Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust is seeking a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level to join the Microbiology Department. The role involves processing biological samples, maintaining laboratory systems, and handling routine communications within a 7-day service framework.

The post supports IBMS accredited pre-registration training and offers a permanent contract with shifts including early, core, and late patterns.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at A-C level or equivalent.
• NVQ level 3 education or equivalent level of experience.
• Able to communicate well with all staff.
• Able to plan and use own time economically and effectively.
• High degree of motivation and enthusiasm.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and as an individual.
• Highly developed initiative skills.
• Articulate and clear thinking.
• Ability to deal with problems calmly and efficiently.
• Collect and report routine data.
• Understanding of equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
• Working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas.

Responsibilities

• The processing of biological material (e.g., urine, faeces, sputum, blood, swab specimens)
• General laboratory admin including the use of laboratory IT systems
• Handling of telephone calls from laboratory users

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Prioritisation

Teamworking

Working under pressure

Education

5 GCSEs at A-C or equivalent

NVQ level 3 education or equivalent

Job description

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level

The closing date is 23 November 2026

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level

Contract Type: Permanent

UHS will not be able to provide visa Sponsorship for this vacancy. Applicants should therefore ensure that they have sufficient right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship for this role.

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Main duties of the job

The Microbiology Department at UHS is excited to advertise an opportunity for an Biomedical Support Worker.

The department processes over 1,000,000 specimens per year. We employ almost 100 staff and provide a comprehensive 7 day service covering bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, serology and parasitology and molecular testing.

We are IBMS accredited for pre-registration training and specialist training in medical microbiology, virology and infectious science.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job responsibilities

• The processing of biological material (e.g., urine, faeces, sputum, blood, swab specimens)
• General laboratory admin including the use of laboratory IT systems
• Handling of telephone calls from laboratory users

Candidates must have the following skills:

• Attention to detail
• Data entry
• Prioritisation
• Teamworking
• Working under pressure

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a medical laboratory. The role involves working on a shift pattern, including earlies, cores, and late shifts. Candidates must be able to work all these shifts. Weekends and bank holidays are also worked on a rotation.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• 5 GCSEs at A-C level or equivalent.
• NVQ level 3 education or equivalent level of experience.
• Ability to communicate well with all staff.
• Ability to plan and use own time economically and effectively.
• A high degree of motivation and enthusiasm is essential for the role.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and as an individual.
• Highly developed initiative skills.
• Articulate and clear thinking
• Ability to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner.
• Collect and report routine data and information.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day to day working practices but also in relation to management systems.
• Working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas.

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.

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust