Biomedical Scientist Microbiology

UHCW NHS Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS organization in Coventry is seeking a HCPC registered band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology team. Candidates will perform diagnostic services and require UK NHS microbiology lab experience. The role involves working within a 7-day shift system and contributing to quality assurance, making it an exciting opportunity for career development in a leading pathology service. Applicants will enjoy modern facilities and a commitment to staff development in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Access to learning and development opportunities

Involvement in innovative laboratory automation

Qualifications

• Candidates should have UK microbiology NHS lab experience.
• Successful applicant must complete the registration portfolio in Microbiology.
• Ability to perform a range of microbiological techniques required.

Responsibilities

• Daily perform routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient samples under supervision.
• Accurate and timely entry of data onto the laboratory system.
• Participate in quality assurance schemes as directed.

Skills

UK microbiology NHS lab experience

Rotation through microbiology sections

Ability to perform routine diagnostic services

Quality assurance participation

Education

HCPC registration portfolio in Microbiology

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Microbiology team as a HCPC registered band 5 Biomedical scientist at Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Services (CWPS) based at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW).

We serve the communities of Coventry and Warwickshire and have Pathology Departments across University Hospital, Coventry; George Eliot Hospital; Warwick Hospital; and St Cross Hospital, Rugby. Microbiology is centralised at our Coventry site. We serve over 250 GP practices as well as the acute hospital Trusts in these locations.

The Microbiology department performs testing, reporting and clinical advice services for all hospitals and the surrounding GP practices. Microbiology is currently out to tender for full laboratory automation and a significant upgrade in equipment throughout the laboratory. Therefore you would have the opportunity to be involved in the implementation of this into the routine diagnostic service. The successful applicant can expand their operational and leadership experience.

The successful candidate will have completed the registration portfolio in Microbiology. We encourage staff to bring forward ideas for improvement and participate in the ongoing transformation of the service. Applicants are welcome to view the department once successfully shortlisted for interview.

Interviews for this post are due to take place 12th and 13th February.

The post holder will work as a Biomedical Scientist performing a range of microbiological techniques to assist in the clinical diagnosis of microbiological disease. You will rotate through all sections of Microbiology.

Candidates should have UK microbiology NHS lab experience. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in shift rotas including working weekends, bank holidays and, once suitably trained, participate in the on‑call rota.

This advert closes on Thursday 5 Feb 2026. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence®‑designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® – University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

The successful candidate will be required to work within a 7‑day shift system (including weekends, shifts time 08:00‑16:00 and late 13:00‑21:00) and be required to contribute to the on‑call service (21:00‑08:00).

Due to the demands of the service, a flexible approach to working hours is expected. The laboratory is open extended hours from 8 am until 9 pm, Monday‑Sunday. Outside of these hours an on‑call service is provided.

Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology is a network that is based on the following hospital sites: Coventry (University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire), Nuneaton (George Eliot Hospital) and Warwick (South Warwick Hospital). Microbiology is purely based at Coventry.

If you feel you are the right candidate with the right skills to help us achieve our goals we look forward to hearing from you.

Responsibilities

1. Under supervision, daily perform routine and specialised diagnostic services on patient and environmental samples containing potentially infectious material. This will be done on a rotational basis using manual and automated techniques to exacting medical and scientific standards according to standard operating procedures.
2. Under supervision, daily perform interpretation of diagnostic investigations. Know how to proceed in the event of technical / analytical non‑conformance and when to inform the line manager.
3. Accurate and timely entry of data onto the laboratory computer system and/or automated analysers using a VDU and keyboard workstation.
4. As appropriate and under supervision, record reports for authorisation in electronic form and/or verbally to persons authorised to receive them.
5. Quality check outputs including maintaining necessary internal records.
6. Participate in external and internal quality assurance schemes and vertical and horizontal audits as directed by senior staff.
7. Work to meet laboratory performance targets as directed by senior staff.
8. Under supervision, develop and investigate new techniques as required by the changing needs of the service.
9. To regularly inform and discuss progress of training with laboratory training officer and other senior staff as appropriate.

Supporting Tasks

1. Be aware of stocks of kits, reagents and consumables and report stock deficiencies to senior staff.
2. Participate in appraisals and personal reviews and work to agreed set objectives.
3. Participate in shifts and out‑of‑hour services as required.
4. Undertake phlebotomy as required after suitable training.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.