Job summary
Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Point of Care Testing
Department: Pathology - Blood Science (POCT)
Band 6: £38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata
Full-time: 37.5 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The Point of Care Testing (POCT) Team, part of the Pathology Department at MKUH, are seeking two engaging and enthusiastic specialist biomedical scientists to help support the service we provide to the wards and other clinical areas throughout the Trust, including community-based projects. Amongst other tasks the post holder will aid with the following:
- Manage 200+ POCT devices throughout the Trust, ensuring they are regularly maintained, serviced and repaired when needed.
- Runcontrol checks (IQC and EQA) as required and review results.
- Provideuser training to clinical staff using the devices for patient testing.
- Carry outregular audits on the POCT services and equipment currently in use.
- AidPOCT in meeting ISO 15189 standards.
There will be two positions available, one of which will be fixed-term contract for 6 months. The role of the fixed term position will be primarily to run the verification and implementation of POCT equipment for use in the community and by the Trust's virtual ward team.
Further details can be found in the attached job description but if you have further questions or would like to arrange an informal visit please contact Phill Dickson, POCT Coordinator at phillip.dickson@mkuh.nhs.uk
Interview date: 22.08.2025
Main duties of the job
- The post holder will be part of a team delivering Point of Care Testing Services, maintaining devices, training staff in their use and providing the necessary support required to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and effective resource management within the hospital. The post holder will be expected to use their specialist knowledge to ensure that the quality of service provided by the department meets the highest possible standards.
- The post holder will undertake their responsibilities within the Pathology department to meet all required national and Trust standards. They will be required to work both alone and as part of a departmental team. To attend departmental and other meetings as required and attend external training and educational courses when required, i.e. instrument troubleshooting and repair.
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
- To organise and liaise with the rest of the Point of Care Team, daily duties, duties out of the Department, and cover for absences within the Team, and the organisation of own work patterns.
- To perform maintenance and troubleshooting of all point of care testing analysers sited within the Trust, thus maintaining the operational effectiveness of the devices within the Trust.
- To maintain consumable stocks on board analytical equipment ensuring minimum down time.
- To run Internal Quality Controls through analysers to demonstrate the clinical suitability and reliability of results, and to use judgement to react appropriately to unacceptable results and carry out remedial action if indicated.
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
- To organise and liaise with the rest of the Point of Care Team, daily duties, duties out of the Department, and cover for absences within the Team, and the organisation of own work patterns.
- To perform maintenance and troubleshooting of all point of care testing analysers sited within the Trust, thus maintaining the operational effectiveness of the devices within the Trust.
- To maintain consumable stocks on board analytical equipment ensuring minimum down time.
- To run Internal Quality Controls through analysers to demonstrate the clinical suitability and reliability of results, and to use judgement to react appropriately to unacceptable results and carry out remedial action if indicated.
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 State Registration
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Specialist portfolio or equivalent in Biochemistry
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development.
Desirable
- Understanding of quality assurance
- Understanding of accreditation standards (ISO 15189)
Experience
Essential
- Experience as a BMS in a chemical pathology laboratory
- Experience of planning and implementing training of other staff.
- Participation in out of hours service.
Desirable
- Understanding of Quality Assurance
- Experience of Laboratory Accreditation Processes
- Experience working in a POCT role
Skills
Essential
- Effective team worker.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety considerations
- Ability to operate, maintain and calibrate complex equipment
- Competent at analyser troubleshooting.
- Numerate and able to carry out scientific calculations
- Ability to work accurately at a rate of output appropriate to a diagnostic laboratory
Desirable
- Good manual dexterity to undertake automated, manual and specialised techniques.
- Familiarity with Laboratory IT systems and Quality management processes
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work on own and as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Flexible approach to help meet the demands of the service
- IT literate
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
- Ability to work unsocial hours as a lone worker as required.
- Able to work off site and has valid drivers licences and means of transportation.
Desirable
- Confident and comfortable working in acute areas of the hospital, you may be exposed to potentially upsetting clinical events.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC State Registration
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Specialist portfolio or equivalent in Biochemistry
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development.
Desirable
- Understanding of quality assurance
- Understanding of accreditation standards (ISO 15189)
Experience
Essential
- Experience as a BMS in a chemical pathology laboratory
- Experience of planning and implementing training of other staff.
- Participation in out of hours service.
Desirable
- Understanding of Quality Assurance
- Experience of Laboratory Accreditation Processes
- Experience working in a POCT role
Skills
Essential
- Effective team worker.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety considerations
- Ability to operate, maintain and calibrate complex equipment
- Competent at analyser troubleshooting.
- Numerate and able to carry out scientific calculations
- Ability to work accurately at a rate of output appropriate to a diagnostic laboratory
Desirable
- Good manual dexterity to undertake automated, manual and specialised techniques.
- Familiarity with Laboratory IT systems and Quality management processes
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work on own and as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Flexible approach to help meet the demands of the service
- IT literate
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
- Ability to work unsocial hours as a lone worker as required.
- Able to work off site and has valid drivers licences and means of transportation.
Desirable
- Confident and comfortable working in acute areas of the hospital, you may be exposed to potentially upsetting clinical events.
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).
