their own area of work.
• To telephone important results to an appropriate person when necessary.
• To participate in record keeping processes.
• To enter and retrieve patient / laboratory data from the department’s IT system.
• To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out.
• To prepare and maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
• To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables.
• To be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment.
• To participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
• To participate in quality assurance procedures, including maintenance records and corrective actions.

Working for our organisation

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from
our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of
excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide
exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class
experience for everyone who uses our services.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team
that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

The Bacteriology Laboratory in Bristol forms part of Infection Sciences and is situated within the purpose-built Pathology Sciences Building at
Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust.  A second small laboratory is situated within the Royal United Hospital in Bath. In total, the Laboratory undertakes approximately 1.4 million tests per annum and overall employs 200 highly motivated and dedicated staff.