This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest Virology departments in England. The Virology department forms part of The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), which is a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The laboratory therefore provides both a clinical Virology service and a public health Virology service to the North West of England and beyond.
Virology, delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs approximately 100 staff and has a workload exceeding 1,000,000 specimens per year. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical virology service combining some traditional methodologies with a wide range of laboratory automation. The department is in a managed service contract with Roche Diagnostics
As the Quality Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the Virology department with all aspects of the quality management system. You will support the Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager and other members with the quality management team by maintaining their quality systems, achieving, and maintaining accreditation and certification as appropriate, and to support the continual improvement in quality processes in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures.
Location
This is a lab-based role located at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full Time
Responsibilities section:
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- In collaboration with the Quality Systems Manager and the Quality Assurance Managers to become familiar with the relevant area of work, and statutory requirements including awareness of clinical governance, risk management, Caldicott, quality standards, policies and procedures and the system(s) of accreditation in use.
- Undertake quality management tasks delegated by the Quality Manager and laboratory manager linked to achievement and ongoing maintenance of accreditation or certification of UKHSA units or laboratories, and wider quality improvement.
- Work with others to fulfil the quality related responsibilities and functions of the laboratories or units that the post holder is assigned to.
- Review and chase up, and assist staff in completion of, overdue quality actions (including CAPAs e.g., complaints, nonconformities, or quality improvements) under the direction of the Quality Assurance Managers.
- Provide practical support in preparation for, and organisation of, inspections by third party assessors, such as UKAS and ISO 9001 assessors, or other external assessors such as commercial organisations or research councils with whom collaborative and contract work is being undertaken, and to progress quality actions arising from these assessments.
- Support the audit system by taking on the role of an internal auditor, performing assigned audits, and helping others complete their audits to a high standard.
- Review and produce quality documentation (e.g., Quality System Protocols)
- Assist laboratory staff to monitor the performance of suppliers, including audit of key suppliers and contractors as required.
- Work as part of the Quality Team within Virology Manchester, attending quality team meetings as required.
- Assist in the extraction and analysis of data and production of reports, including those for Management Review meetings.
- Implement the measuring and monitoring of key process indicators within the laboratory.
- Assist laboratory staff in complying with applicable quality standards.
- Support staff performing quality assurance activities and monitor their effectiveness.
- Take an active role in the induction and training of staff.
- Make every effort to suggest quality improvements and act on team improvement suggestions where necessary.
- Supporting the Virology department at the Manchester laboratory with all aspects of the quality management system.
- Supporting the Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager and other members of the Quality Management Team in Virology.
- Maintaining their quality systems, achieving, and maintaining accreditation and certification as appropriate, and to support continual improvement in quality processes in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description.
Desired Criteria:
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential criteria
- Science degree or equivalent in microbiology or a related pathology discipline
- Substantial laboratory experience (greater than two years), preferably working in an accredited medical laboratory.
- Understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
- Familiar with electronic quality management software solutions
- Wide experience of common office software applications
- Experience of data analysis and preparing reports
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Self-motivated, organized, and adaptable.
Desirable criteria
- Postgraduate scientific qualification or demonstrable equivalent experiential learning gained in a medical laboratory environment
- Quality management qualification or relevant CPD
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience in applying a range of standards, regulations, and guidelines applicable to clinical laboratories
- Experience of performing audits