Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 20 February 2026

Job summary

12-month Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover

We are seeking an enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist with excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-motivation to join our dynamic team. This role is integral to the laboratory, where you will provide specialist technical expertise in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.

Specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) play a crucial role in the laboratory team, responsible for diagnosing infections and disease processes. They leverage the latest scientific knowledge and methods, while also utilizing traditional techniques when necessary. Specialist BMS conduct and interpret laboratory tests providing essential data to clinical staff for accurate diagnoses and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.

Main duties of the job

  • Technical Duties:

    • Perform specialized tasks in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.
    • Authorise specific result types.
    • Oversee and supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs).
    • Manage the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Quality and Project Management:

    • Participate in validation and verification projects.
    • Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.
  • Development and Support:

    • Stay updated with scientific advancements and managerial developments in the field.
    • Support senior staff and the Laboratory Manager in providing an efficient, expert, and cost-effective laboratory service.
    • Take on additional laboratory responsibilities with appropriate support and training.

Working Hours:

  • Routine hours are Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 17:15 (37.5 hours per week).
  • Participation in a rotational schedule for weekends and Bank Holidays.
  • Involvement in the on-call (out-of-hours) service provision is required.

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

06 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

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

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7754679

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for full details.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for full details.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications, Training

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent, plus, further knowledge acquired through training and practical experience
  • Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology

Desirable

  • MSc Medical Microbiology
  • Quality Management training
  • Health & Safety training
  • Parasitology training
  • Mycology training

Experience

Essential

  • In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory in an NHS laboratory, post HCPC registration
  • Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential

Desirable

  • Experience in automated and manual identification methods
  • Quality Management experience
  • Health & Safety Management experience
  • Stock Management and stock control experience
Person Specification

Education, Qualifications, Training

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent, plus, further knowledge acquired through training and practical experience
  • Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology

Desirable

  • MSc Medical Microbiology
  • Quality Management training
  • Health & Safety training
  • Parasitology training
  • Mycology training

Experience

Essential

  • In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory in an NHS laboratory, post HCPC registration
  • Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential

Desirable

  • Experience in automated and manual identification methods
  • Quality Management experience
  • Health & Safety Management experience
  • Stock Management and stock control 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:

Laboratory Manager

Christopher Frearson

christopherfrearson@nhs.net

01793604798

Details

Date posted

06 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

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

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7754679

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

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