Specialist Biomedical Scientist

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Brighton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust seeks a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join their Biochemistry team in Brighton. This permanent full-time position requires HCPC registration and offers growth opportunities within a leading NHS organization, where teamwork and patient focus are paramount.

Qualifications

• Must be HCPC-registered as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Experience in NHS lab environments preferred.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and efficiently within a team.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing samples according to departmental SOPs.
• Participating in a 24/7 shift system.
• Communicating with physicians regarding test suitability.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Communication

Education

HCPC registration

Job description

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Main area Biochemistry Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (24/7 shift pattern in operation) Job ref 279-7219353-JUN25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £37,338 - £44,962 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 19/06/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

Join our dynamic and forward-thinking Biochemistry team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist.

Based across laboratories at RSCH (Brighton) and PRH (Haywards Heath), you’ll rotate through Automation (RSCH & PRH) and Specialist Biochemistry (RSCH, including Toxicology, First Trimester Screening , Trace Metal analysis and Manual Chemistry), gaining experience in key Chemistry specialisms.

The successful applicant must be conscientious, enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team. Applicants will be required to work across sites and participate in the 24/7 shift system.

We welcome HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists, including those working towards their IBMS Specialist Portfolio (Band 6 awarded up on completion). Our department is ISO 15189 accredited and IBMS approved for training.

UHSussex is undergoing significant investment in enhancing lab environments and equipment. You’ll benefit from structured leadership, development pathways, rotational posts, and career progression support.

Our coastal locations offer an excellent quality of life. Brightonoffers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with arts, culture, and nightlife, alongside easy London access.Haywards Heathprovides a quieter pace, excellent schools, green spaces and direct train links to London and Brighton—perfect for work–life balance.

This is a great opportunity to develop your career in a supportive, forward-looking Trust at the heart of the South East.

Main duties of the job

• Required to work across sites
• Will participate in the 24/7 shift system, including nights, weekends and bank-holidays.
• Analyses samples according to the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (including the requesting of tests and reporting of results) using highly complex analysers, or performing highly complex techniques and informs senior staff of any proposed changes to SOP’s.
• Undertakes/oversees planned preventative maintenance on highly complex, expensive and specialised analysers to ensure correct functioning. Records problems and troubleshoots or refers to senior members of staff.
• Prioritises workload according to national guidelines. Understands the clinical urgency of requests and the impact on patient care (i.e. the 4hr wait in A&E).
• Performs calibrations on all methods, informs senior staff of any problems.
• Performs and verifies quality control samples (including checking quality control charts) to ensure accuracy and precision. Carries out corrective action to ensure all analyses are performing within defined parameters. Understands the use of statistical parameters for mean and SD.
• Performs external quality assurance analysis on highly specialised analysers
• Undertakes analytical validation of results produced
• Checks all samples before processing for status & suitability
• Interprets results and clinical history to ensure patients receive correct therapy.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate Information Pack

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
• Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
• Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
• Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
• Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.

Please see JD and PS for full details.

Person specification

• In progress

2 years NHS lab experience

• 2 years NHS lab experience
• 1 year NHS lab experience

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.