Mirobiology Laboratory Manager

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Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Microbiology Laboratory Manager.

As a head of department (Band 8a) in the Microbiology Department the post holder will be responsible for the operational and technical delivery of the service and management of all sections of the department including Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics as well as maintenance of UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189.

The post holder is the Microbiology budget holder and will take a lead role in the management and development of all staff within the Department.

The Trust is a member of the Pathology Collaboration Board which is aiming to further link the provision of Laboratory services, initially via shared procurement and a shared LIMS system . This post will require collaborative working with other local heads of service to develop strategic plans and policy for Microbiology/Pathology, including technical leadership.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work to meet the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust through effective teamwork, communication, planning, staffing and resource management.

They will be responsible for the day to day operational and technical delivery of the laboratory Microbiology service which operates 7 days a week with weekday opening hours of 08:00-20:00 in Bacteriology and 06:00-20:00 in Virology/Molecular science. At weekends the routine service closes at 18:00. There is an out of hours restricted on call service in Bacteriology

They will manage all staff, sections and resources Microbiology department.

The Microbiology department consists of 21 BMS grade and 17MLA/AP staff across Bacteriology, Virology and Molecular sciences at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The laboratory is accredited by UKAS and is ISO 15189 compliant.

The Bacteriology laboratory equipment includes the BacTalert and Virtuo BC systems, Sedimax, Genetic Signatures, Sensititre and Bruker MALDI-TOF.Virology and Molecular sciences have Architect i1000 and Vidas for serology, Roche COBAS 4800, Qiastat, Cepheid GeneXpert, NeuMoDx and Elitech InGenius molecular platforms, also Gemini and Fungitell STAT for Beta D Glucan.

They will contribute to long-term planning of Pathology services, co-ordinated by the Pathology Laboratory Management Team that consists of the Departmental Managers and Clinical leads

About us

We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS and especially here at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents - it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live . In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Due to Blackpool's convenient location, Edinburgh in the north and London in the south can be reached within three hours by train.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining healthy home-life balance. Working patterns such as: part time working, self-rostering, compressed hours, annualised hours, term time, reverse term time and flexitime working can be explored. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure the department is operating in accordance with national guidance and maintain UKAS accreditation ISO 15189 standards.
To ensure all requests submitted are processed in accordance with department agreed protocols.
To be responsible for the technical leadership for service developments which clinical teams and Consultant Microbiologists or Clinical Scientists may wish to introduce.
To monitor and maintain the high professional standards of the Microbiology service and initiate remedial action where necessary.
To plan, oversee, perform, and technically validate all Microbiological investigations to a high level of competence.
To oversee the technical validation of test results prior to reporting, ensuring the standard operating procedures as agreed by the Consultant Microbiologists are followed.
To be responsible for the data management of results on the laboratory computer systems to ensure they are reported accurately and in a timely manner.
To implement and monitor Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.
To ensure the effective and timely commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology to ISO 15189 standards.
To give technical support and guidance to all Microbiology staff, clinical staff and for research / clinical trials involving Microbiology.
To implement Microbiology polices and maintain all documentation.
To ensure stock levels are maintained to the required level within Microbiology.
To ensure equipment within the department is fit for purpose, monitored, working at optimal performance and maintain maintenance records.
To ensure the commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology according to policies and procedures.
To implement new methodology into Microbiology in accordance with the Departments planning, also improve and develop existing methodology.

SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT DUTIES

To be a member of the Pathology Management team and deputise for the Pathology Directorate Manager as required.
To represent the Microbiology Department at the Pathology Directorate meetings.
To be named Quality Lead for the department.
To be named Health and Safety lead for the department.
To work with the Pathology Directorate Manager and other local heads of service to develop strategic plans and policy for Microbiology/Pathology, including technical leadership for any collaborative working across the network.
To contribute to the planning of decisions regarding laboratory repertoire and equipment procurement.
To provide statistical information within Microbiology and produce written reports.
To contribute to the recruitment, appointment, and retention of staff in line with Trust polices and guidelines.
To take a lead in control of staff deployment and maintain discipline in Microbiology according to Trust Policy.
To ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Health and Safety, fire etc. in the section.
To conduct annual appraisal for the Team leaders and ensure all staff have an appraisal once a year.
To ensure that developmental needs identified from appraisals are actioned.
To undertake responsibility for counselling, grievance, and welfare matters.
To develop strategic business plans for Microbiology.
To contribute to the analysis and workforce planning needs of the Microbiology establishment and skill mix as appropriate to the safe provision of service.
To organise staff in covering the 24-hour working patterns of Microbiology.
To oversee the monitoring and recording of attendance, holidays, special leave, and sickness absence.
Monitor cost effectiveness with the Microbiology budget.
To share responsibility for producing a balanced budget and contributing to the Trusts Quality and Efficiency Plan.
To lead on business case development for staff, equipment purchases or new service developments.

