Senior Biomedical Scientist Microbiology (Training Officer)
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Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Senior Biomedical Scientist Microbiology (Training Officer)
The closing date is 18 September 2026
Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our busy, friendly team to work in our Microbiology laboratory. Applications are invited from experienced HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientists.
The laboratory is based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and is ISO 15189 and IBMS training status accredited.
The vacancy is for a Band 7 senior Microbiologist (Full time 37.5 hours) including Weekend and Bank Holiday shifts. There may also be the requirement to work some late (12-8pm) early (8-4pm) and on call shifts.
The successful applicant will be appointed as a Training Officer and will be expected to lead, coordinate, and support training activities within the department. This will include developing and delivering training programmes, assessing staff competency, maintaining training records, supporting compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements, and promoting continuous professional development amongst staff. The post holder will be expected to work collaboratively with managers, senior staff, and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality training and workforce development.
The successful candidate will have a positive and proactive approach to the role. They will be able to demonstrate resilience and have proven leadership skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to seek opportunities for continuous improvement whilst ensuring compliance in a highly regulated service.
Main duties of the job
Daily supervise routine and specialised diagnostic investigations on potentially infectious patient and environmental samples using manual and automated techniques.
Daily supervises and co-ordinates the day-to-day operations of a section or sections of the laboratory, solving complex analytical problems to ensure a high standard of work that is completed in a safe and timely manner.
Knows how to proceed in the event of a technical / analytical non-conformance and when to inform the Quality Manager and Laboratory Manager
Completes non-conformance record forms and submits to the Senior BMS/Quality Lead and / or Quality Manager.
To co-operate with the Laboratory Manager and Quality Manager in the evaluation and implementation of new equipment and Standard Operating Procedures as required.
Develop, maintain, and review Standard Operating Procedures in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality Manager
About us
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is more than 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us. Our values, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Being open and honest
Ensuring people feel cared for
Showing respect to everyone
We are committed to developing a culture of continuous improvement by embedding the principles of our Improvement System.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
DBS Checks and Costs
Any applicants who are offered posts requiring a DBS check as part of their employment check will have the cost of this check (at the current rate) deducted from their salary. Please see link in Supporting Information section for more details on DBS checks and costs.
Details
Date posted
04 September 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9365-26-0690
Job locations
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR5 1DD
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY:
To practice as a Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) Registered BMS in accordance with Statutory Regulations, Professional Standards, WAH NHS Trust and local Policies & Procedures including Health & Safety.
To maintain high professional standards by continual professional development and be competent in the performance of tests and investigations undertaken.
Supervise and co-ordinate the day-to-day operations of a component section or sections of the laboratory including General Bacteriology, specialist Containment Level 3 Facility, Environmental, Mycology and Parasitology on a rotational basis.
JOB PURPOSE:
Daily supervise routine and specialised diagnostic investigations on potentially infectious patient and environmental samples using manual and automated techniques.
Frequently handles potentially highly infectious and known highly infectious material in order to perform subjective interpretation of diagnostic investigations and be responsible for the validity of results.
Daily supervises and co-ordinates the day-to-day operations of a section or sections of the laboratory, solving complex analytical problems to ensure a high standard of work that is completed in a safe and timely manner.
Knows how to proceed in the event of a technical / analytical non-conformance and when to inform the Quality Manager and Laboratory Manager
Completes non-conformance record forms and submits to the Senior BMS/Quality Lead and / or Quality Manager.
Daily record and report results, in electronic form and / or verbally, to persons authorized to receive them. Informs Medical staff of significant / urgent results.
Daily perform technical validation of electronic reports using DSE prior to release to Medical Microbiologists
Frequently perform tasks that include accuracy, precision and the use and maintenance of specialist equipment.
Maintain equipment logs, for the General Bacteriology Section, including maintenance and repair.
Participate in the maintenance and revision of Equipment Standard Operating Procedures.
Frequently offer specialist technical advice to Medical staff, patients and other service users on validity of results including reference ranges, appropriate specimens / sampling and turnaround times.
To participate in induction, training and supervision of AP, MLA, Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS, Band 6 BMS and other staff and visitors in all relevant aspects of laboratory work including Health & Safety as directed by the Laboratory Manager
To develop and maintain the Departmental Competency Assessment schemes for Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS, Band 6 & 7 BMS, AP, MLA & DEC staff in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager.
To participate in own competency assessment scheme.
Participate in personally and perform Trust Personal Development Review (PDR) for AP, MLA, Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS and Band 6 BMS staff and inform the Laboratory Manager of any training and development needs.
To participate in the sickness management and return to work for all staff sickness
Monitor stocks of kits, reagents and consumables and report supply deficiencies to the appropriate AP and / or Senior BMS.
