Biomedical Scientist

NHS; North East; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Band 5 BMS in Clinical Biochemistry. The successful candidate will maintain and operate automated analysers, ensure quality control, and manage patient samples efficiently. HCPC registration is essential, along with relevant laboratory experience. This is a part-time fixed-term position based at the University Hospital Of North Durham, offering a salary range of £31,049 to £37,796 pro rata.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration is mandatory.
• Must have relevant laboratory experience.
• Ability to travel across trust sites is essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and run automated analysers while troubleshooting.
• Centrifuge samples and authorize results.
• Monitor and assess patient samples efficiently.

Skills

Communication

Organisational skills

Prioritisation

Manual dexterity

Education

BSc Biomedical Sciences

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a BMS in Clinical Biochemistry at CDDFT processing 1500‑2000 samples per site each day. Nominal base will be University Hospital of North Durham, with required travel to other sites within the Trust.

Blood sciences at CDDFT is a very busy laboratory. You will be a proactive member of the Blood Sciences Team with excellent communication, interpersonal, multitasking, organisational and prioritisation skills.

Relevant experience in a UK laboratory in Biochemistry is preferred; should have been obtained within the last three years.

Main Duties of the Job

• Maintain and run automated analysers, perform QC, investigate and troubleshoot QC failures and spurious results.
• Perform manual tests and record results.
• Book patient samples onto the Laboratory Computer System, ensuring correct test requests.
• Centrifuge samples and authorise results, forwarding abnormals to Clinical Scientists as required.
• Manage pending test lists, prioritise urgent work to meet turnaround times.
• Answer telephone queries and liaise with other Trust staff and the general public.
• Stock control including ordering, receiving, receipting deliveries, documenting and organising batches of reagents, performing verification tasks.
• Assist in training and competency assessment of new Band 4 staff.

About Us

We provide hospital services from two acute sites, a centre for planned care, multiple community hospitals and over 80 other community based settings.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates.

Job Description and Responsibilities

Part of your role will be to complete all required quality documentation including training, competency and CPD. Clinical Biochemistry processes approximately 800,000 samples per year using Siemens Atellica systems, HbA1c testing and other assays. Experience is advantageous but not essential.

• Perform complex analyses, authorise results, reflex tests, refer abnormals to consultants.
• Ensure analysers are maintained, calibrated, quality controlled and troubleshoot issues.
• Provide results in a timely manner in emergency situations; must be able to prioritise, multitask, keep calm and have excellent communication skills.
• Train and supervise Band 4 staff.
• Participate in 24/7 shift rota (days, late, night, weekends, bank holidays); cross‑site cover required.
• Must be HCPC registered; this is a short‑term fixed‑term post.

Person Specification

Statutory Registration (Essential)

• HCPC registered

Special Requirements (Essential)

• Able to travel across trust sites.
• Shift work, out of hours work.

Qualifications (Essential)

• BSc Biomedical Sciences

Desirable

• Computer literate.
• Working towards specialist diploma.
• Science / English / Math A-levels.

Special Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

• Organise own work activities.
• Prioritisation of duties.
• Communication.
• Medical / Scientific terminology.
• Numerical calculations.
• Manual dexterity, tests and analysers.
• Precise and accurate work performance.

Experience (Essential)

• Relevant laboratory experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires Disclosure to be submitted to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Of North Durham, North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW

Contact

Reference number: C9439-2526-1265

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 5

Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Part‑time

Job location: University Hospital Of North Durham

Job posted: 11 December 2025

Employer's Website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/