Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

The closing date is 24 September 2025

Job summary

The Senior Biomedical scientist will work with other seniors in the team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Microbiology department. The role involves providing a cost-effective quality service through review if processes and policies' and interpreting technical laboratory tests and diagnostic processes. In addition they must act as a line manager for laboratory staff and provide technical support and advice to the Microbiology consultants.

Main duties of the job

The Advanced Band 7 Biomedical Scientist in Bacteriology plays a vital role in delivering a high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic service by overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations in line with Trust protocols, safety regulations, and quality standards. The post holder ensures effective time management and supervision of staff, maintains competency in bacteriology, provides technical support to consultants, and participates in the weekend and out-of-hours service. Responsibilities include processing and interpreting complex microbiological samples, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, leading method evaluations, and supporting audits and quality management initiatives. The role also involves regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, training and mentoring junior staff, contributing to business cases, and ensuring compliance with UKAS, COSHH, and ISO 15189 standards. Professional competence is maintained through continuous development, adherence to HCPC requirements, and active participation in training and appraisal processes. The post holder is expected to manage resources responsibly, contribute to service improvement, and operate effectively under conditions that include physical effort, exposure to infectious materials, and occasional distressing scenarios.

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.

Details

Date posted

17 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year + 5% RRP uplift

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7316551

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

  1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
  2. To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmentalguidelines and safety policies.
  3. To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
  4. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
  5. To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation oflaboratory equipment.
  6. To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.

Further information will be found on the attached Job Description

Job description

Job responsibilities

  1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
  2. To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmentalguidelines and safety policies.
  3. To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
  4. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
  5. To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation oflaboratory equipment.
  6. To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.

Further information will be found on the attached Job Description

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • oBSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
  • oCurrent registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • oIBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
  • oEvidence of on-going CPD

Desirable

  • oMSc Biomedical Sciences
  • oHigher Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology
  • oQuality Management training.
  • oHealth & Safety training.
  • oManagement Qualification

Experience

Essential

  • oIn-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
  • oIn-depth experience of working at a management level in Microbiology.
  • oAdvanced knowledge in Clinical Virology and Bacteriology.
  • oPrevious experience of working alone out of hours is essential.

Desirable

  • oExperience in use of automated molecular and serological platforms.
  • oExperience of training staff
  • oQuality Management experience.
  • oHealth & Safety Management experience.
Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • oBSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
  • oCurrent registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • oIBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
  • oEvidence of on-going CPD

Desirable

  • oMSc Biomedical Sciences
  • oHigher Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology
  • oQuality Management training.
  • oHealth & Safety training.
  • oManagement Qualification

Experience

Essential

  • oIn-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
  • oIn-depth experience of working at a management level in Microbiology.
  • oAdvanced knowledge in Clinical Virology and Bacteriology.
  • oPrevious experience of working alone out of hours is essential.

Desirable

  • oExperience in use of automated molecular and serological platforms.
  • oExperience of training staff
  • oQuality Management experience.
  • oHealth & Safety Management experience.

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

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

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:

Acting Laboratory Manager

Christopher Frearson

christopherfrearson@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

17 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year + 5% RRP uplift

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7316551

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

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