To participate in the maintenance of the Quality Management System including, internal and external quality control and assurance in accordance with UKAS, HCPC, and other Accreditation bodies.
To be a nominated Microbiology Audit Officer and conduct audit of vertical, horizontal and examination audits in accordance with the Laboratory Audit Programme.
To co-operate with the Laboratory Manager and Quality Manager in the evaluation and implementation of new equipment and Standard Operating Procedures as required.
Develop, maintain, and review Standard Operating Procedures in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality Manager
To participate in Clinical Trials / Research and Development as directed by a Consultant Microbiologist.
Present scientific, technical data and audit data at staff meetings using appropriate communication tools.
To assist in the recruitment, selection and induction of staff within line management responsibility.
Knows how to respond to a major incident in accordance with Trust Policy.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Departmental Training Officer To liaise with the BMSs responsible for IQA in order to determine training needs of staff within the department and organise training workshops as required.
To co-ordinate the external assessment process for the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Certificate of Competence Portfolio for Trainee Biomedical Scientists (BMSs)
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager, develop and maintain training programmes for Trainee BMSs, MLAs and co-ordinate the delivery of training.
Named Department contact for the IBMS
Participate in the departmental induction process for newly appointed BMS, MLA, Trainee BMS, clerical staff and work experience students.
Co-ordinate requests for internal training and ensure that the correct application procedures are followed prior to authorisation by the Laboratory Manager. Liaise with the Education & Training Department and other pathology Training Officers regarding the co-ordination of work experience requests and placements.
Liaise with the Trust Training Department and external Training Providers
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and Quality Manager organise technical workshops.
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager, develop and maintain the continuing professional development (CPD) programme within the department.
Apply for IBMS CPD accreditation for training activities (where appropriate) and issue certificates for accredited activitie
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager, develop, implement and maintain the staff competency assessment programmes and identify training needs as required.
Maintains records for all training, competency assessment and CPD activities including, internal, external and Trust activities.
Ensure that all staff are issued with a Personal Development Portfolio and assist staff with the use of the Portfolio.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY:
To practice as a Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) Registered BMS in accordance with Statutory Regulations, Professional Standards, WAH NHS Trust and local Policies & Procedures including Health & Safety.
To maintain high professional standards by continual professional development and be competent in the performance of tests and investigations undertaken.
Supervise and co-ordinate the day-to-day operations of a component section or sections of the laboratory including General Bacteriology, specialist Containment Level 3 Facility, Environmental, Mycology and Parasitology on a rotational basis.
JOB PURPOSE:
Daily supervise routine and specialised diagnostic investigations on potentially infectious patient and environmental samples using manual and automated techniques.
Frequently handles potentially highly infectious and known highly infectious material in order to perform subjective interpretation of diagnostic investigations and be responsible for the validity of results.
Daily supervises and co-ordinates the day-to-day operations of a section or sections of the laboratory, solving complex analytical problems to ensure a high standard of work that is completed in a safe and timely manner.
Knows how to proceed in the event of a technical / analytical non-conformance and when to inform the Quality Manager and Laboratory Manager
Completes non-conformance record forms and submits to the Senior BMS/Quality Lead and / or Quality Manager.
Daily record and report results, in electronic form and / or verbally, to persons authorized to receive them. Informs Medical staff of significant / urgent results.
Daily perform technical validation of electronic reports using DSE prior to release to Medical Microbiologists
Frequently perform tasks that include accuracy, precision and the use and maintenance of specialist equipment.
Maintain equipment logs, for the General Bacteriology Section, including maintenance and repair.
Participate in the maintenance and revision of Equipment Standard Operating Procedures.
Frequently offer specialist technical advice to Medical staff, patients and other service users on validity of results including reference ranges, appropriate specimens / sampling and turnaround times.
To participate in induction, training and supervision of AP, MLA, Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS, Band 6 BMS and other staff and visitors in all relevant aspects of laboratory work including Health & Safety as directed by the Laboratory Manager
To develop and maintain the Departmental Competency Assessment schemes for Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS, Band 6 & 7 BMS, AP, MLA & DEC staff in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager.
To participate in own competency assessment scheme.
Participate in personally and perform Trust Personal Development Review (PDR) for AP, MLA, Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS and Band 6 BMS staff and inform the Laboratory Manager of any training and development needs.
To participate in the sickness management and return to work for all staff sickness
Monitor stocks of kits, reagents and consumables and report supply deficiencies to the appropriate AP and / or Senior BMS.
To participate in the maintenance of the Quality Management System including, internal and external quality control and assurance in accordance with UKAS, HCPC, and other Accreditation bodies.
To be a nominated Microbiology Audit Officer and conduct audit of vertical, horizontal and examination audits in accordance with the Laboratory Audit Programme.
To co-operate with the Laboratory Manager and Quality Manager in the evaluation and implementation of new equipment and Standard Operating Procedures as required.
