Advanced Biomedical Scientist – Section Leader

NHS; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is looking for an Advanced Biomedical Scientist – Section Leader to join their team in Newcastle upon Tyne. This role demands strong leadership and expertise in laboratory diagnostics. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, providing effective clinical testing services, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate holds a BSc in Biomedical Science and possesses experience in Microbiology. A flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth is offered.

Qualifications

• BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent Qualification.
• Completion of the IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent experience.
• Level 7 qualification (MSc or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Supervise, organise, and direct Biomedical Scientists and HCSPs.
• Interpret laboratory results to meet individual patient needs.
• Participate in Quality Assurance programmes.

Skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Multitasking ability

Education

BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent

Completion of the IBMS Specialist portfolio

Level 7 qualification

Tools

Computer literacy

Analysers middleware systems

Job description

Advanced Biomedical Scientist – Section Leader

The closing date is 11 January 2026

• Interview Date: Friday, 23 January 2026
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring the appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests are performed using their knowledge, judgement and technical expertise. They will have experience of Microbiology at both a technical and theoretical level and be able to demonstrate strong leadership and H & S qualities. Experience and knowledge of TB diagnostics is desirable but not essential.

The role requires the individual to work closely with departmental colleagues, consultant microbiologists and other service users.

About us

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

With around 2 million contacts with patients every year, we deliver care from:

• Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
• Freeman Hospital
• Newcastle Dental Hospital
• Newcastle Fertility Centre
• Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbria
• Northern Genetics Service

These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting‑edge care (supported by state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS.

We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.

Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under 'Documents to download' or 'Supporting documents'.

For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Job responsibilities

• The department of Microbiology and Virology is made up of several specialist areas as shown in the organisation chart and the jobholder will contribute to the provision of an effective clinical diagnostic testing and advice service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.
• Provision of an effective clinical diagnostic testing and advice service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.
• This will involve assisting an Operational Site Manager with operational continuity by supervising, organising, and directing Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Practitioners (HCSPs), maintaining work standards and day‑to‑day performance.
• Leading and participating in the practical work in the designated section and imparting specialist knowledge in clinical technical situations is also required.
• To provide specialist scientific knowledge and to work as a member of the team to assess, plan and contribute to the provision of a specialised service.
• To supervise and participate in the practical work of the section including reception, sorting, numbering, booking in and analysis of samples, including interpretation of clinical details and deciding which investigations are most appropriate, and any associated recording or data entry.
• To ensure appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests are performed and results validated using judgement and expertise.
• To interpret laboratory results and apply these to ensure individual patient needs are met.
• To participate in the section Quality Assurance programmes, investigate situations and instigate remedial action and to report such events to the Laboratory Management Team.
• To support the Laboratory Management Team in maintaining accreditation status (UKAS, HTA, MHRA, HSE).
• There may be a requirement for Advanced BMS grades to rotate through different sections.
• To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non‑compliances to the Department Health and Safety Officer.
• To ensure the section has adequate supplies of consumables and that equipment is in good working order.
• Practical and theoretical training and supervision of BMS and HCSP staff, Students, Junior Doctors and other visitors.
• To ensure effective communication within the department and liaise with external colleagues such as the Public Health Field Epidemiologists and National Surveillance Programme Data Analysts.
• The Advanced BMS will participate in the department out of hours rotas. They will be asked to provide cover for Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday duties in the department as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

• BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent Qualification
• Health & Care Professions Council registration
• Completion of the IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent experience at specialist level in Microbiology or Virology
• Level 7 qualification (MSc, IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or NSHCS Scientist Training Programme)
• Experience and/or qualification in leadership and management

Knowledge & Experience

• Previous experience and knowledge in Serology or Virology gained as a Biomedical Scientist
• Experience of training and assessment
• Experience in Quality Management Systems (Audit, EQA & IQC)
• Experience of maintaining and troubleshooting equipment
• Good general computer literacy, including familiarity with Windows and common applications
• Willingly accepts responsibility and takes control of situations
• Use of bespoke IT software packages for example analyser middleware systems
• Experience in Research and Development
• Familiarity with current UKAS accreditation standards

Skills & Abilities

• Evidence of effective leadership skills
• Strong analytical, organisational and planning skills
• Able to understand complex problems quickly and to identify workable solutions
• Ability to multitask
• Good hand eye coordination
• Able to effectively communicate complex issues both verbally and written.
• Able to act independently and use initiative
• Able to delegate and share knowledge
• Keyboard and IT related skills

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.

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust