University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 04 February 2026

Job summary

We are excited to be recruiting to a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist in the Biochemistry Team. A strong technical and analytical background is desired as rotation into the specialist chemistry section is required. The post holder will be required to participate in 24/7 working.

Biomedical scientist candidates must have HCPC registration and proven Clinical Chemistry experience. Please note that we will not be accepting Trainee applicants for this role.

Demonstrable experience of quality management is also desirable to monitor and maintain the highest standards of quality across the ISO 15189:2012 accredited clinical chemistry service.

The department has full HCPC training status for pre and post registration IBMS portfolios and full ISO 15189 accreditation.

The Pathology service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is part of a Peninsula network working collaboratively to standardise testing, improve efficiencies and optimise patient care. Derriford Hospital is a Major Trauma Centre, and has extensive Oncology, Cardiothoracic and Women's Services. Point of care testing is essential in the delivery of emergency medicine in this organisation.

The department fully supports training and career development opportunities.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

Biomedical scientist candidates will have HCPC registration. The candidate will have demonstrable knowledge and experience of Clinical Biochemistry and working with highly automated systems.

Candidates will be expected to participate in the 24/7 rota.

Candidates will be expected to process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, CSF and other fluids taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease.

Candidates will demonstrate a high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable.

Demonstrable experience of quality management is also desirable to monitor and maintain the highest standards of quality across the ISO 15189:2012 accredited clinical chemistry service.

The department has full HCPC training status for pre and post registration IBMS portfolios and full ISO 15189 accreditation.

Please see the Job Description for further information on the main duties of the job.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.

If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.

It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

21 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year £31,049 - £37,796 Per Annum (Sessional Fees Apply)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-GT-DB7613515

Job locations

Biochemistry Department, Derriford Combined Laboratory

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will perform a key role in providing analysis of clinical specimens for a wide range of diagnostic to aid pathological diagnosis of the patients we serve. Involving the use of automated instruments that utilise a range of analytical technologies including spectrophotometry, colorimetry, ion selective electrodes, and immunoassay, together with manual and specialised techniques utilising chromatography and mass spectrometry. This role requires an individual that works with accuracy and precision whilst having excellent organisational skills.

Act in a supportive role to section leads and deputies to ensure the smooth day to day running of the department and rotate through all clinical chemistry sections. Full participation in the 24/7 rota is a requirement of the post holder, this includes weekend, evening, and night duties, which require a flexible approach to the hours of employment, previous experience in out of hours working is desired.

For further details please see attached JD & PS

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will perform a key role in providing analysis of clinical specimens for a wide range of diagnostic to aid pathological diagnosis of the patients we serve. Involving the use of automated instruments that utilise a range of analytical technologies including spectrophotometry, colorimetry, ion selective electrodes, and immunoassay, together with manual and specialised techniques utilising chromatography and mass spectrometry. This role requires an individual that works with accuracy and precision whilst having excellent organisational skills.

Act in a supportive role to section leads and deputies to ensure the smooth day to day running of the department and rotate through all clinical chemistry sections. Full participation in the 24/7 rota is a requirement of the post holder, this includes weekend, evening, and night duties, which require a flexible approach to the hours of employment, previous experience in out of hours working is desired.

For further details please see attached JD & PS

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Proven knowledge of Biochemistry
  • Demonstrable experience of working in a Blood Sciences Laboratory or equivalent

Desirable

  • 24/7 Working
  • Use of Abbott Analysers and ability to operate Automated Equipment
  • Demonstrable experience of operation of Automated Equipment in a high throughput laboratory

Qualifications

Essential

  • State registration with Health and Council Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

  • Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health and Care Professions Council. The latter will require a Post Graduate Certificate, a Post Graduate Diploma or an MSc in Biomedical Sciences. Or recognised equivalent qualification

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy
  • Communicate with company representatives and staff from external organisations including other NHS Trusts
Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Proven knowledge of Biochemistry
  • Demonstrable experience of working in a Blood Sciences Laboratory or equivalent

Desirable

  • 24/7 Working
  • Use of Abbott Analysers and ability to operate Automated Equipment
  • Demonstrable experience of operation of Automated Equipment in a high throughput laboratory

Qualifications

Essential

  • State registration with Health and Council Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

  • Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health and Care Professions Council. The latter will require a Post Graduate Certificate, a Post Graduate Diploma or an MSc in Biomedical Sciences. Or recognised equivalent qualification

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy
  • Communicate with company representatives and staff from external organisations including other NHS Trusts

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 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.

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 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).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Biochemistry Department, Derriford Combined Laboratory

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Biochemistry Department, Derriford Combined Laboratory

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Section Lead Biochemistry

Hannah Meager

h.meager@nhs.net

01752430868

Details

Date posted

21 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year £31,049 - £37,796 Per Annum (Sessional Fees Apply)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-GT-DB7613515

Job locations

Biochemistry Department, Derriford Combined Laboratory

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)