Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology-Virology)

Uhleicester; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is seeking a Biomedical Scientist (Band 5) in Microbiology-Virology at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The role requires HCPC registration and involvement in a 24/7 service including on-call, with early, core, late and night shifts across sites.

The successful candidate will contribute to routine laboratory work, quality control, staff supervision and ongoing professional development in a busy clinical microbiology environment.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration is required.
• Experience in clinical microbiology is desirable.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, 24/7 service.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine laboratory analyses and report results.
• Maintain records and ensure quality control procedures.
• Participate in training and supervision of staff.
• Support 24/7 service, including on-call and night shifts.

Skills

HCPC registered

Laboratory experience

Teamwork

Job description

Go back University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology-Virology)

The closing date is 16 October 2026

Applications are invited from individuals who are dedicated, enthusiastic, energetic, skilled and confident in their technical abilities to apply for the post of Biomedical Scientist (Band 5) within our Clinical Microbiology Laboratory based at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The post holder will be required to work on sites as appropriate for the delivery of the service and may be asked to work across sites within the trust. The post holder will be required to support a 24/7 service including on-call (out of hours) provision as required. Early, core, late and night shift patterns will operate which includes weekends and bank holidays.

Applicants must be HCPC registered and with relevant laboratory (UKAS ISO 15189) experience. Applicants without HCPC registration need not apply as you will not be considered for this post.

Additional qualities that the department seek are an understanding of UKAS and quality within a clinical laboratory, a drive to improve laboratory processes, a strong team ethic as well as good performance as an individual BMS

If you believe that this could be you and are looking for a new challenge, your application would be gratefully received.

Main duties of the job

To participate in the routine work of the laboratory in accordance with laboratory procedure in an efficient, cost effective and safe manner.

• Infection Control:To maintain a clean, safe environment, ensuring adherence to the Trust's standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control.
• Health and Safety:To co-operate fully in adhering to the Trust policies and procedures with regard to health and safety.
• Governance:To actively participate in governance activities to ensure that the highest standards of care and business conduct.
• Equipment maintenance: Check the safety and functioning of all equipment.
• Stock Control:Maintain sufficient stocks of reagents, supplies etc. for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Maintain stock control records.
• Information and IT:Ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures for own work area are kept up to date and displayed appropriately. Assist in proposing, developing and implementing new procedures. Use word processing and spread sheet packages to produce draft SOPs, audit reports and laboratory data.
• Planning:Plan and organise own workload and may be required to assign work to Biomedical assistants.
• Supervisory:Participate in the training of new biomedical assistants and associate practitioners. Supervise biomedical assistants and less experienced staff, allocating work, training, etc.
• Quality Control: Perform quality control as appropriate and report any out of consensus results for investigation.

About us

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Job responsibilities

Perform other technical duties as required within post-holders training and competence.

Clinical / Scientific / Technical

• Carry out all laboratory analyses associated with the post, including reporting results, maintaining appropriate records and documentation.
• Participate in the departments rosters as required.
• Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action.
• Participate in the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables, reagents and equipment.
• Ensure the competent and efficient use of computerised data management systems.
• Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the departments training plan.
• Maintain on-going Professional Portfolio and update Professional Development Plan. Undertake courses and other activities to satisfy HCPC Continuing Professional Development requirements.
• Assist with the development of new methods and the implementation of new technology.
• Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance and Accreditation standards.
• Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure that safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy.
• Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
• Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as required.
• Participate in and contribute to own Personal Development Review.

GENERAL DUTIES

• To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (UKAS or equivalent).
• Participate in clinical audit and clinical governance.
• Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System

Out of hours working

• The post holder will be expected to gain competence in techniques to allow participation in the delivery of the departments service outside core hours. This entails contracted participation in the out of hours rotas (On call) and overnight working as rostered.

Training relevant to this post, including safety aspects in the handling of biological material, will be given.

Person Specification

Training and Qualifications

• HCPC State Registered
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and training
• Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of instrumentation, method development and new technologies

Experience

• At least 12 months UK hospital laboratory experience covering duties explained in J.D.
• Word processing, spread sheets and laboratory information system experience.
• Aware of health and safety and confidentiality issues.
• Demonstrates ability to organise their own work effectively.
• Able to demonstrate competency in appropriate laboratory techniques.
• At least 24 months post registration UK hospital laboratory experience covering duties explained in J.D.
• Departmental specific laboratory / advanced techniques.
• Training junior staff
• Experience of Specialist discipline.
• Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of Health and safety, quality management systems and service improvement.

Analytical and judgement

• Able to make judgements regarding a range of facts/situations
• Can work accurately and methodically following verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge and understanding of pathology tests and medical terminology
• Ability to perform intricate procedures e.g. pipetting
• Experience of troubleshooting appropriate instrumentation
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical microbiology laboratory tests

Planning and Organisation

• Able to plan and prioritise own work activities
• Able to work under pressure or to deadlines.

Requirements

• Work flexibly to cover service including able to participate in an out of hours roster and shifts required as part of 24/7 working

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Equality and Diversity

• Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

Other requirements specific to the role

• Able to participate in out of hour's roster or other flexible working arrangements.
• Able to maintain concentration for prolonged periods at various tasks

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.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust