Biomedical Scientist

Transformation Unit; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Biomedical Scientist (Band 5) on a part-time, fixed-term contract (12 months) to support clinical microbiology. The post will rotate through laboratory sections, handle infectious specimens, and ensure accurate reporting in line with HCPC standards.

The role requires an IBMS accredited degree or trainee status, HCPC registration within 30 days of interview, and a commitment to safety and quality. DBS and probationary conditions apply.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate with staff at all levels.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques and Biomedical Science.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and safety measures.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willing to attend courses and conferences to stay up to date.

Responsibilities

• Process and analyse clinical specimens as part of infectious disease work.
• Initial microscopical examination for microorganisms.
• Inoculation of growth media and interpretation of cultures.
• Identify pathogens and perform sensitivity tests using standard methods.
• Enter results accurately into the computer system and ensure data quality.

Skills

Communication skills

Laboratory techniques

Safety awareness

Flexible working hours

Education

IBMS accredited degree

HCPC registration

Trainee Biomedical Scientist pathway

Job description

Main area Clinical Support Grade Band 5 Contract Fixed term: 12 months (This is a maternity cover) Hours Part time - 28.5 hours per week Job ref 328-CSS-8199905

Employer South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site The James Cook University Hospital Town Middlesbrough Salary £32,073 - £39,043 per annum (pro rata) Salary period Yearly Closing 28/09/2026 23:59

Biomedical Scientist

Band 5

Job overview

To aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases by the laboratory analysis of clinical specimens. To be professionally accountable for the technical correctness and accurate reporting of test results. The post holder must be State Registered, must hold an IBMS-approved degree , and will be expected to rotate through all sections of the laboratory.

Receiving and assign samples for relevant tests, highlighting any relevant clinical histories to enable accurate data entry by reception staff.

To reject specimens which do not conform to established protocols and prioritise specimen types as to their perceived urgency.

To process, unsupervised but in accordance with established SOP’s, clinical specimens received into the laboratory. Specimens can include body fluids (blood, urine CSF, etc.), solid tissue, faeces, sputum, swabs from anybody site, and a variety of artificial devices (heart valves, contact lenses, coils, etc.).

Main duties of the job

Processing may involve any of the following:

• The initial microscopical examination for the presence of micro-organisms.
• The inoculation of growth media with the specimens and the interpretation of the resulting cultures.
• The identification of potentially pathogenic micro-organisms and the performance of sensitivity tests, via a variety of methods.
• The quantification of red or white cells (usually in CSF or urine), plus the enumeration of certain other cells or structures such as casts.

  All work must be performed within the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.

  The work can regularly involve the manipulation of specimens containing hazardous and /or infectious material (including high risk agents such as HIV, CJD and Tuberculosis). It may require extended periods of concentration and physical immobility, and can demand precise hand eye co-ordination. Many of the specimens submitted may be considered unpleasant.

  To acquire an understanding on validity of results and need for further/repeat testing.

  To enter results accurately into the computer system prior to them being authorised, by consultant staff. Certain results (such as blood culture and CSF microscopies) will be released to service users without being authorised by the department consultants, which entails added responsibility.

Working for our organisation

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience.

We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates, including those who first language is not English.

We support the 'Making Every Contact Count' approach to behaviour change in the promotion of health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the full job description and person specification document) attached for main responsibilities of the role.

Person specification

Knowledge

• Able to communicate and maintain good relations with all levels of staff.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques and Biomedical science.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and safety measures.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to understand new technological advances.
• Basic keyboard skills
• Flexible approach to working hours
• Willing to attend courses and conferences to keep up to date and disseminate knowledge.

Qualifications and Training

• Must have an IBMS accredited degree (Biomedical Scientist position) or be expected to complete it within 3 months of appointment together with an HCPC registration portfolio (Trainee Biomedical Scientist).
• Consideration will be given to those with an accredited Biomedical Science degree that have not completed the HCPC registration portfolio and if successful at interview will be appointed to the trainee Biomedical Scientist position.
• Must have successfully completed the registration portfolio assessment
• Must be eligible to apply for HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist now and be HCPC registered within 30 days of interview
• Must demonstrate training and competency in microbiology

Experience

• Experience of working in a clinical laboratory

Important - Once sufficient applications have been received this vacancy may close early.

Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS)
It is the policy of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who are new to the Trust who require DBS clearance for the post they have been offered, are required to pay the cost of their DBS. The method of payment for this is via salary deduction from your first month's pay.

Qualifications
Please note the essential qualifications required for the post are outlined within the Person Specification. You are required to provide original evidence of the necessary qualifications for the post at interview should you be shortlisted.You will also be required to provide original copies as part of the pre-employment check screening.

New Starters – Probationary Period

For any new employees commencing employment with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, you will be subject to satisfactory completion of a 6 month probationary period. Please note that internal applications and individuals that are appointed to fixed term appointments of less than 6 months duration are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or a bank member of staff).
Employment References

As part of our pre-employment screening process, all applicants are required to provide references covering their last three years employment history including any gaps. Applicants are requested toensure e-mail addressesfor all referees are included on their application form. Personal references are not acceptable.

Working Hours

If the hours advertised for the post are up to full time (37.5 hours per week), applications are still welcomed from individuals who may be seeking to work less than full-time hours and all requests will be considered in line with the post being appointed to for the successful applicant.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Everything we do is shaped by our values: Respect, Support, and Collaborate.

At University Hospitals Tees we want our workspaces to be places where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. We treat people with respect, and we celebrate the differences that make each of us unique.

We welcome applications from everyone, no matter your age, background, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family circumstances or beliefs.

We are here to supportyou throughout your application and at every stage of your career with us. We believe we work best when we collaborate, learn from each other and build teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Supporting disabled people and people with long‑term conditions

We are a Disability Confident committed employer aspiring to become a lead employer in 2026.

This means we give fair and full consideration to applicants and will offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need help with your application, or need the information in a different format, please contact our recruitment team and we will support you.

If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at [e-mail] or call us on 01642 854610

Right to Work in the UK

The Trust welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the criteria for the role. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship hereWork in the UK - GOV.UK ( www.gov.uk ).

Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Please note that not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

Further Important Information

Please check your email on a regular basis for updates on your application. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to email via this method

Existing employees of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust currently on the Redeployment Register, who meet the essential criteria for this post, will be shortlisted and interviewed prior to all other applicants.

Please ensure you read the ‘Guidance Notes for Applicants’ document attached to this advert before completing and submitting your application.

Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applicants and those who are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.