Biomedical Scientist

NHS Jobs; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology Team on a full-time basis. The role focuses on delivering accurate diagnostic microbiology results and supporting clinical staff.

We require a BSc in Biomedical Science, HCPC registration and ongoing professional development towards the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology. You will work across microbiology sections and participate in on-call duties.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (IBMS approved) or equivalent.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Working towards IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Interpret clinical details and allocate tests.
• Process biomedical samples with high competency per SOPs.
• Interpret and report timely complex results; authorise reports.
• Communicate test results to colleagues; handle enquiries.
• Ensure quality of specimens and report anomalies to senior staff.
• Rotate through Bacteriology and participate in on-call and weekend rotations.

Skills

Clinical data interpretation

Laboratory techniques

Equipment maintenance

Communication with lab users

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

HCPC registration

Working towards IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology

Tools

Microbiology laboratory equipment

Job description

Go back Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 13 October 2026

We are looking for a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our Microbiology Team on a full time basis.

Biomedical Scientists (BMS) are an integral part of the laboratory team responsible for the diagnosis of infection and disease processes by the application of latest scientific knowledge, coupled with the most up to date scientific methods and use of traditional methods where required. BMS carry out, and interpret the results of, laboratory tests on biomedical samples that will aid clinical staff in the diagnoses of illness and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Further professional development will be expected, as the post holder works towards a Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology.

Main duties of the job

• To interpret clinical details and patient demographic data for the allocation of tests to samples.


• To process biomedical samples using various techniques with a high degree of competency in accordance with standard operating procedures, providing accurate and timely appropriate results.


• To accurately interpret and report timely complex analytical results, and authorise Microbiology reports according to laboratory policy.


• To communicate effectively test results by telephone, printed report or electronic report, deal with telephone enquiries, and provide technical advice to laboratory users.


• To be able to make decisions regarding the quality of specimens and the validity of test data and ensure any anomalies / errors are reported to Senior BMS staff as soon as possible.


• To use complex and technical laboratory equipment in the course of their duties including maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment.

About us

We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group - a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people.

We are creating a heath and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.

Job responsibilities

• At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.


• To work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.


• 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 rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology department.


• To participate in rotas covering Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday mornings as required.


• To participate in the out-of-hours service in a lone worker situation.


• To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings and laboratory meetings as appropriate.


• To participate in annual joint review in accordance with the Trust appraisal policy.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent


• Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)


• Working towards IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology

Experience

• Experience of working as a Biomedical scientist within a Medical Microbiology laboratory in an NHS Laboratory or equivalent in the UK


• Post-HCPC Registration experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory.


• Experience of working on-call in a lone worker situation

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

£32,073 to £39,043 a yearper annum pro rata