Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join our Microbiology team on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2026.
This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to a service undergoing significant digital and workflow transformation. You will play an active part in supporting day-to-day diagnostic services while also contributing to the development and implementation of improved electronic systems and microbiology processes.
This post is ideal for a Biomedical Scientist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work but is also interested in supporting change, quality improvement, and the future of digital diagnostics.
Main duties of the job
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Perform complex microbiological investigations and validations in accordance with laboratory SOPs and national standards
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Ensure timely and accurate processing of clinical samples, including culture, microscopy, molecular, and serological techniques
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Supervise and support junior staff, including Band 5 BMS and trainees, as part of a collaborative team
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Contribute to quality assurance, audit, and service development initiatives
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Participate in the validation of new equipment, test methods, and workflows
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Support electronic requesting and digital transformation projects in the department
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Maintain compliance with ISO 15189 and UKAS accreditation standards
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Liaise with clinical and infection prevention teams to ensure optimal service delivery
About us
Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.
We are a forward-thinking service embracing digital improvements, including electronic requesting, LIMS development, and analyser connectivity. This fixed-term role is part of a programme of modernisation that will strengthen diagnostic pathways and improve patient care. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and be part of shaping the future of Microbiology services in our Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Youll be joining a friendly and supportive Microbiology team within a wider, multidisciplinary Pathology department committed to quality, safety, and innovation.
This is a fixed-term Band 6 role until 31/03/2026, providing both operational support to the Microbiology laboratory and active involvement in service improvement initiatives.
You will be responsible for delivering a high-quality diagnostic microbiology service, including:
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Independently performing and authorising microbiological investigations
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Supporting day-to-day lab organisation, workflow management, and infection control priorities
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Participating in quality management and ensuring traceability, accuracy, and compliance
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Training and mentoring less experienced staff and supporting CPD activity within the team
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Assisting in the review and modernisation of microbiology practices, including contributions to SOPs and verification studies
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Taking part in data quality reviews and changes related to electronic requesting and LIMS
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Collaborating with clinical teams to support antimicrobial stewardship and timely clinical decision-making
You will work closely with the Band 7 and Consultant staff to ensure that the service meets the demands of the Trust and continues to deliver safe, effective, and responsive microbiology diagnostics.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Youll be joining a friendly and supportive Microbiology team within a wider, multidisciplinary Pathology department committed to quality, safety, and innovation.
This is a fixed-term Band 6 role until 31/03/2026, providing both operational support to the Microbiology laboratory and active involvement in service improvement initiatives.
You will be responsible for delivering a high-quality diagnostic microbiology service, including:
-
Independently performing and authorising microbiological investigations
-
Supporting day-to-day lab organisation, workflow management, and infection control priorities
-
Participating in quality management and ensuring traceability, accuracy, and compliance
-
Training and mentoring less experienced staff and supporting CPD activity within the team
-
Assisting in the review and modernisation of microbiology practices, including contributions to SOPs and verification studies
-
Taking part in data quality reviews and changes related to electronic requesting and LIMS
-
Collaborating with clinical teams to support antimicrobial stewardship and timely clinical decision-making
You will work closely with the Band 7 and Consultant staff to ensure that the service meets the demands of the Trust and continues to deliver safe, effective, and responsive microbiology diagnostics.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist
- Evidence of CPD
- Progression of IBMS Specialist portfolio
Desirable
- MSc Medical Microbiology (or equivalent experience/qualification)
- Progression or recent Completion of IBMS Specialist portfolio
- Training in virology/molecular techniques
- Training in matters relating to quality or health & safety.
Experience
Essential
- Specialist knowledge in medical microbiology gained from extensive experience in an NHS laboratory
- Lone worker experience e.g. on call
- Supervisory experience
- Experience of document control and writing technical documents
Desirable
- Experience of staff training
- Experience of verifying new methods
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist
- Evidence of CPD
- Progression of IBMS Specialist portfolio
Desirable
- MSc Medical Microbiology (or equivalent experience/qualification)
- Progression or recent Completion of IBMS Specialist portfolio
- Training in virology/molecular techniques
- Training in matters relating to quality or health & safety.
Experience
Essential
- Specialist knowledge in medical microbiology gained from extensive experience in an NHS laboratory
- Lone worker experience e.g. on call
- Supervisory experience
- Experience of document control and writing technical documents
Desirable
- Experience of staff training
- Experience of verifying new methods
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