TEACHING / DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNICATION

To co-ordinate induction, training and development of all staff in Microbiology.
To ensure personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs.
To ensure personal compliance with professional codes of conduct and personal development according to service needs.
To facilitate two-way communication between higher management and staff.
To promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.
To liaise with other BMSs on matters of common interest.
To develop appropriate links with colleagues in the Pathology Clinical Network and Public Health Agencies.
To maintain up-to-date knowledge of methodology and technology in all aspects of Microbiology.
To ensure all staff are competent to perform microbiological techniques and other relevant tasks and maintain up to date records of the competencies of staff within the department.
To provide mentorship to technical staff within Microbiology and to encourage continual professional and personal development.
To work with the Training and Education Lead to provide support and supervision for staff engaged on work related study including portfolios and apprenticeships.
To develop links with colleagues and stakeholders as appropriate to the Microbiology service.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

To be the Departmental Quality Lead
To ensure that incidents and complaints are investigated in a timely manner and appropriate actions implemented.
To ensure that Quality Management Systems are maintained as scheduled.
To ensure audits are performed at regular, scheduled intervals to confirm compliance with and the development of professional and local policies and procedures.
To work within agreed Trust policies and protocols.
To ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

FINANCE

To be responsible for the Microbiology budget, producing a balanced budget and achieving financial improvement targets.
Provide financial control for the department and ensure that its managed within its financial limits.
To coordinate the ordering of laboratory consumables and monitor cost effectiveness within the Microbiology budget.

PERSONAL

To deputise for the Directorate Manager as directed.
To ensure the effective deployment of Biomedical Scientists in the department.
To ensure comprehensive EWP rotas are prepared in a timely fashion.
To develop close working relationships and communicate effectively with the Consultants and Clinical Scientists in the Microbiology Department

We recommend that all individuals employed in patient facing roles, or those located on a ward or department where patients receive a service should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Job description
Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure the department is operating in accordance with national guidance and maintain UKAS accreditation ISO 15189 standards.
To ensure all requests submitted are processed in accordance with department agreed protocols.
To be responsible for the technical leadership for service developments which clinical teams and Consultant Microbiologists or Clinical Scientists may wish to introduce.
To monitor and maintain the high professional standards of the Microbiology service and initiate remedial action where necessary.
To plan, oversee, perform, and technically validate all Microbiological investigations to a high level of competence.
To oversee the technical validation of test results prior to reporting, ensuring the standard operating procedures as agreed by the Consultant Microbiologists are followed.
To be responsible for the data management of results on the laboratory computer systems to ensure they are reported accurately and in a timely manner.
To implement and monitor Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.
To ensure the effective and timely commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology to ISO 15189 standards.
To give technical support and guidance to all Microbiology staff, clinical staff and for research / clinical trials involving Microbiology.
To implement Microbiology polices and maintain all documentation.
To ensure stock levels are maintained to the required level within Microbiology.
To ensure equipment within the department is fit for purpose, monitored, working at optimal performance and maintain maintenance records.
To ensure the commissioning of new equipment in Microbiology according to policies and procedures.
To implement new methodology into Microbiology in accordance with the Departments planning, also improve and develop existing methodology.

SUPERVISORY / MANAGEMENT DUTIES

To be a member of the Pathology Management team and deputise for the Pathology Directorate Manager as required.
To represent the Microbiology Department at the Pathology Directorate meetings.
To be named Quality Lead for the department.
To be named Health and Safety lead for the department.
To work with the Pathology Directorate Manager and other local heads of service to develop strategic plans and policy for Microbiology/Pathology, including technical leadership for any collaborative working across the network.
To contribute to the planning of decisions regarding laboratory repertoire and equipment procurement.
To provide statistical information within Microbiology and produce written reports.
To contribute to the recruitment, appointment, and retention of staff in line with Trust polices and guidelines.
To take a lead in control of staff deployment and maintain discipline in Microbiology according to Trust Policy.
To ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Health and Safety, fire etc. in the section.
To conduct annual appraisal for the Team leaders and ensure all staff have an appraisal once a year.
To ensure that developmental needs identified from appraisals are actioned.
To undertake responsibility for counselling, grievance, and welfare matters.
To develop strategic business plans for Microbiology.
To contribute to the analysis and workforce planning needs of the Microbiology establishment and skill mix as appropriate to the safe provision of service.
To organise staff in covering the 24-hour working patterns of Microbiology.
To oversee the monitoring and recording of attendance, holidays, special leave, and sickness absence.
Monitor cost effectiveness with the Microbiology budget.
To share responsibility for producing a balanced budget and contributing to the Trusts Quality and Efficiency Plan.
To lead on business case development for staff, equipment purchases or new service developments.

