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Job summary

Main area
Pathology
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Be part of Saturday morning rota, working from home to authorise results.)
Job ref
339-CCS0725-AFR
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Southmead Hospital
Town
Bristol
Salary
£49,387 - £56,515 pa pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
23/11/2026 08:00
Interview date
03/12/2026

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Healthcare Scientist

Band 7

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

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Job overview

We are seeking a state-registered Healthcare Scientist with expertise in Microbiology and/or Analytical Chemistry, particularly HPLC and LC-MS/MS, and a strong interest in the clinical application of infection management and antimicrobial chemotherapy.

Applicants should hold an MSc and/or PhD and be HCPC registered as either a Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist within Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, or a related discipline.

The Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory (ARL), based in Bristol provides a nationally recognised antimicrobial assay service to NHS and private healthcare providers. The laboratory offers a comprehensive range of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral therapeutic drug monitoring assays, alongside specialist clinical advice on the interpretation and application of results.
The ARL is based within purpose-built pathology laboratories and forms part of Infection Sciences, 
The laboratory is staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprising Clinical Scientists, Senior Biomedical Scientists, and support staff, and operates within a UKAS ISO 15189 accredited quality management system..
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced scientist to contribute to a nationally recognised service at the forefront of antimicrobial monitoring, clinical interpretation, and assay development.

Main duties of the job

  • To participate in the provision of effective and high quality clinical and analytical services in antimicrobial therapeutic drug monitoring, as provided by the Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory (ARL). 

  • Participate in the ARL clinical validation rota alongside Clinical and Biomedical Scientists, providing result interpretation, responding to clinical and technical enquiries, and contributing to the Saturday morning rota. 

  • To undertake, independently or collaboratively, research activities that contribute to the advancement of Medical Microbiology and the scientific principles underpinning the specialty, with a particular focus on antimicrobial chemotherapy. 

  • To support the supervision, training, and professional development of staff and participate in the department’s educational activities. 

  • To ensure all data is processed correctly and stored in the appropriate electronic or paper-based format, in line with local and national policies. 

  • On a rotational basis and under the direction of the Operations Manager, contribute to the daily operation of the laboratory, including staff management, administrative duties, and attendance at departmental and cross-departmental meetings to ensure the effective delivery of the service. 

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.  

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. 

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

Essential criteria
  • BSc in an appropriate biological science
  • State registration with HCPC
  • MSc/PhD or equivalent qualification/experience
  • Evidence of continuing professional development

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential criteria
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Working knowledge of Health & Safety issues within a laboratory
  • Working knowledge of the laboratory computer systems
  • Keyboard skills and accurate data entry skills
  • Able to organise laboratory staff when required
  • Good presentation skills
  • Knowledge in principles of drug assay
  • Good communication skills both verbal and written
  • Good organisational skills
  • Ability to work in a team
Desirable criteria
  • Able to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
  • Appraisal training
  • Broad knowledge of the management of infection

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Strong working knowledge of lab procedures
  • Experience in authorising clinical laboratory reports
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of HPLC / LCMS
  • Theoretical and practical microbiological knowledge

Personal qualities

Essential criteria
  • Motivation and enthusiasm for the role
  • Able to be flexible, adaptable and be forward thinking
  • Receptive to change
  • Able to concentrate & work under pressure

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Application numbers

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Mohanad Al-Habbal
Job title
Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01174146279
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