Job summary
To practice as a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist in the Tissue Typing Laboratory, rotating through specimen reception, molecular and serology sections.
The post includes receiving and logging in specimens, processing of requested and additional tests, recording and communication of test results, within the limitations of the grade.
Participation in 24/7 on-call rota is an essential component of the post. Training will be given.
Main duties of the job
1. Receive, sort, prepare and file samples within the department.
2. Read and be familiar with departmental policies and procedures.
3. Follow standard operating procedures to deal with incorrect or problem samples.
4. Perform data entry into the Trust's databases.
5. Sample storage post analysis.
6. Perform a range of laboratory techniques in accordance with standard operating procedures.
7. Assist with preparing patient result reports and data handling.
8. Process accurate and timely data into the laboratory information system and other information systems.
9. Follow laboratory standard operating procedures in order to identify abnormal results and bring them to the attention of the Section Head.
10. Prioritise workload and urgency of tests within laboratory guidelines.
11. Prepare laboratory reagents and laboratory consumables as required. Monitor consumable and reagent stock levels against re-order limits and notify Section Head.
12. Recording of equipment performance data; perform basic fault finding and maintenance procedures on laboratory equipment and notify Section Head of problems.
13. Follow laboratory protocols to deal with telephone queries from users and redirect where appropriate.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 19th April 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 24th April 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 19th April 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 24th April 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Hons (1st or 2:1) in an IBMS accredited degree
- HCPC registered BMS
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a Biomedical Sciences Laboratory environment.
Desirable
- Previous laboratory experience in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
- Experience of HLA typing on-call
- Experience of serological assays (Luminex and crossmatching)
- Experience of DNA based assays (RT-PCR, NGS)
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of biomedical science
- Knowledge of the function and clinical application pathology based assays and test results
- Knowledge of the role of Pathology
- Familiar with health and safety in the laboratory
- Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, DNA sequencing, HLA typing using PCR-SSP.
Desirable
- Basic theoretical knowledge of transplantation immunology
Skills
Essential
- IT literate (Microsoft Office)
- Ability to work in an organised manner to high standards of accuracy
- Attention to detail
- Prepared to be flexible in relation to working hours and participate in on-call rota and be available to attend the laboratory within one-hour of notification using independent means of transport.
- Ability to work in a team and independently
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Proven skills in performing practical laboratory assays requiring prolonged periods of concentration and dexterity
Desirable
- Familiar with the use of spreadsheets and databases
- Presentation skills
- Familiar with Hospital information systems and quality management software e.g. Epic and IQM
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Hons (1st or 2:1) in an IBMS accredited degree
- HCPC registered BMS
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a Biomedical Sciences Laboratory environment.
Desirable
- Previous laboratory experience in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
- Experience of HLA typing on-call
- Experience of serological assays (Luminex and crossmatching)
- Experience of DNA based assays (RT-PCR, NGS)
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of biomedical science
- Knowledge of the function and clinical application pathology based assays and test results
- Knowledge of the role of Pathology
- Familiar with health and safety in the laboratory
- Theoretical knowledge of molecular biology, DNA sequencing, HLA typing using PCR-SSP.
Desirable
- Basic theoretical knowledge of transplantation immunology
Skills
Essential
- IT literate (Microsoft Office)
- Ability to work in an organised manner to high standards of accuracy
- Attention to detail
- Prepared to be flexible in relation to working hours and participate in on-call rota and be available to attend the laboratory within one-hour of notification using independent means of transport.
- Ability to work in a team and independently
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Proven skills in performing practical laboratory assays requiring prolonged periods of concentration and dexterity
Desirable
- Familiar with the use of spreadsheets and databases
- Presentation skills
- Familiar with Hospital information systems and quality management software e.g. Epic and IQM
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
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.
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.
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).