Biomedical Scientist Microbiology

The Opportunity

We are currently looking for a Veterinary Microbiologist to join our growing veterinary diagnostic laboratory based in Watford, Hertfordshire. You will be working within a busy & friendly team providing exceptional diagnostic support to our customers upon receipt of a variety of samples.

This is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, 1-hour unpaid lunch.

Shifts on rotation between Monday to Saturday

Key Benefits

• Health cash plan (covering dental, physio and optical services) with 24/7 Private GP
• Life Assurance 3 x salary.
• 33 days’ annual leave (including Bank Holidays) rising to 38 with length of service.
• An additional ‘Day for You’, a paid day’s leave for you to use as you wish.
• Access to 24-hour counselling by phone or in person should you feel you need support.
• Internal CPD and access to Clinical Communities.
• Funded certificate opportunities.
• Pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounts on Medivet products and services for your pets.
  
  

Role Accountabilities

Training will be provided for the following tasks, however previous experience would be advantageous:

• Application of basic microbiology techniques e.g., aseptic technique, specimen plating/inoculation, plate streaking
• Understanding & performing basic staining techniques
• Carry out and interpret microscopy e.g. Gram-stains, hair/skin scrape slides
• Parasitology techniques: perform basic parasitology techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory microbiology tests and profiles, specimen requirements & issues regarding specimen quality
• Select the most appropriate media and culture conditions for all specimen types e.g. blood/joint/CSF cultures, skin and ear swabs, urine, faeces, respiratory tract specimens and body cavity effusions
• Knowledge of main zoonotic organisms and relevant clinical specimens
• Identify commonly isolated fungi and yeasts from a wide range of clinical specimens
• Identify commonly isolated bacteria from a wide range of clinical specimens
• Use various automated and manual techniques in microbiology to analyse veterinary clinical specimens e.g. Vitek 2 analyser
• Review and release results through the LIMS system
• Quality control: understanding the importance and application of iQC and EQC in Microbiology. Participate in iQC and EQC as directed by a senior VBMS-M
• Receipt of specimens, labelling and data entry
• Handle telephone and email queries from clients, documenting calls as required to comply with our QMS procedures
• Liaise with administrative staff and colleagues within the diagnostic service to ensure the efficient running of the service.
  
  

Required

Your Skills & Experience

• Application of basic microbiology techniques e.g. aseptic technique, specimen plating/inoculation, plate streaking
• Understanding & performing basic staining techniques
• Knowledge of main zoonotic organisms and relevant clinical specimens
  
  

Nice To Have

• Experience in a high-throughput diagnostic laboratory
• Experience working within a quality management system
• Experience in the validation/review and release of reports
• Experience in analyser operation – Vitek 2. Maintenance, running internal quality control and troubleshooting issues and errors
• Experience working with veterinary specimens
  
  

About Us

Medivet is a leading veterinary care provider, with practices across the UK including a number of 24-hour veterinary centres and referral centres. We also have a growing presence overseas with practices in France, Germany and Spain.

We’re proud to support a large, connected and growing community of colleagues who provide exceptional care that’s always there. That’s more than a strapline for us, we truly believe every interaction we have matters and that we can make a real difference. This is as true for our colleagues as it is for our patients and clients. Being part of Medivet means being part of a forward-thinking and caring environment with the very best equipment and treatment options available, and the very best treatment for you as a valued member of the team.

This is the home of talented people like you who want to stand out in their field and whose compassion for animals goes way beyond their job. Join us and be part of our exciting plans for the future.