Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Blood Sciences

The closing date is 18 September 2025

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join our Chemical Pathology team on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of high-quality, efficient diagnostic services in a busy and evolving laboratory environment, while also contributing to projects involving digital transformation, analyser optimisation, and quality improvement.

You will work as part of the Blood Sciences team and be responsible for the delivery and development of the routine and specialist chemical pathology service, including troubleshooting, validation, training, and support for electronic requesting initiatives.

Our Chemical Pathology department is part of a larger, collaborative Blood Sciences service that is patient-focused, quality-driven, and committed to continuous improvement.

As a Band 6 BMS, you'll be encouraged to take ownership of technical processes, participate in training and service development, and support projects that will enhance digital efficiency and clinical connectivity.

Main duties of the job

  • Perform and supervise complex biochemical investigations using a range of automated and manual techniques

  • Validate and authorise results in line with laboratory protocols and clinical relevance

  • Provide support and training to junior BMS and MLA staff

  • Contribute to the maintenance and development of analyser platforms, including troubleshooting, calibration, and verification

  • Support service improvement initiatives including digital workflow optimisation and test catalogue reviews

  • Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes (IQC/EQA)

  • Assist in implementing electronic requesting and LIMS configuration changes

  • Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and maintain accurate documentation and audit trails

  • Work collaboratively with clinical teams to support safe, timely patient care

About us

Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Thisfixed-term role until 31/03/2026 is ideal for someone looking to further develop both their technical and leadership skills while contributing to meaningful innovation in clinical diagnostics.

You'll be supported by experienced senior staff, have access to structured CPD opportunities, and work in an environment where improvement and learning are part of daily practice.

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7370484

Job locations

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will:

  • Work independently within the scope of your competence, and escalate clinical or technical concerns appropriately

  • Provide input into analyser maintenance schedules, QC troubleshooting, and performance monitoring

  • Assist in the validation of new tests, platforms, and connectivity projects

  • Collaborate with IT and clinical colleagues to support safe and accurate electronic test requesting

  • Train and assess staff competencies and contribute to a positive team culture

  • Participate in departmental meetings, audits, and quality assurance processes

  • Adhere to Health and Safety protocols and contribute to continuous accreditation readiness

This post will suit a forward-thinking BMS with a strong grounding in clinical biochemistry and a desire to get involved in both service delivery and development work.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will:

  • Work independently within the scope of your competence, and escalate clinical or technical concerns appropriately

  • Provide input into analyser maintenance schedules, QC troubleshooting, and performance monitoring

  • Assist in the validation of new tests, platforms, and connectivity projects

  • Collaborate with IT and clinical colleagues to support safe and accurate electronic test requesting

  • Train and assess staff competencies and contribute to a positive team culture

  • Participate in departmental meetings, audits, and quality assurance processes

  • Adhere to Health and Safety protocols and contribute to continuous accreditation readiness

This post will suit a forward-thinking BMS with a strong grounding in clinical biochemistry and a desire to get involved in both service delivery and development work.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent experience
  • Training in basic and specialist laboratory techniques

Desirable

  • Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)
  • Evidence of cross-disciplinary training and awareness
  • ECDL
  • Member of the IBMS or related professional bodies
  • Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a medical laboratory environment in discipline
  • Ability to carry out a wide range of tests
  • Has acted autonomously as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a Clinical Laboratory in discipline as lone worker
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent experience
  • Training in basic and specialist laboratory techniques

Desirable

  • Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)
  • Evidence of cross-disciplinary training and awareness
  • ECDL
  • Member of the IBMS or related professional bodies
  • Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a medical laboratory environment in discipline
  • Ability to carry out a wide range of tests
  • Has acted autonomously as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a Clinical Laboratory in discipline as lone worker

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

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Pathology IT Manager

Graeme Getty

g.getty@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7370484

Job locations

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

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