Senior Clinical Scientist (Biochemist)

NHS; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Bournemouth is looking for a Senior Clinical Scientist (Biochemist) to join their Clinical Biochemistry Department. The successful candidate will support service development, participate in clinical audits, and conduct research projects within a cutting-edge laboratory environment. Candidates should have a relevant science degree, experience in healthcare laboratory settings, and the ability to obtain HCPC registration. This role offers flexible working arrangements related to service needs.

Qualifications

• Participation in a healthcare laboratory environment.
• Experience of UKAS accreditation.
• Ability to develop clinical laboratory skills in a specialist area.

Responsibilities

• Support and develop a quality Clinical Biochemistry Service.
• Participate in clinical audits and quality management.
• Conduct research and development projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Research ability

Education

First or second-class degree in Science or related subject

Completed clinical scientist training (STP or Grade A)

Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Biochemistry with HCPC

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Clinical Scientist (Biochemist)

The closing date is 30 January 2026

We are looking for a passionate and motivated individual to join our Clinical Biochemistry Department at University Hospitals Dorset. We are seeking someone either with HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist or close to obtaining registration.

It is an exciting time to join the University Hospitals Dorset as there are several new developments including the recent opening of a new state‑of‑the‑art clinical laboratory – the One Dorset Pathology (ODP) hub and future alignment with laboratories within the Southern Counties Pathology Network.

You will be joining a One Dorset Pathology (ODP) Clinical Biochemistry team comprising one medical consultant, two consultant clinical scientists and two principal clinical scientists.

Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Poole Hospital – cross site working required

Interview date: 10th February 2026

Main duties of the job

This full‑time role includes participation in the Duty Biochemist rota and protein electrophoresis reporting rota. As Senior Clinical Scientist you will work with the Consultant and Principal Clinical Scientists in supporting and further developing a quality Clinical Biochemistry Service. We offer flexible working in line with service needs.

Our expanding service means you will be taking part in service development, clinical audits, and quality management. Opportunities to develop a specialist interest (e.g. point of care (POC), special proteins) will be encouraged in line with service requirements as well as attendance at ward rounds and multi‑disciplinary team (MDT) meetings.

There is also potential to undertake research and development projects along with full support in working towards fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath).

About us

UHD is investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service‑specific questions at interview.

UHD has active networks including Women’s, DEN, Pride, EU, Pro Ability and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.

Job responsibilities

To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.

Please note that trainees nearing completion of the Scientist Training Programme (STP) will be appointed at band 6 and then transitioned to band 7 upon completion and registration with the HCPC.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• First or second‑class degree in Science or related subject.
• Completed clinical scientist training (STP or Grade A) or due to complete within 6 months.
• Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Biochemistry with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (or expected within next 6 months).

Experience

• Participation in a pre‑registration training scheme in Clinical Biochemistry.
• Experience of working within a healthcare laboratory environment.
• Experience of UKAS accreditation.
• Experience of reporting serum protein electrophoresis.
• Ability to initiate and carry out research and development projects.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Computer literate.
• Good knowledge of statistical techniques.
• Teaching and training ability.
• Ability to develop clinical laboratory skills in a specialist area.

Knowledge

• A thorough knowledge and experience of general clinical biochemistry.
• Recognise patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical situations.
• Analytical skills relevant to the practice of clinical biochemistry.
• Thorough knowledge of chemical, immunoassay and other techniques routinely employed in healthcare laboratories.

Other requirements specific to the role

• Prepared to rotate as specified between laboratories if required by the service.
• Able to work as a team in a multidisciplinary service.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies.
• Research/critical review of literature.
• Able to prepare and present scientific information at meetings or as part of a teaching session.
• Evidence of involvement in and understanding of research methodology and publication of findings.

Personal Attributes

• Self‑motivation: able to identify and pursue own educational development.
• Ability to form constructive and effective professional relationships with patients and staff.
• Honest, reliable and trustworthy.
• Supportive, tolerant and able to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Evidence of satisfactory CPD and a commitment to personal/unit CPD.
• Enthusiasm and ability to work under pressure.

Language requirement

• Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role.

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.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust