Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a HCPC-registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology laboratory team. The post requires a minimum of 3 years' post-registration experience in a UK clinical microbiology lab and IBMS Specialist Portfolio (or near completion).

The role involves working across bacteriology, serology, molecular, mycology and parasitology sections to deliver a high‑quality service.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration required with post‑registration UK clinical microbiology experience.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology or nearing completion is expected.

Responsibilities

• Deliver diagnostic Microbiology service across bacteriology, serology, molecular, mycology and parasitology sections.
• Prioritise workload and communicate with senior staff, clinicians and patients.
• Follow SOPs, participate in QA/QMS activities and maintain data protection standards.
• Undertake routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory instruments.
• Provide 24‑hour laboratory cover as required, including shifts, weekends and on-call duties.

Skills

Instrument troubleshooting

Prioritisation of workload

Verbal and written communication

IT skills

Teamwork

Education

HCPC Registration

IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology

Tools

CliniSys WinPath

QPulse

LIMS

Job description

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 25 November 2026

All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic HCPC-registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our dynamic Microbiology laboratory team. We are seeking a dedicated professional with proven competency and experience at the required level.

Applicants must be HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists with a minimum of 3 years' post-registration experience in a UK clinical microbiology laboratory. Candidates should also have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology or be nearing completion with verification pending.

We are looking for a passionate and driven individual who would enjoy the challenge of working in a busy microbiology laboratory.

The ideal applicant for this role will need to be a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, familiar with Quality Assurance and Quality Management Systems with a genuine desire to further their learning and provide a safe service at the highest standard.

Previous applicants need not apply

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interview date: 8th December 2026

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be part of a team of Specialist Biomedical Scientists delivering a diagnostic Microbiology Service analysing and reporting on blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, effective resource management.

The post holder will prioritise their own workload, communicate with senior laboratory staff, clinicians, and patients.

The post holder will undertake their responsibilities within the Bacteriology, Serology, Molecular, Mycology, Parasitology sections of the laboratory to meet all required national and local standards. These will include analytical, technical, and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery.

The post holder will work with complete patient confidentiality in line with the departments/ Trusts policy on Data Protection Act 1998.

The post holder will be expected to work alone or as part of a team providing a 24-hour laboratory cover throughout the year as required, this will include working morning, afternoon, and night shifts or on-call on weekends and public holidays.

Please refer to the Job Description attached for full details

About us

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.

We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.

Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.

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For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes

Job responsibilities

1. Technical

a. Carry out analytical duties manipulating samples and reagents with accuracy, precision, and speed to ensure a high-quality cost-effective service.

b. Prioritisation of section work to take account of workload and urgency of analyses

c. To follow the standard operating procedures and participate in their regular review and update.

d. Use of specialist knowledge to determine the relevant tests to be carried out on samples received in each section

e. To undertake routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments.

f. To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patients samples.

g. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.

Please refer to the Job Description attached for full details

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

• HCPC Registration
• Evidence of relavent CPD
• Knowledge of UKAS accreditation process and standards
• Understanding of Health and safety policies, COSHH assessments
• Knowledge of working in CL2 & 3 areas of the lab, QMS, LIMS etc...

Experience

• Instrument trouble shooting and maintenence
• Staff training/H&S/QMS
• Out of hours service (lone worker), weekend, public holiday working pattern
• Development/change implimentation in Microbiology
• Use of CliniSys WinPath
• Use of QPulse

Skills

• Possess excellent practical skills
• Be able to prioritise work
• Work under pressure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be proficient in IT skills

Personal and people development

• