Biomedical Support Worker - Higher Level (XR03)

NHS; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Leeds is seeking a motivated Higher Biomedical Support Worker for a full-time permanent role in the Cellular Pathology Department. The successful candidate will assist in processing clinical specimens, perform laboratory investigations, and contribute to departmental management. This role requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication in a fast-paced environment. Training will be provided to attain laboratory competence.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience required.
• Must be highly motivated and enthusiastic.

Responsibilities

• Collecting and processing clinical diagnostic specimens.
• Performing routine and complex laboratory investigations.
• Contributing to departmental management and ordering consumables.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Job description

Job summary

Expected Shortlisting Date: 09/06/2025

Planned Interview Date: 18/06/2025

Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you highly motivated and enthusiastic? Do you enjoy working as part of a large team? We are seeking a motivated individual for a full-time permanent post as a Higher Biomedical Support Worker in the Cellular Pathology Department. The department benefits from advanced technologies such as Xpress processing and digital scanning, and is the first to introduce fully automated sectioning to the UK.

There will be a requirement to undertake routine and more complex clinical technical investigations, and the successful candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, completing work at short notice and to tight deadlines. Previous laboratory experience, attention to detail, organisational qualities, personal flexibility, and excellent communication skills will be required. You will be expected to undergo some in-house training to attain competence within the laboratory.

The department has appointed a Transformation Lead to support service development and is also supported by a Pathology Technology & Innovation Lead. We are an IBMS-accredited training lab and strive for high-quality staff and processes.

The department operates Monday to Saturday, 7:30 to 19:30, with standard day and extended day shifts.

Interviews are planned for 18-19 June.

Main duties of the job

1. You will work as a member of the departmental team, collecting, receiving, and assisting in processing clinical diagnostic specimens for testing.
2. You will perform a range of routine and complex laboratory investigations, some under supervision of experienced staff.
3. You will gain knowledge and skills to contribute to an accurate and timely service for patients.
4. You will apply professional judgment and specialist skills in complex situations, often under pressure, independently or as part of a team.
5. You may organize tasks of support workers and demonstrate relevant tasks to junior staff.
6. You will contribute to departmental management, such as ordering and controlling consumables.

About us

The department provides Histopathology, Cytology, Andrology, Muscle, Nerve, Immunohistochemistry, Molecular, and Mortuary services for LTHT and primary care centres.

Processing circa 60,000 surgical cases, 3,000 andrology cases, 2,000 autopsy cases, and 6,000 cytology cases annually, the department employs a range of professionals including Biomedical & Mortuary Support Workers, Technicians, Scientists, and clinicians.

As a training hospital, we promote staff development and encourage involvement in various activities, always prioritizing patient care in line with 'The Leeds Way'.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to redeployment policies; job adverts may be delayed or closed during this process. Please be patient during shortlisting and contact us with questions.

Details

Date posted: 16 May 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 3

Salary: £24,071 - £25,674 per year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: C9298-PATH-446

Location: Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX

Job description

Job responsibilities

Primarily based at St James University Hospital, with potential to rotate to other sites and sections. Participation on a Saturday rota may be required.

Core Behaviours and Skills

• Ability to learn through experience, training, and study
• Team player providing a technical service
• Ability to work independently when directed
• Effective communication skills
• Organizational skills for workload planning
• Precision in following SOPs
• Operate complex lab equipment safely
• Manage patient data electronically
• Mentor and demonstrate tasks to others
• Contribute to service quality improvements
• Maintain competence and develop new skills

Core Knowledge and Understanding

• Perform basic and complex procedures, report errors
• Participate in quality assurance and safety protocols
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to policies

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform lab procedures, develop competencies
• Participate in R&D, audits, and clinical trials
• Manage patient info, communicate complex data
• Mentor junior staff, participate in QA, manage consumables

Note: Duties may evolve with service needs and will be discussed in advance.