Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Biomedical Support Worker - Higher Level (XR03)

The closing date is 29 August 2025

Job summary

We are looking for talented and dynamic individuals to join the genomics team within the central laboratory of the Yorkshire and North East Genomic Laboratory Hub. The role will be based within the Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS) in Leeds, with a focus on haemato-oncology molecular work. This is an opportunity to become part of a highly successful department with extensive facilities and high levels of scientific expertise. The purpose of this role is to contribute to the development and delivery of a high-quality genomics service. The post holders will work scientists, both within HMDS and across the central laboratory at Leeds.

Please note that this advert may close early if there is a high volume of applicants.

Expected Shortlisting Date

02/09/2025

Planned Interview Date

11/09/2025

Main duties of the job

HMDS provides a specialist service for the diagnosis of blood cancers and is part of the central laboratory for the Yorkshire and North East Genomic Laboratory Hub. The laboratory is the largest of its type in the United Kingdom with a high throughput of specimens including peripheral blood, bone marrow and tissue biopsies. The department also has a strong research programme and there will also be opportunity to be involved in development projects related to research and clinical trials.

About us

The purpose of this role is to co-ordinate collection and receipt of samples for genomic testing and assist in the processing of those samples in preparation for testing. The successful candidates will be required to deliver a range of complex and detailed work in a busy working laboratory. Previous experience of working in a laboratory is essential and the role would be suited to someone looking for additional challenge or wanting to progress further with a career in laboratory science.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Date posted

08 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-ONC-0551

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

To be responsible for training and day to day supervision of Biomedical Support Workers within the section

To collect, receive and assist in the processing of clinical diagnostic specimens for testing

To undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, following standard operating procedures, some of which may be under supervision

To communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare staff

JOB DIMENSIONS

As a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level you will work as a member of the departmental team. As part of the team, you will be expected to perform a range of routine and more complex investigations some of which may be under the supervision of more experienced scientific and technical staff. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team. Within the team you may be required to organise the tasks of support workers. You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

In order to carry out the job sufficiently and effectively you will have successfully studied to A-level standard, preferably in sciences or other equivalent qualification. You will develop your competencies and further your knowledge in all aspects of the speciality through practical experience, in house training and structured study subject to the requirements of continuous professional development (CPD). In addition, basic computer skills are essential to carry out your work.

7. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

In order to work effectively in the role the job holder must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes. These abilities will include:

to gain new knowledge through experience, formal study and participation in relevant training schemes

to become an integral member of a team providing a clinical technical service

to work independently when and as directed by supervisors

to communicate clearly and effectively whether orally, graphically or electronically

to plan the designated workload and assist in the organisation of tasks undertaken by support workers

to work with precision and follow accurately the documented laboratory standard operating procedures

to operate highly complex laboratory equipment safely and efficiently

to input and extract patient data from the laboratory computer system

to demonstrate relevant tasks to others as appropriate

to contribute actively towards the improvement of service quality by participation in relevant discussions with other team members

to remain competent in established procedures and to develop new skills as experience is accrued.

to participate actively in the departmental appraisal scheme

to take account of changes in service delivery by demonstrating a flexible approach to work

8. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

As the job holder you will acquire sufficient knowledge and understanding to:

- Carry out a range of basic and more complex technical procedures. This will include instruction in the safe and effective use of highly complex laboratory equipment. You will understand the need to report adverse events in the event of errors and failures.

- Participate actively in departmental internal and external quality assurance schemes. Your level of knowledge and understanding will allow you to recognise when expected levels of quality have not been met.

- Participate in the maintenance of a safe working environment. This will include an awareness of the hazards associated with your work. In addition you will be made aware of any suitable actions to take in the event of breaches in health and safety. Such hazards include fire, manual handling, breach of security, controlled and uncontrolled exposure to chemical, biological and radioactive materials.

- Maintain patient confidentiality. You will recognise the absolute requirement to protect sensitive information that is related to patient care.

- Observe the requirements of departmental policies relating to service provision, for example sample labelling and adverse event reporting.

9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

- To perform, sometimes under supervision, appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the job holders level of knowledge, skills and experience.

- To develop your competences in the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.

- To participate in departmental research and development projects, audit processes and support appropriate clinical trials involving the laboratory

- To enter, manage and retrieve patient information using the laboratory computer system.

- To communicate accurately sensitive and complex information to users of the service in a manner that is in accordance with departmental procedures

- To demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff

- To actively participate in the laboratory quality assurance programme

- To contribute to general departmental management, for instance, by assisting in the ordering, receipt and control of consumables