University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 23 September 2025

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join Clinical Biochemistry at UHSussex based at RSCH, Brighton, and PRH, Hayward's Heath. This post is fully rotational around all areas of the lab including Automation (RSCH/PRH), and Specialist Biochemistry & Toxicology (RSCH). The department is UKAS accredited and holds IBMS laboratory training approval to deliver registration and specialist training.

You will work with a friendly, dynamic team to assist in provision of a routine and specialist biochemistry service. The automated section consists of Cobas 8000s and C8100 pre-analytics. The Specialist Biochemistry service is well equipped for for services such as ICP-MS trace metal analysis, First Trimester screening, Toxicology and a variety of manual techniques boasting an extensive repertoire of state-of-the-art equipment such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, gel/capillary electrophoresis, IFE electrophoresis and FTIR-ATR amongst others.

You will undertake a range of complex investigations using a variety of techniques including manual, semi-automated and automated methods to assist in the diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment.

This post requires 24/7 shift working, including nights, weekends and bank holidays at both sites, subject to competency assessment.

We welcome applications from Band 5 biomedical scientists working towards their IBMS specialist portfolio (~75% completion).

Main duties of the job

Analyses samples according to the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (including the requesting of tests and reporting of results) using highly complex analysers, or performing highly complex techniques and informs senior staff of any proposed changes to SOP's.
Undertakes/oversees planned preventative maintenance on highly complex, expensive and specialised analysers to ensure correct functioning. Records problems and troubleshoots or refers to senior members of staff.
Prioritises workload according to national guidelines. Understands the clinical urgency of requests and the impact on patient care (i.e. the 4hr wait in A&E).
Performs calibrations on all methods, informs senior staff of any problems.
Performs and verifies quality control samples (including checking quality control charts) to ensure accuracy and precision. Carries out corrective action to ensure all analyses are performing within defined parameters. Understands the use of statistical parameters for mean and SD.
Performs external quality assurance analysis on highly specialised analysers
Participates in out-of-hours arrangements, when assessed as competent to do so to provide a 24/7 emergency and routine biochemistry service.
Undertakes analytical validation of results produced
Checks all samples before processing for status & suitability
Interprets results and clinical history to ensure patients receive correct therapy.

About us

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

Date posted

09 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

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

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-7445939-SEP25

Job locations

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton + Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

Eastern Rd

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see JD and PS for full details.

Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see JD and PS for full details.

Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.

Person Specification

HCPC registered

Essential

HCPC registered

Specialist Portfolio

Essential

Specialist portfolio in Clinical Biochemistry

2 years NHS lab experience

Essential

2 years NHS lab experience in Clinical Biochemistry

Desirable

Experience of specialist biochemistry techniques

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Person Specification

HCPC registered

Essential

HCPC registered

Specialist Portfolio

Essential

Specialist portfolio in Clinical Biochemistry

2 years NHS lab experience

Essential

2 years NHS lab experience in Clinical Biochemistry

Desirable

Experience of specialist biochemistry techniques

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

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 Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton + Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

Eastern Rd

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton + Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

Eastern Rd

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Employer's website

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