University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 11 February 2026

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for a fixed term 9 month role to cover maternity leave.

Band 6 position will require possession of a specialist diploma from the Institute of Biomedical Science or a relevant MSc.

Applications from clinical scientists with relevant experience and who are expected to gain HCPC registration within 12 months will also be considered.

***Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.***

Available as a fixed term contract. (With current line manager's agreement). ***

Main duties of the job

To process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces cerebral spinal fluid and other tissues, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.

2.To possess highly developed specialist scientific skills.

3.The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi-automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

4.The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.

5.As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council understand the pathology of disease in relationship to the results produced whilst being aware of their significance in the authorisation of patient results with reference to the normal ranges.

6.Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.

7.To plan and prioritise workload of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and support staff.

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 manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. 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

28 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year £38,682 - £46,580 Per Annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AM-DB7748970

Job locations

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces cerebral spinal fluid and other tissues, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.

2. To possess highly developed specialist scientific skills.

3. The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

4. The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.

5. As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council understand the pathology of disease in relationship to the results produced whilst being aware of their significance in the authorisation of patients results with reference to the normal ranges.

6. Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.

7. To plan and prioritise workload of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and support staff.

8. To perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.

For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces cerebral spinal fluid and other tissues, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.

2. To possess highly developed specialist scientific skills.

3. The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

4. The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.

5. As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council understand the pathology of disease in relationship to the results produced whilst being aware of their significance in the authorisation of patients results with reference to the normal ranges.

6. Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.

7. To plan and prioritise workload of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and support staff.

8. To perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.

For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health and Care Professions Council
  • State registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
  • Approved IBMS Specialist Portfolio.

Desirable

  • Willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease relating to Flow Cytometry analyses
  • Ability to perform all assays relevant to Flow Cytometry irrespective of their complexity

Desirable

  • Participation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme

Aptitude and Abilites

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy
  • Attention to detail
  • Accuracy/precision whilst working in a busy environment

Desirable

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Working proven knowledge of laboratory information systems
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health and Care Professions Council
  • State registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
  • Approved IBMS Specialist Portfolio.

Desirable

  • Willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease relating to Flow Cytometry analyses
  • Ability to perform all assays relevant to Flow Cytometry irrespective of their complexity

Desirable

  • Participation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme

Aptitude and Abilites

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy
  • Attention to detail
  • Accuracy/precision whilst working in a busy environment

Desirable

  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Working proven knowledge of laboratory information systems

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

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

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

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

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:

Immunology Lead Biomedical Scientist

Louise Kraina

louise.kraina@nhs.net

01752430995

Details

Date posted

28 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year £38,682 - £46,580 Per Annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

9 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AM-DB7748970

Job locations

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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