Advanced Biomedical Support Worker

Royal Devon; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension

Cycle to work

Onsite nursery

Staff discounts

Job summary

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Advanced Biomedical Support Worker to assist Biomedical Scientists in the Microbiology service. You will rotate across the department, check sample integrity, process specimens for bacteriology, serology and molecular tests, and operate and maintain laboratory equipment.

Working on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays on a rotational basis is required.

Responsibilities

• Check sample integrity prior to analysis
• Process clinical specimens for Bacteriological culture
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment in Bacteriology, Serology and Molecular departments
• Receive specimens and book onto the laboratory computer system
• Answer telephone queries and perform housekeeping duties
• Work across seven days with weekend/bank holiday rotation

Job description

The purpose of the job is to assist the Biomedical Scientists by way of carrying out procedures in order to aid the provision of a high-quality Microbiology Service across Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

To work as part of the Microbiology team in the efficient processing of specimens received into the laboratory. The post holder will be working flexibly across seven days.

About the Role

More detail about the role

The Department of Microbiology provides a comprehensive Microbiology service to the RDUH Trust and local Population across Northern and Eastern Devon. The Department employs approximately 80 staff, providing bacteriology, mycology, serology/virology and molecular microbiology services, processing in excess of 600,000 specimens per annum. The service operates 24/7 including weekends and overnight cover is provided by an on-call service. The Microbiology department (eastern site) is situated on the edge of Dartmoor, in the city of Exeter with easy access to the M5 corridor and excellent transport links to the open countryside and Devon coastline. There is an on-site restaurant, crèche facilities and a choice of coffee/tea outlets.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Advanced Biomedical Support Worker with good interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-motivation to join the team. You will be working as part of a large, busy team, assisting the Biomedical Scientists in the investigation of patient samples. You will rotate throughout the laboratory and your role will include checking sample integrity prior to analysis, processing clinical specimens for Bacteriological culture and operating and maintaining laboratory equipment in Bacteriology, Serology and Molecular departments. You will also undertake other tasks including receiving specimens, booking specimens onto the laboratory computer system, answering telephone queries and laboratory housekeeping duties. Working on Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays, on a rotational basis is also required for this post.

Due to the high volume of applicants likely to be received we reserve the right to close the advert early.

Working Pattern:37.5 hours per week (part time would be considered). RDUH Laboratory opening hours are 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-16:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Core hours are from 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week), working on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, on a rotational basis. Early shifts (8am-16:30pm) and late shifts (11:30am-20:00pm) will be worked on a rotational basis.

Please note that the Trust is unable to offer Skilled Worker sponsorship for this role, which falls within occupation code 6131 on the Immigration Salary List (ISL). The Home Office has confirmed that the ISL will close on 31 December 2026, after which the occupation code is not expected to remain eligible for sponsorship for new applicants.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation TrustandNorthern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do,

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.

• Salary Band 3: £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata
• Frequency Annual
• Vacancy Reference 185-793-14689
• Contract Type Permanent
• Closing Date 19 November, 2026
• Job Category Healthcare Scientists
• Staff Group Additional Clinical Services