Senior Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology

NHS; Ashford; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in the UK is seeking a Senior Biomedical Scientist to oversee laboratory workflow and lead a team. The role requires qualifications in biomedical science and experience in a quality management system. The successful candidate will contribute to diagnostic services in a dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth. Flexible working options are available, with a salary range of £47,810 to £54,710 annually.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Training within a recognized system

Qualifications

• HCPC registration required.
• Masters level qualification in relevant subjects is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee workflow through the laboratory.
• Lead a team of Biomedical Scientists.
• Teach and develop laboratory staff.
• Work independently and problem-solve.
• Responsible for diagnoses using current methods.

Skills

Quality management systems

Leadership and supervisory skills

Analytical and technical skills

Continued professional development

Molecular techniques

Highly developed IT skills

Education

HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist

Masters level qualification (MSc)

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft packages

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for enthusiastic, innovative and dynamic Biomedical Scientists in Microbiology and/or Virology to join our team as Senior Biomedical Scientists. These are 2 full-time, substantive vacancies; however, we can also support flexible working, job share or part time hours. The roles require participation in the on call and weekend rotas (7‑day working model currently under review).

The Microbiology service, centralised on one site at the William Harvey Hospital, is well equipped with the latest automation and innovation. It provides a wide range of bacteriology, virology, molecular and mycology diagnostic tests for all our acute sites and community services, totalling approximately 600,000+ samples per year.

You will have an opportunity to grow your career in the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN). We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT. However, there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.

If you are ambitious, looking for a challenge and want to make one of these roles your own, then we would welcome your application.

Responsibilities

• Oversee throughput of workflow through the laboratory to ensure time and quality effectiveness, and adherence to regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Lead specialist – responsible for a team of Biomedical Scientists and Assistant Healthcare Scientists with day‑to‑day supervision and organisation of sections and resources.
• Teach, train and develop laboratory staff and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and competency.
• Work independently, use initiative to problem‑solve and make recommendations for improvement.
• Be responsible for diagnoses, utilising the most current scientific methods.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Masters level (Level 7) qualification in a relevant subject, e.g., MSc, IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma, IBMS Fellowship exam or 60 credits in a postgraduate qualification(s) in relevant professional subjects.

Desirable Qualifications

• Relevant and recognised training in Learning and development/training, Quality management, Health & Safety, leadership and management.

Skills and Experience

• Experience of quality management systems and working in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory.
• Examples of leadership and supervisory skills in the workplace.
• Suitable analytical and technical skills required to undertake work within Microbiology/virology.
• Examples of recent participation in continuous professional development.
• Experience of using molecular techniques and microbiology automation.
• Highly developed IT skills – Microsoft packages, LIMS, middleware, other software.

Desirable Skills

• Teaching and training skills for various grades of staff and differing abilities.

Personal & Professional Attributes

• Communication and organisational skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Teamworking skills and ability to develop effective relationships.
• Initiative to solve problems in the workplace.

Knowledge

• Staying up‑to‑date with current practices and advances in Microbiology and Virology.
• Depth and breadth of specialist clinical and scientific knowledge in Microbiology.
• Understanding of general NHS developments and their impact on pathology services.

Desirable Knowledge

• Detailed knowledge of quality management systems, Health & Safety, training and management processes and procedures.

Other Essential

• Awareness and demonstration of the Trust's Vision, Mission, Values and behaviours.

About us

We are an ISO 15189:2022 accredited service and recognised by the IBMS and the National School for Healthcare Science for training. We are a dynamic diverse team currently training Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Clinical Scientists, Senior and Consultant Clinical Scientists, F2, Senior Clinical Fellows, Specialist doctors, medical students and apprentices at several levels.

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day‑to‑day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

Details

Date posted: 07 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, Flexible working

Reference number: 344-5602DCB-A

Job location: William Harvey Hospital, Kennington Road, Ashford, TN24 0LZ

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

William Harvey Hospital, Kennington Road, Ashford, TN24 0LZ

Employer’s website

https://www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/