TEACHING / DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNICATION

To co-ordinate induction, training and development of all staff in Microbiology.
To ensure personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional and personal development according to service needs.
To ensure personal compliance with professional codes of conduct and personal development according to service needs.
To facilitate two-way communication between higher management and staff.
To promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.
To liaise with other BMSs on matters of common interest.
To develop appropriate links with colleagues in the Pathology Clinical Network and Public Health Agencies.
To maintain up-to-date knowledge of methodology and technology in all aspects of Microbiology.
To ensure all staff are competent to perform microbiological techniques and other relevant tasks and maintain up to date records of the competencies of staff within the department.
To provide mentorship to technical staff within Microbiology and to encourage continual professional and personal development.
To work with the Training and Education Lead to provide support and supervision for staff engaged on work related study including portfolios and apprenticeships.
To develop links with colleagues and stakeholders as appropriate to the Microbiology service.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

To be the Departmental Quality Lead
To ensure that incidents and complaints are investigated in a timely manner and appropriate actions implemented.
To ensure that Quality Management Systems are maintained as scheduled.
To ensure audits are performed at regular, scheduled intervals to confirm compliance with and the development of professional and local policies and procedures.
To work within agreed Trust policies and protocols.
To ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

FINANCE

To be responsible for the Microbiology budget, producing a balanced budget and achieving financial improvement targets.
Provide financial control for the department and ensure that its managed within its financial limits.
To coordinate the ordering of laboratory consumables and monitor cost effectiveness within the Microbiology budget.

PERSONAL

To deputise for the Directorate Manager as directed.
To ensure the effective deployment of Biomedical Scientists in the department.
To ensure comprehensive EWP rotas are prepared in a timely fashion.
To develop close working relationships and communicate effectively with the Consultants and Clinical Scientists in the Microbiology Department

We recommend that all individuals employed in patient facing roles, or those located on a ward or department where patients receive a service should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Fellowship (FIBMS) / Masters Degree or equivalent experience
State registration with Health Care Professions Council
Substantial management experience

Desirable

Membership with IBMS
Willing to pursue further qualifications
Management Qualification

Experience and Achievements

Essential

Significant experience as a senior BMS within a Microbiology department
Substantial leadership experience
Knowledge of health and safety legislation pertaining to Clinical Microbiology laboratories
Experience of UKAS accreditation and involvement in pre-assessment preparations and resolution of findings
Experience of laboratory quality management systems
Experience of managing and / or performing validation and verification and completing relevant documentation
Experience of using online Incident Reporting Systems
Experience of writing Risk Assessments & SOPs
Experience of recording and analysing data and trends
Experience knowledge and understanding of Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Biology
Experience of training and supporting staff through education
Experience of staff appraisal

Desirable

Significant experience of managing staff on an operational level and in relation to HR issues
Experience of procuring and commissioning new equipment
Experience of managing budgets
Leading change that has led to significant improvements
Experience of chairing meetings

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Technically competent with all round Microbiological skills
Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels
Ability to organise own workload and that of the department
Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards and how they are applied in a Microbiology laboratory
Good analytical and report writing skills
Knowledge of laboratory IT systems
Self-motivated with evidence of achievement
Capable of working under pressure
Strong leadership skills
Able to analyse complex information and produce reports
Effective personal and time management skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities
Ability to deal with information sensitively and confidentially
Flexible to meet the needs of the service

Desirable

Good understanding of finance and clinical governance

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential

Fellowship (FIBMS) / Masters Degree or equivalent experience
State registration with Health Care Professions Council
Substantial management experience

Desirable

Membership with IBMS
Willing to pursue further qualifications
Management Qualification

Experience and Achievements

Essential

Significant experience as a senior BMS within a Microbiology department
Substantial leadership experience
Knowledge of health and safety legislation pertaining to Clinical Microbiology laboratories
Experience of UKAS accreditation and involvement in pre-assessment preparations and resolution of findings
Experience of laboratory quality management systems
Experience of managing and / or performing validation and verification and completing relevant documentation
Experience of using online Incident Reporting Systems
Experience of writing Risk Assessments & SOPs
Experience of recording and analysing data and trends
Experience knowledge and understanding of Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology and Molecular Biology
Experience of training and supporting staff through education
Experience of staff appraisal

Desirable

Significant experience of managing staff on an operational level and in relation to HR issues
Experience of procuring and commissioning new equipment
Experience of managing budgets
Leading change that has led to significant improvements
Experience of chairing meetings

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Technically competent with all round Microbiological skills
Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels
Ability to organise own workload and that of the department
Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards and how they are applied in a Microbiology laboratory
Good analytical and report writing skills
Knowledge of laboratory IT systems
Self-motivated with evidence of achievement
Capable of working under pressure
Strong leadership skills
Able to analyse complex information and produce reports
Effective personal and time management skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities
Ability to deal with information sensitively and confidentially
Flexible to meet the needs of the service

Desirable

Good understanding of finance and clinical governance

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 .

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. .
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
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 .

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address

Pathology Laboratory

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals

Blackpool

FY3 8NR

Employer's website

Mirobiology Laboratory Manager

Mirobiology Laboratory Manager

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