Job summary
Biomedical Scientist
Department: Cellular Pathology
Band 5 £31,049 - £37,796 per annum pro rata
Fixed-term contract until 13.10.2026
Full-time 37.5 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The Cellular Pathology department is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, proactive and experienced individual to take up the post of Biomedical Scientist in our professional and friendly team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover a period of maternity leave.
The individual will be a key member of the Cellular Pathology team participating in routine and specialist duties that enable the day-to-day operational delivery of the Cellular Pathology laboratory service.
Suitable candidates must be HCPC registered and possess a BSc in an appropriate discipline. The successful candidate will be a professional with strong technical and troubleshooting skills and the ability to communicate confidently and effectively with staff at all levels. The suitable candidate will work as part of a team of scientific and support staff to deliver adiagnostic service that meets accreditation & regulatory requirements to deliver effective patient care.
For more information, please contact Amanda Brice, Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager or Marie Delaney, Chief BMS/Operational Manager on 01908 995820.
Interview date: 07.10.2025
Main duties of the job
- To provide a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service for the trust and its users.
- To work as part of a team, using specialist knowledge and expertise to assist in the provision of all aspects of a Cellular Pathology services.
- To work accordance with the trust health and safety policy as well as departmental policies. Assist with training and education activity.
- The candidate must have knowledge and experience of ISO 15189 standards and quality management systems.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
"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).
Working relationships:
- To practice speciality within a managed environment.
Knowledge and experience:
- Must have a BSc in Biomedical Science or an equivalent qualification and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Main responsibilities:
- To organise your daily duties in the provision of a quality service.
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
"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).
Working relationships:
- To practice speciality within a managed environment.
Knowledge and experience:
- Must have a BSc in Biomedical Science or an equivalent qualification and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Main responsibilities:
- To organise your daily duties in the provision of a quality service.
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
- Knowledge of Cellular Pathology to underpin the technical aspects of service delivery
- Awareness of ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories
- Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance
- Knowledge of professional Health and safety regulations
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development
Desirable
- Specialist Portfolio or equivalent
- Awareness of wider NHS/Pathology initiatives
Experience
Essential
- Experience of routine and specialist histology procedures
- Experience as a HCPC registered BMS in Cellular Pathology
- Work within scope and limitation of practice.
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Experience of using a LIMS
Desirable
- Staff training and competency assessment
- Experience of quality management
Skills
Essential
- Possess excellent practical skills
- oAbility to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities and complete tasks within given timeframes.
- Effective team worker
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Proficient IT skills including the use of MS Office software
Desirable
- 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
- Enthusiastic
- 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
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of Cellular Pathology to underpin the technical aspects of service delivery
- Awareness of ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories
- Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance
- Knowledge of professional Health and safety regulations
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development
Desirable
- Specialist Portfolio or equivalent
- Awareness of wider NHS/Pathology initiatives
Experience
Essential
- Experience of routine and specialist histology procedures
- Experience as a HCPC registered BMS in Cellular Pathology
- Work within scope and limitation of practice.
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Experience of using a LIMS
Desirable
- Staff training and competency assessment
- Experience of quality management
Skills
Essential
- Possess excellent practical skills
- oAbility to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities and complete tasks within given timeframes.
- Effective team worker
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Proficient IT skills including the use of MS Office software
Desirable
- 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
- Enthusiastic
- 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
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).
