North Bristol NHS Trust

Biomedical Scientist (Band 5/6)

The closing date is 24 June 2025

Job summary

The Bacteriology department has an exciting vacancy for a Biomedical Scientist, Band 5 or 6, dependent upon previous experience. To be eligible for the role at Band 6 level, you must have completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Microbiology, or have equivalent experience working in Bacteriology.

The post holder will work as part of a team under the direction of Senior Staff to provide routine and specialist diagnostic laboratory service in Microbiology in accordance with national and professional standards.

The post holder will work on a rotational basis in all sections of the laboratory.

The post holder will participate in the training, development and supervision of new members of BMS staff, Associate Practitioners, Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA), medical staff and other healthcare professionals within the department.

To understand more about Pathology at NBT, watch our video.

Main duties of the job

  • To receive, document and process samples submitted to the department in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
  • To examine and report on microscopic preparations and cultures of patient samples and decide upon further tests required to identify any organisms isolated. To perform antibiotic susceptibility tests on significant pathogens for guidance of patient treatment.
  • Process screening samples e.g. MRSA and C. difficile for the Trust Infection Control Team.
  • Interpret, technically validate and report on all routine tests.
  • To process antibiotic assays, enabling guidance to be given to requesters on effective dosing.
  • To work in rotation in any area of the department.
  • To work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures.
  • To take responsibility for organising their own area of work.
  • To telephone important results to an appropriate person when necessary.
  • To participate in record keeping processes.
  • To enter and retrieve patient / laboratory data from the department's IT system.
  • To maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out.
  • To prepare and maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
  • To ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables.
  • To be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment.
  • To participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
  • To participate in quality assurance procedures, including maintenance records and corrective actions.

About us

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset fromour award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre ofexcellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provideexceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-classexperience for everyone who uses our services.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a teamthat represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

The Bacteriology Laboratory in Bristol forms part of Infection Sciences and is situated within the purpose-built Pathology Sciences Building atSouthmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust. A second small laboratory is situated within the Royal United Hospital in Bath. In total, the Laboratory undertakes approximately 1.4 million tests per annum and overall employs 200 highly motivated and dedicated staff.

Details

Date posted

10 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro rata for part time roles.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

339-CCS6751-TJC

Job locations

Pathology Science Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead Road

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see above and Job Description attached.

Please note the above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out other duties as mayreasonably be required by the organisation.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see above and Job Description attached.

Please note the above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out other duties as mayreasonably be required by the organisation.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Person Specification

Education/Training/Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
  • IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Bacteriology or equivalent

Desirable

  • Fellowship of IBMS

Work Experience

Essential

  • Broad and recent postgraduate experience in Bacteriology
  • Knowledge of H&S legislation applicable to laboratories
  • Knowledge of routine and specialist diagnostic bacteriology

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Essential

  • Good IT skills
  • Good organisational skills
  • Technically competent in a wide range of bacteriological procedures
  • Good interpretive skills at bench level
  • Good understanding of practical and theoretical diagnostic bacteriology
  • Good communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Ability to work accurately

Desirable

  • Experience of staff training
  • Ability to use specialist laboratory equipment
  • Highly developed co-ordination skills

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

Essential

  • Effective team worker
  • Commitment to personal development
  • Able to show initiative
  • Able to work with body fluids and tissues

Desirable

  • Able to assist in monitoring the training and wellbeing of junior members of staff
Person Specification

Education/Training/Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
  • IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Bacteriology or equivalent

Desirable

  • Fellowship of IBMS

Work Experience

Essential

  • Broad and recent postgraduate experience in Bacteriology
  • Knowledge of H&S legislation applicable to laboratories
  • Knowledge of routine and specialist diagnostic bacteriology

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Essential

  • Good IT skills
  • Good organisational skills
  • Technically competent in a wide range of bacteriological procedures
  • Good interpretive skills at bench level
  • Good understanding of practical and theoretical diagnostic bacteriology
  • Good communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Ability to work accurately

Desirable

  • Experience of staff training
  • Ability to use specialist laboratory equipment
  • Highly developed co-ordination skills

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

Essential

  • Effective team worker
  • Commitment to personal development
  • Able to show initiative
  • Able to work with body fluids and tissues

Desirable

  • Able to assist in monitoring the training and wellbeing of junior members of staff

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

North Bristol NHS Trust

Address

Pathology Science Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead Road

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

North Bristol NHS Trust

Address

Pathology Science Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead Road

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Laboratory Manager

Samuel Stafford

samuel.stafford@nbt.nhs.uk

01174146051

Details

Date posted

10 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro rata for part time roles.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

339-CCS6751-TJC

Job locations

Pathology Science Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead Road

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Supporting documents

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