Advanced Biomedical Scientist (Haematology/ Transfusion)

NHS National Services Scotland; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Orkney is seeking an Advanced Biomedical Scientist as a Haematology/Transfusion Lead in Kirkwall. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary of up to £56,747 plus a Distant Islands Allowance. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the field and be responsible for leading the haematology department and providing high-quality diagnostic services.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Work-life balance policies

Employee assistance programme

Discounts with local and national retailers

Qualifications

• Extensive post-qualification Haematology/Blood Transfusion experience.
• Expert knowledge of routine diagnostic procedures.
• Health & Care Professions Council Registered.

Responsibilities

• Accountable to the Laboratory Manager for the haematology department.
• Participate in the multidisciplinary out-of-hours rota after training.
• Training for laboratory and medical personnel as required.

Skills

Haematology/Blood Transfusion experience

Routine diagnostic procedures

Maintenance of IQA and EQA systems

Education

Honours Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent experience

Job description

About the Organisation:
As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is driven by a bold vision: looking after our community and providing excellent care. Whether you’re starting your NHS journey or bringing expertise from another NHS employer, your skills will make a real difference to the health and lives of Orkney’s 22,000 residents.

Our state-of-the-art healthcare facility, The Balfour, opened in 2019 and is home to modern inpatient wards, an emergency department, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices, and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Collaboration thrives here, ensuring exceptional care for every patient. Beyond our main facility, we’re investing in our outer isles, enhancing services, and transforming patient care across our islands.

About Orkney:

Orkney itself is nothing short of magical. With over 70 islands (20 inhabited), this breathtaking destination offers stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cultural and sporting activities. Recognised as one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney promises a lifestyle like no other.

The Post:

An opportunity has arisen for an Advanced Biomedical Scientist to work as part of the Laboratory team as a Haematology/ Transfusion Lead in Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall in Orkney

The post holder will be accountable to the Laboratory Manager, working with the laboratory team to provide Orkney patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment. They will have responsibility for all routine administration and daily operational oversight of the haematology department and transfusion services, and will act as laboratory liaison with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. They will participate in the provision of routine laboratory diagnostic investigations, and after appropriate training will use a range of analysers and technical procedures to process patient samples. The post holder will be expected to participate in the multidisciplinary out -of- hours rota after appropriate training and will be expected to assist in training for laboratory and medical personnel as required.

The Candidate:
Applicants are required to have extensive post-qualification Haematology/Blood Transfusion experience within a routine diagnostic laboratory with expert knowledge of routine diagnostic procedures and a good working knowledge of the maintenance of IQA and EQA systems. They will be Health & Care Professions Council Registered, with an Honours Degree or equivalent experience suitable for registration as a Member or Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.

Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration:
This post will be based at The Balfour

The successful candidate will work: 37 hours per week with an on-call commitment

This post is on a Permanent Full-time Basis

It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NHS Orkney.

Benefits and Salary:
Did you know NHS Scotland salaries are higher than those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

The salary for this post is on a Band 7 £48,788 - £56,747 and when residing on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,587 pro rata per year, adding extra value to your rewarding career with us.

NHS Orkney also offers an attractive pension scheme, wide range of work life balance policies, employee assistance programme and various discounts to both local and national retailers.

Further Information:

If you share our vision and are ready to be part of Team Orkney, we’d love to hear from you. Your rewarding career starts here!

To find out more about this opportunity please contact Lorna Wilson, Laboratory Manager on 01856888952 or via email on [e-mail].

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups check

Interview Date: 15th July 2025