Job overview

Our laboratory, the Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit (SACU), is an aerobic antimicrobial reference laboratory providing susceptibility/resistance mechanism testing results and advice for all Wales. We are a small, friendly laboratory which produce big results!
We are seeking a HCPC accredited Specialist Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in microbiology. This full-time (08:30-17:00, Mon-Fri) permanent position in University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff) is ideally suited to a BMS with an interest in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and resistance mechanisms.  The post holder will be expected to perform a variety of AST testing/confirmation methods, support outbreak investigations, clinical trials and research projects (including studies for the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility testing (EUCAST). 
The role will include performing AST methodology including disc diffusion, gradient strip, and broth microdilution and agar dilution (using EUCAST guidelines).  The post holder will gain a thorough knowledge of resistance mechanism and detection techniques (including real-time PCR). Full training will be provided. 
The postholder will be expected to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), participate in Quality assurance (EQA, IQA, IQC, audits) and follow Health and safety (H&S) procedures.  
Informal visits are encouraged. Contact Dr Mandy Wootton on 029 2074 3610/  email:[email protected].

Main duties of the job

The main duties of this permanent band 6 BMS role includes: 
1)    Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of referred bacterial isolates to the Specialist Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Unit (SACU).
a)    Bacterial identification using MALDI-ToF
Susceptibility testing by:
b)    AST by disc diffusion
c)    AST by gradient strip MIC
d)    AST by broth microdilution
e)    Interpretation of AST results using EUCAST guidelines. 
f)    Determining if further work is required
2)    Antimicrobial resistance mechanism testing by:
a)    Using enzyme inhibitors
b)    Gene detection by Real-time PCR on Rotorgene platform
c)    Gene detection by Real time PCR on QuantStudio 6.
3)    Data collection using Excel
4)    Recognition of antimicrobial resistance trends, especially during outbreaks.  
5)    Following Standard Operating Procedures/department algorithms and Health and Safety policies
6)    Performing quality assurance – EQA, IQA, IQC, audits etc to ISO 15189:2022 standard
7)    Provide assistance to clinical trials/research studies as required
8)    Be flexible and support other areas of the laboratory when required.
9)    Respond (as appropriate) to emails/telephone enquires from laboratories across Wales.
10)    Develop a high level of understanding of AST and resistance mechanisms and impart this knowledge to junior medical staff/workshop events
Full training will be provided.

Working for our organisation

We are Public Health Wales – the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is ‘working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations. 

Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales.  Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change. 

Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion.  We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.

To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/

For guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/