Biomedical Scientist | Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The Great Western Hospitals NHS FT; Swindon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon is seeking a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our Microbiology Team on a full-time basis. The role involves interpreting clinical data, processing samples to SOPs, and reporting results to clinicians.

You will work towards a Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology and rotate through sections, with on-call and out-of-hours duties as required. The post offers NHS pay and pro rata terms, with training and appraisal aligned to Trust

Qualifications

• Interpret clinical details and patient data to allocate tests.
• Process biomedical samples using SOPs with high competency.
• Interpret and report timely, complex analytical results per policy.
• Communicate results by various methods and assist users.
• Assess specimen quality and verify data accuracy with senior BMS.
• Rotate through Bacteriology and participate in on-call duties.
• Engage in mandatory training and annual appraisal.

Responsibilities

• Interpret clinical details and patient demographic data for test allocation.
• Process samples using SOPs to produce timely results.
• Accurately interpret and report results according to policy.
• Communicate test results by telephone, printouts or electronic systems.
• Make decisions on specimen quality and data validity.
• Operate and troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment.
• Participate in weekend and out-of-hours rotas.
• Engage in mandatory training and annual appraisals.

Skills

Clinical laboratory skills

Sample processing

Result interpretation

Communication

Quality assurance

COSHH awareness

Education

Biomedical Science degree

Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology (in progress)

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

Biomedical Scientist | Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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.

1. To interpret clinical details and patient demographic data for the allocation of tests to samples.
2. 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.
3. To accurately interpret and report timely complex analytical results, and authorise Microbiology reports according to laboratory policy.
4. To communicate effectively test results by telephone, printed report or electronic report, deal with telephone enquiries, and provide technical advice to laboratory users.
5. 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.
6. To use complex and technical laboratory equipment in the course of their duties including maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment.

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.

1. At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
2. To work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.
3. 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.
4. To rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology department.
5. To participate in rotas covering Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday mornings as required.
6. To participate in the out-of-hours service in a lone worker situation.
7. To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings and laboratory meetings as appropriate.
8. To participate in annual joint review in accordance with the Trust appraisal policy.

This advert closes on Tuesday 13 Oct 2026

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company: The Great Western Hospitals NHS FT Salary: £32,073 - £39,043 per annum pro rata Hours: Full-time Location: Swindon, SN3 6BB Job type: Permanent Posting date: 29 Sept 2026 Closing date: 29 Oct 2026

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.