Biomedical Scientist (Bacteriology)

Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in England is seeking a Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist for their Microbiology team. The role involves performing diagnostic tests, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and participating in quality assurance. Candidates must be HCPC registered, hold a relevant Biomedical Sciences degree, and have significant experience in a Bacteriology laboratory. This position offers flexible working options and is located in a vibrant area known for its attractions and community services.

Qualifications

• Current HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Significant post-HCPC registration experience in a clinical Bacteriology laboratory (Band 6).
• Experience with IQA and EQA schemes.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic tests on clinical samples to detect infections.
• Ensure work complies with quality management systems.
• Participate in quality assurance schemes.

Skills

Safe handling of hazardous materials

Good oral and written communication skills

Good organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Data input and IT skills

Education

Biomedical Sciences (Hons) degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

Laboratory equipment and analysers

Job description

Job Overview

Our busy and friendly Microbiology team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is looking for 2 WTE Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientists to join us as we continue to deliver high-quality diagnostics and patient care.

Are You an Experienced and Motivated HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist?

• An accredited Biomedical scientist degree
• A year's experience working in a Bacteriology laboratory as a Biomedical Scientist
• Has a completed Specialist portfolio in Microbiology (if HCPC registration attained after 2008) /or equivalent experience/qualifications (if HCPC registration attained before 2008)

If you have answered yes to these questions, please feel free to contact us for an informal chat – we would love to hear from you!

Consideration Will Be Given To Those With IBMS Registration And Relevant Laboratory Experience for a Band 5 Position

Automatic progression to a Band 6 position will be awarded based upon the following criteria being met:

• One year experience as a Band 5 post HCPC registered BMS within a Microbiology department
• Completion of the BVH Microbiology lone working associated competencies and integration onto the out of hours on-call rota

Main Duties of the Job

The post holder will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Teaching Hospital Trust as a registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the Bacteriology laboratory.

• Perform a wide range of diagnostic tests on clinical samples (e.g. blood, urine, swabs, sputum) to detect bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections
• Use techniques such as culture, microscopy, antigen detection, PCR, and other molecular methods
• Interpret and validate test results in accordance with laboratory protocols and quality standards
• Ensure all work complies with UKAS/ISO 15189 quality management systems and infection prevention guidelines
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and analysers
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure timely and accurate result delivery
• Communicate effectively with clinicians and other healthcare professionals regarding urgent or significant results
• Contribute to training, supervision, and mentorship of less experienced staff or students
• Take part in the extended working hours shift pattern, including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties

Working for Our Organisation

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a 1‑hour drive from Manchester & Liverpool. It provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for cardiac and haematology patients.

Blackpool offers a great place to live with a bustling centre, historic seafront, world‑famous attractions such as Blackpool Tower, scenic cycling routes, and panoramic coastal views. The Trust supports flexible working, including part‑time, self‑rostering, compressed hours, and annualised hours. Applicants should state any preferences on their application forms.

Person Specification

Qualification Requirement

Essential Criteria

• Current HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist
• Biomedical Sciences (Hons) degree or equivalent qualification suitable for HCPC registration

Desirable Criteria

• Completed Specialist portfolio or equivalent in relevant discipline (if HCPC registration attained after 2008 a completed Specialist portfolio is required)

Experience and Achievement

Essential Criteria

• Significant post‑HCPC registration experience working in a clinical Bacteriology laboratory (Band 6)
• Ability to demonstrate competency in all aspects of the Bacteriology Department
• Experience with IQA and EQA schemes
• Experience in automated and manual laboratory techniques

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of accreditation systems

Skills and Knowledge

Essential Criteria

• Safe handling of hazardous materials and knowledge of H&S legislation
• Understanding of laboratory quality issues
• Data input and IT skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Accurate hand‑eye coordination
• Good concentration skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to act on own initiative
• Ability to organise work, prioritise tasks and manage own workload
• Evidence of participation in CPD

Desirable Criteria

• Supervisory skills, problem‑solving ability

Personal Attributes

Essential Criteria

• Able to work as part of a dedicated team
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work effectively under unpleasant conditions
• Flexibility of working pattern – must be able to work unsocial hours including weekdays until 8pm, weekends, and bank holidays on rotation