Healthcare Scientist Associate Practitioner In Biomedical Science

NHS Forth Valley; Larbert; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Forth Valley in Larbert is recruiting a dedicated Point of Care Testing support post to provide technical and operational support across PoCT services. You will work under supervision of registered Biomedical Scientists and senior PoCT staff, carrying out routine testing, quality checks and device maintenance.

The role offers exposure to a diverse range of PoCT technologies across acute and community settings, with potential weekend or shift work and travel within the service area.

Qualifications

• PVG scheme membership required.
• Ability to travel across the service area.

Responsibilities

• Process patient and quality control samples in accordance with approved procedures.
• Operate PoCT and laboratory analysers, including molecular testing systems and point-of-care devices.
• Undertake routine device maintenance, checks and troubleshooting within defined procedures.
• Investigate quality control failures, equipment issues and operator-related problems.
• Provide technical support and training to clinical staff using PoCT equipment.
• Maintain accurate records using laboratory, middleware and administrative systems.
• Monitor stock levels and contribute to use of reagents and consumables.
• Communicate with PoCT users, laboratory colleagues and NHS Forth Valley staff.
• Escalate urgent results, equipment failures and quality concerns to senior staff.
• Travel to clinical locations to support device installation, maintenance, training and service delivery.

Job description

Advertised location: Larbert

Advertised salary: Band 4 (£31,537 - £34,303)

Employment type: Permanent

The successful applicant will join our specialist team and provide technical and operational support for PoCT services across NHS Forth Valley.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience across a diverse range of Point of Care Testing technologies used in acute and community healthcare settings throughout NHS Forth Valley.

Working within defined procedures and under the appropriate supervision of registered Biomedical Scientists and senior PoCT staff, the postholder will undertake a range of technical, quality, training and administrative activities.

• Process patient and quality control samples in accordance with approved procedures.
• Operate a range of PoCT and laboratory analysers, which may include molecular testing systems, blood glucose and ketone meters, blood gas analysers, coagulation devices and other near-patient testing equipment.
• Undertake routine device maintenance, checks and troubleshooting within defined procedures.
• Undertake defined checks and provide information to support the investigation of quality control failures, equipment issues and operator-related problems.
• Provide technical support and training to clinical staff using PoCT equipment.
• Maintain accurate records using relevant laboratory, middleware and administrative systems.
• Monitor stock levels and contribute to the effective use of reagents, quality control materials and consumables.
• Communicate effectively with PoCT users, laboratory colleagues and staff across NHS Forth Valley.
• Escalate urgent results, equipment failures and quality concerns to appropriate senior staff.
• Travel to clinical locations to support device installation, maintenance, training and service delivery.

You should be organised, adaptable and able to work accurately, with effective communication skills and a willingness to work across different clinical and laboratory environments.

The postholder may be required to participate in weekend and/or shift working to meet the needs of the service. Service coverage may be required between 08:00 and 22:30.

Ability and willingness to travel throughout the area of service delivery is essential for this post.

The duties of this post require the successful candidate to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

For informal enquiries please contact Joanne Lyon, Point of Care Testing Manager Tel: [phone].

Email: [e-mail]

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes. NHS Forth Valley may be able to offer sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. If you are currently working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, transitional arrangements may apply. Please note that sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑based basis following interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks. For further information on visa requirements and sponsorship eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance.

It is also recommend that anyone applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad read the following guidance: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third‑party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.