Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiologist

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, part of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, is recruiting a Band 5 Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiologist to work 36 hours per week (0.96 WTE). The post delivers respiratory testing and sleep study services for children, contributing to a high-quality service.

The successful candidate will have prior lung function experience, NHS clinical exposure with children, and a BSc Healthcare Science or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Experience of performing lung function investigations in an NHS setting.
• Experience in sleep physiology investigations preferred.
• BSc Healthcare Science or equivalent.
• Eligible for Healthcare Science Register (AHSC/RCCP)

Responsibilities

• Undertaking a range of standard lung function investigations (spirometry, FeNO, nasal NO, bronchodilator response).
• Performing more complex lung function investigations (MBW, lung volumes, gas transfer).
• Facilitating sleep study investigations (inpatients, home sleep studies).
• Analyzing and reporting sleep studies to international standards.
• Maintaining equipment to agreed standards.

Job description

Main area Healthcare Science - Respiratory and Sleep Physiology Grade Band 5 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 36 hours per week Job ref 387-W&C3885-LH-A

Employer Bristol NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Bristol Royal Hospital for Children Town Bristol Salary £32,073 - £39,043 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 18/10/2026 23:59

Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiologist

Band 5

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1 st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

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Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children in the Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiology team!

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic band 5 Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiologist to join our friendly multidisciplinary team, working 36 hours per week (0.96 WTE). The post holder will contribute to the delivery of respiratory physiology testing within the Children’s Hospital, as well as a high-quality sleep study service. It is essential that the successful applicant has previous experience of lung function testing, preferably with sleep physiology experience also. It is essential to have a good science background with a BSc in Healthcare Science or equivalent. Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, and a strong desire to continue a career in respiratory physiology are essential.

We are looking for individuals with enthusiasm, who enjoy working with children, and who are committed to providing a high-quality service in this healthcare science specialism. Previous experience in respiratory physiology investigations are essential, and recent NHS clinical experience is essential, as is a desire to continue with personal professional development. You must be highly motivated, with an ability to work autonomously and as part of a team. You will also need effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to adapt to a busy and varied workload.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for contributing to an efficient & high-quality service in the field of Paediatric Respiratory Physiology & Sleep Medicine, & for providing the very best care for patients during their inpatient stay or outpatient visit.

• Undertaking a range of standard lung function investigations with inpatients & outpatients (spirometry, FeNO, nasal NO & bronchodilator response assessments), gaining accurate & clinically valuable measurements.
• Performing more complex lung function investigations (multiple breath washout, lung volumes & gas transfer) in line with service development.
• Facilitating the provision of sleep study investigations for inpatients & home sleep studies (overnight oximetry, overnight carbon dioxide monitoring and respiratory polygraphy), ensuring high quality data is captured.
• Performing analysis & reporting of sleep studies, following departmental & international standards.
• Maintaining equipment to ensure that it is functioning to agreed standards & specifications.
• Training and supporting junior staff, & participating in teaching & research activities within the department.

Provisional interview date: Tuesday 10th November 2026

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West can offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the detailed job description and person specification which can be found as an attached document.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

• 5 GCSEs, or equivalent, grade A - C including English, Mathematics and Science
• 3 A-levels grades A* - C including a science subject
• Eligible for Healthcare Science Register registration, such as AHSC, RCCP or equivalent

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ability to work in line with Trust values at all times
• Proven competence in performing detailed scientific/technical work to documented quality standards
• Ability to work under pressure, manage conflicting tasks and problem solve effectively
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including communicating with patients and carers in sensitive situations
• Confident use of computers, including Microsoft Office and relevant clinical or departmental systems
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience

• Experience of performing a range of lung function investigations
• Experience of working in a clinical environment within the NHS
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience of working with children
• Experience of performing sleep physiology investigations
• Experience of supervising or training junior, trainee or student staff
• Experience of working in a respiratory and/or sleep physiology service
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, clinically valuable measurements
• Able to work autonomously within own limitations, seeking advice where appropriate
• Innovative, willing to participate in practice and policy changes, and excellent ability to work well within a team
• Able to participate in frequent light to moderate physical effort and able to deal with exposure to bodily fluids such as urine or sputum
• A desire to pursue a career in respiratory or sleep physiology

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.

BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.

If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.

The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.

By applying for this post, you are agreeing to Bristol NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

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