Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

The Blood Sciences department is based on both sites and offers a broad range of experiences via internal rotation throughout all sections cross-site. You will be based at TWH but will be required to work at either one or both sites, as demanded by service needs. The department is ISO 15189, MHRA, CQC and IBMS accredited. You can develop your skills and knowledge further with support available for IBMS expert practice / Higher Specialist diploma and other post-graduate qualifications including MSc.

We are looking for suitably experienced, highly motivated HCPC registered BMS, who understands the requirements of a quality-driven service, is able to work under pressure, work flexibly using own initiative and possess excellent communication skills. We are seeking individuals, who have good laboratory experience with at least one year post HCPC registration. Please include the date you first registered with the HCPC in your supporting statement.

We will accept application from candidates who have already started the IBMS Specialist portfolio. If the IBMS Specialist Portfolio has not been fully completed, please indicate the level of progress towards completion.

Main duties of the job

The department is well equipped with Sysmex (haematology), Werfen (coagulation), Beckman Coulter (flow cytometry), IBG Echo (Blood Transfusion) and Sebia (capillary electrophoresis) analysers. You will be expected to work as part of a team and rotate through the departments of Haematology & Blood Transfusion, maintaining an up to date knowledge of working practices and knowledge of the specialist areas.

On satisfactory assessment of competence, you will act as an autonomouspractitioner providing the 24/7 Blood Science service, serving the hospital and any emergencies within the community BMS in Haematology & Blood Transfusion are responsible for laboratory investigations to support the diagnosis of blood disorders and provide compatible blood and blood components for transfusion in several clinical situations.

As a BMS in Haematology & Blood Transfusion you will be responsible for the delegated tasks required for the delivery of a clinical technical service that will achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care. This includes: the analysis of samples to ensure safe blood transfusion practices by the application of blood transfusion technology, utilising the most up to date scientific methods in conjunction with traditional methods of microscopy and antigen/antibody-complex diagnostics. Diagnostic work includes examination of blood and plasma to identify blood groups and antibody status, including the identification of atypical antibodies.

About us

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below