Specialist Biomedical Scientist

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Brighton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Brighton seeks a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join its Clinical Biochemistry team. The ideal candidate will hold HCPC registration and have at least 2 years of NHS lab experience in Clinical Biochemistry. This role involves performing complex analyses and requires the ability to work shifts, including nights and weekends. Competitive salary and opportunities for personal development are offered.

Benefits

Extensive wellbeing programme

Opportunities for personal development

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Minimum 2 years of NHS lab experience.
• Experience in Clinical Biochemistry required.

Responsibilities

• Analyses samples according to departmental SOPs.
• Performs calibrations and quality control checks.
• Communicates with physicians regarding test suitability.

Skills

HCPC registration

Specialist Biochemistry techniques

NHS lab experience

Education

Relevant qualifications in Biomedical Science

Tools

Cobas 8000

High-resolution mass spectrometry

LC-MS

GC-MS

ICP-MS

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 23 September 2025

We are looking for an experienced HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join Clinical Biochemistry at UHSussex based at RSCH, Brighton, and PRH, Hayward's Heath. This post is fully rotational around all areas of the lab including Automation (RSCH/PRH), and Specialist Biochemistry & Toxicology (RSCH). The department is UKAS accredited and holds IBMS laboratory training approval to deliver registration and specialist training.

You will work with a friendly, dynamic team to assist in provision of a routine and specialist biochemistry service. The automated section consists of Cobas 8000s and C8100 pre-analytics. The Specialist Biochemistry service is well equipped for for services such as ICP-MS trace metal analysis, First Trimester screening, Toxicology and a variety of manual techniques boasting an extensive repertoire of state-of-the-art equipment such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, gel/capillary electrophoresis, IFE electrophoresis and FTIR-ATR amongst others.

You will undertake a range of complex investigations using a variety of techniques including manual, semi-automated and automated methods to assist in the diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment.

This post requires 24/7 shift working, including nights, weekends and bank holidays at both sites, subject to competency assessment.

We welcome applications from Band 5 biomedical scientists working towards their IBMS specialist portfolio (~75% completion).

Main duties of the job

• 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
• Participates in out-of-hours arrangements, when assessed as competent to do so to provide a 24/7 emergency and routine biochemistry service.
• 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.

About us

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Job responsibilities

Please see JD and PS for full details.

• 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.

Person Specification

HCPC registered

• HCPC registered

2 years NHS lab experience

• 2 years NHS lab experience in Clinical Biochemistry
• Experience of specialist biochemistry techniques

Equality, Diversity, and 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).

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 Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton + Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath

£38,682 to £46,580 a yearper annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

279-7445939-SEP25

Job locations

Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton + Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath