Job summary
Biomedical Scientist
Department: Pathology - Haematology & Blood Transfusion
Band 5: £29,970 - £36,483 per annum
Full-time: 37.5 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
An opportunity has arisen within this busy Pathology service to join the Blood Science (Haematology and Blood Transfusion) team. You will be part of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who deliver a high-quality service that is patient requirements. Awareness of the requirements for compliance with the ISO 15189 standard is a key requirement for this role. We look to continually improve our services for our patients and are therefore looking for staff with the right attitude who will work with us to achieve this. We are looking for a competent and versatile person with an absolute attention to detail. The successful candidate must be HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist.
The successful candidate would be working in Haematology and Blood
Transfusion laboratories. In Haematology, analysers consist of a Sysmex XN9000 track, Werfen ACL TOP550, Vesmatic Cube 30, Bio Rad Variant II and Cepheid GeneXpert. In Blood Transfusion, equipment consists of Ortho visions and also a manual workstation.
This is band 5 post, after a period of training and competency, the candidate will be required to take part in the 24/7 service.
Interview date: 25.07.2025
Main duties of the job
- To provide a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Haematology and Blood transfusion service for the trust and its users.
- To work aspart of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, using knowledge and expertise to assist in the provision of all aspects of a Haematology and Blood transfusion service.
- Have knowledge and experience of ISO 15189 standards and quality management systems.
- To work with the laboratory management and technical team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards including those of ISO 15189.
- Help the Haematology and Blood transfusion team to meet departmental and trust KPI's.
- To work in accordance with trust health and safety policy and departmental policies to deliver a safe, high-quality service for its users.
- To comply with clinical governance and risk management policies and ensure all mandatory training is completed in accordance with the trust guidelines.
- Assist with training and education activity.
About us
"We Care We Communicate We Collaborate We Contribute"
"80% of this group reported that their managers actively encourage them at work, supporting a team working environment" (NHS Staff Survey 2024).
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Patient & user satisfaction:
- To provide a high quality, efficient and effective Haematology and Blood transfusion service that is delivered in accordance with ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories.
Training & education:
- Promote and maintain a high standard of education and training ensuring staff training, education and competency meets requirements of BS EN ISO 15189 (sections 5.1.5-5.1.6) and the IBMS.
Service development:
- Implementationof equipment and supplies.
Financial & physical resource:
- Efficient use of resources within the department and maintenance of appropriate supplies to ensure service continuity.
Human Resources:
- Adhere to all trust and departmental policies.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Patient & user satisfaction:
- To provide a high quality, efficient and effective Haematology and Blood transfusion service that is delivered in accordance with ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories.
Training & education:
- Promote and maintain a high standard of education and training ensuring staff training, education and competency meets requirements of BS EN ISO 15189 (sections 5.1.5-5.1.6) and the IBMS.
Service development:
- Implementationof equipment and supplies.
Financial & physical resource:
- Efficient use of resources within the department and maintenance of appropriate supplies to ensure service continuity.
Human Resources:
- Adhere to all trust and departmental policies.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Understanding of ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories
- Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance.
- Knowledge of professional Health and safety regulations
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements (BSQR & GMP)
Desirable
- Specialist Portfolio or equivalent
- Certificate of advanced training or competence e.g. parasitology, BBTS
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development
- Awareness of wider NHS/Pathology initiatives
Experience
Desirable
- Experience as a HCPC registered BMS in Haematology and Blood transfusion
- Extensive experience of routine and specialist Haematology and Blood transfusion procedures.
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Participation in out of hours service.
- Participation in the evaluation of new analysers/ analyses.
- Staff training and competency assessment
- Experience of using a LIMS
- Experience of quality management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities and complete tasks within given timeframes.
- Effective team worker
- Good communication and organizational skills
Desirable
- Proficient IT skills including the use of MS Office software.
- Teaching skills
- Technical and scientific troubleshooting skills
- Use of QMS tools e.g., QPulse.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Self motivated and patient focused.
- Flexible approach
- Experience of planning and implementing training of other staff
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Ability to work under pressure individually or as part of a team and to adhere to analytical turnaround times and manage conflicting demands.
- Ability to work unsocial hours as a lone worker as required
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Understanding of ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories
- Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance.
- Knowledge of professional Health and safety regulations
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements (BSQR & GMP)
Desirable
- Specialist Portfolio or equivalent
- Certificate of advanced training or competence e.g. parasitology, BBTS
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development
- Awareness of wider NHS/Pathology initiatives
Experience
Desirable
- Experience as a HCPC registered BMS in Haematology and Blood transfusion
- Extensive experience of routine and specialist Haematology and Blood transfusion procedures.
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Participation in out of hours service.
- Participation in the evaluation of new analysers/ analyses.
- Staff training and competency assessment
- Experience of using a LIMS
- Experience of quality management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities and complete tasks within given timeframes.
- Effective team worker
- Good communication and organizational skills
Desirable
- Proficient IT skills including the use of MS Office software.
- Teaching skills
- Technical and scientific troubleshooting skills
- Use of QMS tools e.g., QPulse.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Self motivated and patient focused.
- Flexible approach
- Experience of planning and implementing training of other staff
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Ability to work under pressure individually or as part of a team and to adhere to analytical turnaround times and manage conflicting demands.
- Ability to work unsocial hours as a lone worker as required
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
