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Job summary

Main area
Biomedical Sciences
Grade
Band 6
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (Maternity Cover)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Including on call, weekends and bank holidays)
Job ref
249-7754679-2
Employer
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Great Western Hospital
Town
Swindon
Salary
£39,959 - £48,117 per annum pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
07/08/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Band 6

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a unique organisation, serving as the sole integrated provider in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire system. Our scope extends beyond boundaries as we oversee adult community services in Swindon and provide acute care from the Great Western Hospital. 

Our 5,500 staff have 1.2m patient contacts a year, with 13,000 operations carried out in our Theatres, around 4,000 babies born, and our emergency attendances are now well over 100,000 per year. Those numbers only tell part of our story about what an exciting time it is to join Great Western Hospitals.

We are cultivating a culture that fosters our ambitions, prioritising equality, diversion, inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. We aim to create an environment where every member of our team can truly thrive.

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used, then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close adverts prior to the published closing date. Therefore, we advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

Job overview

12-month Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover

We are seeking an enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist with excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-motivation to join our dynamic team. This role is integral to the laboratory, where you will provide specialist technical expertise in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.

Specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) play a crucial role in the laboratory team, responsible for diagnosing infections and disease processes. They leverage the latest scientific knowledge and methods, while also utilizing traditional techniques when necessary. Specialist BMS conduct and interpret laboratory tests providing essential data to clinical staff for accurate diagnoses and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.

Main duties of the job

  • Technical Duties:

    • Perform specialized tasks in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.
    • Authorise specific result types.
    • Oversee and supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs).
    • Manage the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Quality and Project Management:

    • Participate in validation and verification projects.
    • Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.

  • Development and Support:

    • Stay updated with scientific advancements and managerial developments in the field.
    • Support senior staff and the Laboratory Manager in providing an efficient, expert, and cost-effective laboratory service.
    • Take on additional laboratory responsibilities with appropriate support and training.

Working Hours:

  • Routine hours are Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 17:15 (37.5 hours per week).
  • Participation in a rotational schedule for weekends and Bank Holidays.
  • Involvement in the on-call (out-of-hours) service provision is required.

 

Working for our organisation

We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group – a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people. We are creating a heath and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached job description for full details.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.

Person specification

Education, Qualifications, Training

Essential criteria
  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent, plus, further knowledge acquired through training and practical experience
  • Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
Desirable criteria
  • MSc Medical Microbiology
  • Quality Management training
  • Health & Safety training
  • Parasitology training
  • Mycology training

Experience

Essential criteria
  • In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory in an NHS laboratory, post HCPC registration
  • Previous experience of working alone out of hours is essential
Desirable criteria
  • Experience in automated and manual identification methods
  • Quality Management experience
  • Health & Safety Management experience
  • Stock Management and stock control experience

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: GoldCare Leaver CovenantStonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.Step into healthArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Christopher Frearson
Job title
Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01793 604798
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