Principal Clinical Scientist (Biochemist)

NHS National Services Scotland; Melrose; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Principal Clinical Biochemist for their laboratory in Melrose, Scotland. The role involves management responsibilities, clinical liaison, and participation in research activities. Candidates must have an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry, be HCPC registered, and hold Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to service developments during a period of significant change in laboratory services.

Benefits

Affordable housing in the local area

Good transport links to Edinburgh

Qualifications

• Must be HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist.
• Must hold Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists.
• Experience in laboratory management and research.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all aspects of the biochemistry service.
• Manage duty biochemist rota and clinical liaison.
• Contribute to service developments and quality improvement.

Skills

HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist

Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists

Proven scientific and professional record

Education

MSc. or equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry

Job description

OUR VALUES IN ACTION

●Care and Compassion ●Quality and Teamwork ●Dignity and Respect ●Openness, honesty and responsibility

BIOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Applications are invited for a permanent full-time Principal Clinical Biochemist at NHS Borders area laboratory. There is currently a single-handed Consultant Clinical Biochemist within the department, supported by colleagues within neighbouring NHS Lothian.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic individual with a broad general background who can make a strong contribution to service developments at a time of challenge for laboratory diagnostic services nationally. You will be expected to participate in all aspects of the service including duty biochemist rota, clinical liaison, department management, research and development, teaching, audit and potentially, out of hours cover.

The department provides a comprehensive DGH biochemistry service. Routine biochemistry and immunoassay are run using Abbott automated analysers. The department has automated ELISA for faecal and immunology testing, HM-Jack qFIT, Sebia CZE and gel electrophoresis equipment, TOSOH HPLC, for HbA1c.

The laboratory is currently undergoing significant change, with new IT infrastructure implementation in June 2025, transition to ISO 15189 2022 expected in October 2025 and implementation of a managed equipment service contract in August 2026.

You will work under the direction of the Consultant Biochemist, Head of Department. The successful applicant will be in an ideal position to be supported with their development and will be encouraged to take on appropriate responsibilities within the laboratory.

You will be HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist and hold Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists, have an MSc. or equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry and have a proven scientific and professional record.

Borders General Hospital, located in Melrose is a modern acute hospital and well-equipped 284 bed DGH serving the rural Borders area in Southeast Scotland, approximately 36 miles from Edinburgh. The Scottish Borders is a region in the south of Scotland, known for its rolling hills, historical towns, ruined abbeys, offering scenic landscapes, outdoor activities and is therefore an ideal location for those seeking a vibrant city life in nearby Edinburgh as well as a quieter life. There is affordable housing in the local area and good rail and road transport links – there is train link to Edinburgh within walking distance of the hospital. There are many attractive amenities, excellent schools and reasonable housing costs.

INTERVIEW: In person interviews will be held week commencing 15^th September 2025.

Arrangements can be made for an informal discussion and informal visits are encouraged. For any additional information or to arrange a visit to the department, please contact Mark Redpath, Consultant Biochemist,01896 82 6259, [e-mail].

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service.

As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK websitehere.

For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licenced Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or ‘going rate’. Further information on these criteria can be foundhere.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsoredBEFORE submitting your application form.

***PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early***

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.