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University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
About
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Contact
- Address
- University Hospitals of Leicester
- G58/G59 Block A Penn Lloyd Building
- County Hall
- Leicester
- Leicestershire
- LE3 8RA
Clinical Scientist Microbiology
Accepting applications until: 09-Jul-2026 23:59
Vacancy status: Open
Accepting applications until: 09-Jul-2026 23:59
Key details
Location
- Gwefan
- Clinical Mcrobiology, Level 5 Sandringam Building
- Cyfeiriad
- Leicester Royal Infirmary
- Tref
- Leicester
- Cod post
- LE1 5WW
- Major / Minor Region
- Leicestershire
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Permanent
- Oriau
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Salary
- Cyflog
- £49,387 - £56,515 per annum
- Cyfnod cyflog
- Yearly
- Gradd
- (NHS AfC: Band 7)
Specialty
- Prif leoliad
- Clinical Microbiology
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But they shouldn’t replace your own responses or be used to write the application for you.
Relying too much on AI can negatively impact your chances of success, because automatically generated answers:
- might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
- often seem generic and not personalised enough – an AI response won’t show your unique voice and perspective
- could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience
We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.
Trosolwg o'r swydd
An opportunity has arisen for an HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist to join our close-knit team in the UHL Department of Clinical Microbiology. In this position, you will have a central role in innovation and service development as we implement high-throughput automation and sequencing-based diagnostics to develop a modern and efficient clinical microbiology service.
This opportunity is especially suited to an individual with experience in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics for microbial genomics, and metagenomics.
UHL Clinical Microbiology serves one of the UK's largest teaching hospital trusts and primary care services covering a population of over 1 million people with high levels of ethnic diversity and a wide range of socioeconomic conditions, resulting in a unique and diverse profile of infectious diseases, and consequently a varied an interesting role for our Microbiology Clinical Scientists.
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UHL works in partnership with NHS trusts in Northamptonshire, and the Clinical Microbiology service is embedded within the East Midlands Pathology Network (EMPN), providing the post holder with exciting collaborative opportunities to shape the future of infection diagnostics provision locally and across the region.
Research is prominent in UHL Clinical Microbiology, where we deliver NIHR, academic and industry funded research projects in novel diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, respiratory infections and migrant health.
In this role, you will assist in the development and delivery of a quality-driven, cost-effective, patient-focused service. Including:
- Identification of priorities for the improvement of the Clinical Microbiology service through the development, evaluation and validation of innovative diagnostic approaches, with a particular emphasis on molecular diagnostics and microbial genomics.
- Provision and verification of Clinical Microbiology services, particularly those relating to molecular diagnostics, microbial genomics and novel technology.
- Interpretation, authorisation and reporting of the results of microbiological investigations, providing advice where appropriate.
- Participation in research, development and innovation activities, supporting collaborations across UHL, local universities and national innovation networks such as the NHS Respiratory Metagenomics Network.
Gweithio i'n sefydliad
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk
Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl
Key areas of work and result areas are as follows. For full details refer to the job description and person specification.
Service Delivery & Development
- In line with departmental priorities and under the guidance of the departmental Clinical Management Team, to identify and implement developments to improve the quality of the service provided, particularly in relation to advances in technology and methodology.
- Assist and lead in the planning, introduction and delivery of new techniques, methods and technologies within the Laboratory, in particular the use of next generation sequencing technology and bioinformatics to lead the translational development of microbial genomics into the diagnostic service.
- Maintain awareness of developments in the field of diagnostic microbiology and advise the medical microbiology and virology staff on developments that may have a bearing on clinical matters
- As directed, comment on and develop new proposals, protocols and procedures.
- Following ISO standards, be responsible for adhering to the departmental quality management system, including writing and reviewing SOPs, participation in EQA, IQA and audit, maintenance of equipment, monitoring of reagents, etc.
- Undertake specialist diagnostic tests and report the results of these tests, as appropriate to level of knowledge and experience.
Governance and Managerial
- Ensure the service is delivered in accordance with ISO standards through active involvement in the departmental quality management system, including taking responsibility for quality assurance of key service activities (e.g. turn-around-times, incident reporting, near-misses) related to specialist molecular diagnostics assays.
- Regularly participate in and contribute to departmental meetings, including, as appropriate, the Virology, Serology and Molecular meeting, Quality Operational Group meeting, Research, Development and Improvement Discussion Group and Clinical Management Team meeting.
- Supervise and mentor staff, students and new appointees as appropriate, including taking responsibility for training Scientist Training Programme (STP) trainees.
Clinical Microbiology Service
- Work with the other Clinical Scientists, technical and medical staff to deliver Clinical Microbiology services under the direction of the Operational and Clinical Department Leads.
- Under consultant supervision and in line with level of experience, take professional responsibility for scrutiny, authorisation and commenting on clinical microbiology reports, including making clinical interpretations and informing clinicians and public health officers of significant infections, including providing advice where appropriate.
Research
- Initiate, identify funding for, directly undertake, manage and/or lead research, development and innovation (RD&I) projects aimed at ultimately improving the clinical service. This may involve collaborative work at the University of Leicester or other academic institutions.
- Ensure all research is undertaken in accordance with good clinical practice for research and following UHL governance processes.
- Communicate the outcomes of RD&I projects both internally at departmental meetings and seminars and more widely by presentation at national or international conferences and meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Additional Information
Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.
Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.
Applicant requirements
Person specification
Education/Qualification
Meini prawf hanfodol
- HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist (or within 6 months of achieving this)
- MSc in Microbiology, Clinical Science or a related discipline
- BSc in a relevant Biological Science
Meini prawf dymunol
- PhD in a relevant area of research
- Diplomate member of FRCPath (Passed FRCPath part 1 examination)
Experience
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Three years’ experience working in a diagnostic or reference microbiology or virology laboratory (by likely date of appointment)
- Evidence of having conducted audits, presented reports and taken appropriate corrective action.
- Experience with computer software especially databases, statistical analysis packages and bioinformatics tools
- Experience of staff supervision and training of various grades of staff.
- An understanding of ISO 15189:2022 quality standards and UKAS accreditation requirements
Meini prawf dymunol
- Experience of infectious disease epidemiology.
- Experience of hospital and pathology computer systems
- Expertise in bioinformatics tools and relevant programming languages for the analysis of DNA sequence data.
- Experience of completing research grant applications.
Communication and relationship skills
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Evidence of good interpersonal and communication skills and teamwork
- Enthusiasm and drive to take on new scientific, administrative, logistical and service-oriented challenges
- Evidence of providing training for and supervision of junior staff and/or students
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- A record of initiating, directing, coordinating and reporting on R&D activities
Meini prawf dymunol
- Evidence of participation in national or international scientific meetings/ conferences
- A track record of relevant scientific publications
Analytical and Judgement skills
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Evidence of good decision-making skills.
Meini prawf dymunol
- To have developed an expertise in one or more specialised analytical or clinical areas.
Planning and organisation skills
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Ability to handle/co-ordinate several concurrent projects, including prioritisation of work and delegation
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
- All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others
Other requirements specific to the role
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Flexibility with regard to working hours
Further details / informal visits contact
- Enw
- Dr Chris Holmes
- Teitl y swydd
- Consultant Clinical Scientist
- Cyfeiriad ebost
- [email protected]
- Rhif ffôn
- 07483938822
- Gwybodaeth i gefnogi eich cais
For informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr Holmes (preferably by email).
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