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Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Bank - Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology)

The closing date is 18 February 2026

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Job summary

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

Key Responsibilities:

  • 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).

Main duties of the job

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.

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.

Details

Date posted

04 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Based on experience

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7693262

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.

2. To work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.

3. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

4. To rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology department.

5. To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings and laboratory meetings as appropriate.

6. To be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient centered service, participating in the laboratorys quality management procedures.

7. To rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal.

8. To be courteous and professional when dealing with other health care professionals or patients.

Please see attached Job Description for full details.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.

2. To work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.

3. To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

4. To rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology department.

5. To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings and laboratory meetings as appropriate.

6. To be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient centered service, participating in the laboratorys quality management procedures.

7. To rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal.

8. To be courteous and professional when dealing with other health care professionals or patients.

Please see attached Job Description for full details.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications, Training

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
  • Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology

Desirable

  • MSc Medical Microbiology (or equivalent experience/qualification)
  • Quality Management training
  • Health & Safety training
  • Parasitology training
  • Mycology training

Experience

Essential

  • In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory, post HCPC registration
  • Previous experience of working alone out of hours

Desirable

  • Quality Management experience
  • Health & Safety Management experience
Person Specification

Education, Qualifications, Training

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
  • Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology

Desirable

  • MSc Medical Microbiology (or equivalent experience/qualification)
  • Quality Management training
  • Health & Safety training
  • Parasitology training
  • Mycology training

Experience

Essential

  • In-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory, post HCPC registration
  • Previous experience of working alone out of hours

Desirable

  • Quality Management experience
  • Health & Safety Management experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Laboratory Manager

Christopher Frearson

christopherfrearson@nhs.net

01793604798

Details

Date posted

04 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Based on experience

Contract

Bank

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7693262

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

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