Develop, maintain, and review Standard Operating Procedures in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality Manager
To participate in Clinical Trials / Research and Development as directed by a Consultant Microbiologist.
Present scientific, technical data and audit data at staff meetings using appropriate communication tools.
To assist in the recruitment, selection and induction of staff within line management responsibility.
Knows how to respond to a major incident in accordance with Trust Policy.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Departmental Training Officer To liaise with the BMSs responsible for IQA in order to determine training needs of staff within the department and organise training workshops as required.
To co-ordinate the external assessment process for the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Certificate of Competence Portfolio for Trainee Biomedical Scientists (BMSs)
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager, develop and maintain training programmes for Trainee BMSs, MLAs and co-ordinate the delivery of training.
Named Department contact for the IBMS
Participate in the departmental induction process for newly appointed BMS, MLA, Trainee BMS, clerical staff and work experience students.
Co-ordinate requests for internal training and ensure that the correct application procedures are followed prior to authorisation by the Laboratory Manager. Liaise with the Education & Training Department and other pathology Training Officers regarding the co-ordination of work experience requests and placements.
Liaise with the Trust Training Department and external Training Providers
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and Quality Manager organise technical workshops.
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager, develop and maintain the continuing professional development (CPD) programme within the department.
Apply for IBMS CPD accreditation for training activities (where appropriate) and issue certificates for accredited activitie
In collaboration with the Laboratory Manager, develop, implement and maintain the staff competency assessment programmes and identify training needs as required.
Maintains records for all training, competency assessment and CPD activities including, internal, external and Trust activities.
Ensure that all staff are issued with a Personal Development Portfolio and assist staff with the use of the Portfolio.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC
- IBMS approved Masters [MSc] degree
- Member of the IBMS
- Certificate of Expert practice: Training (or equivalent knowledge acquired through experience and CPD)
Desirable
- IBMS Higher Specialist Examination
- ILM Level 3 or above (or equivalent)
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of current training requirements of Healthcare Scientists
- Evidence of ongoing participation in CPD
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Good organizational skills
- Produce accurate and timely work including record keeping
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Must be able to work as part of a team.
- Good leadership and motivational qualities
- Able to work with competing deadlines and manage conflicting demands.
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to organise the section/s work on a day-to-day basis.
- Good interpersonal skills.
Experience
Essential
- At least 5 years experience in an NHS Microbiology Laboratory post Specialist Portfolio
- Supervisory experience.
- Training, mentoring and staff development experience
Desirable
- Experience in the recruitment of staff.
- Evidence of formal NHS training (e.g.interview/appraisal training, equipment training courses, IT training etc.)
- Understanding of Health and Safety issues within a microbiology laboratory setting
- Experience of working at a senior level within Microbiology.
- Awareness of accreditation requirements and quality management systems.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Can work as part of a team
- Good leadership and motivational qualities
- Able to work with competing deadlines and manage conflicting demands.
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to organise the section/s work on a day-to-day basis.
- Good interpersonal skills.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC
- IBMS approved Masters [MSc] degree
- Member of the IBMS
- Certificate of Expert practice: Training (or equivalent knowledge acquired through experience and CPD)
Desirable
- IBMS Higher Specialist Examination
- ILM Level 3 or above (or equivalent)
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of current training requirements of Healthcare Scientists
- Evidence of ongoing participation in CPD
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Good organizational skills
- Produce accurate and timely work including record keeping
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Must be able to work as part of a team.
- Good leadership and motivational qualities
- Able to work with competing deadlines and manage conflicting demands.
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to organise the section/s work on a day-to-day basis.
- Good interpersonal skills.
Experience
Essential
- At least 5 years experience in an NHS Microbiology Laboratory post Specialist Portfolio
- Supervisory experience.
- Training, mentoring and staff development experience
Desirable
- Experience in the recruitment of staff.
- Evidence of formal NHS training (e.g.interview/appraisal training, equipment training courses, IT training etc.)
- Understanding of Health and Safety issues within a microbiology laboratory setting
- Experience of working at a senior level within Microbiology.
- Awareness of accreditation requirements and quality management systems.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Can work as part of a team
- Good leadership and motivational qualities
- Able to work with competing deadlines and manage conflicting demands.
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to organise the section/s work on a day-to-day basis.
- Good interpersonal skills.
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR5 1DD
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR5 1DD
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Microbiology Manager
Ruksarna Hussein-Jackson
01905760192
Details
Date posted
04 September 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9365-26-0690
Job locations
Charles Hastings Way
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR5 1DD
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Supporting links (all open in new tabs)
Flexible Working and Support to Staff
There is more to us than WAHT you see
We are committed to developing a culture of continuous improvement
Privacy notice
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
© Crown copyright
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