Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

NHS; Swindon; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Swindon seeks an Advanced Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology. The role involves managing laboratory operations, ensuring adherence to safety regulations, and providing expertise in bacteriology. Candidates should have a relevant degree, HCPC registration, and experience in Medical Microbiology. This position offers a salary of £47,810 to £54,710 a year plus a 5% RRP uplift.

Qualifications

• Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Advanced knowledge in Clinical Virology and Bacteriology.
• In-depth experience in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Process and interpret microbiological samples.
• Maintain competency in bacteriology.

Skills

In-depth experience in Medical Microbiology

Advanced knowledge in Clinical Virology

Training staff

Quality Management experience

Health & Safety Management experience

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Current registration with HCPC

IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology

MSc Biomedical Sciences

Job description

Go back Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

The closing date is 24 September 2025

The Senior Biomedical scientist will work with other seniors in the team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Microbiology department. The role involves providing a cost-effective quality service through review if processes and policies' and interpreting technical laboratory tests and diagnostic processes. In addition they must act as a line manager for laboratory staff and provide technical support and advice to the Microbiology consultants.

Main duties of the job

The Advanced Band 7 Biomedical Scientist in Bacteriology plays a vital role in delivering a high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic service by overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations in line with Trust protocols, safety regulations, and quality standards. The post holder ensures effective time management and supervision of staff, maintains competency in bacteriology, provides technical support to consultants, and participates in the weekend and out-of-hours service. Responsibilities include processing and interpreting complex microbiological samples, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, maintaining and troubleshooting advanced laboratory equipment, leading method evaluations, and supporting audits and quality management initiatives. The role also involves regular communication with internal and external stakeholders, training and mentoring junior staff, contributing to business cases, and ensuring compliance with UKAS, COSHH, and ISO 15189 standards. Professional competence is maintained through continuous development, adherence to HCPC requirements, and active participation in training and appraisal processes. The post holder is expected to manage resources responsibly, contribute to service improvement, and operate effectively under conditions that include physical effort, exposure to infectious materials, and occasional distressing scenarios.

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.

Job responsibilities

• At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
• To undertake effective time management in the daily planning of the sections work and to direct BMS/AP/BSW staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmentalguidelines and safety policies.
• To undertake quality work including the investigation of non-conformities, audits and document control/creation and verification/reverification.
• 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.
• To be responsible for the maintenance and safe operation oflaboratory equipment.
• To maintain competency in all areas of the laboratory.

Further information will be found on the attached Job Description

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

• oBSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
• oCurrent registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• oIBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology
• oEvidence of on-going CPD
• oMSc Biomedical Sciences
• oHigher Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology
• oQuality Management training.
• oHealth & Safety training.
• oManagement Qualification

Experience

• oIn-depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.
• oIn-depth experience of working at a management level in Microbiology.
• oAdvanced knowledge in Clinical Virology and Bacteriology.
• oPrevious experience of working alone out of hours is essential.
• oExperience in use of automated molecular and serological platforms.
• oExperience of training staff
• oQuality Management experience.
• oHealth & 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.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£47,810 to £54,710 a year+ 5% RRP uplift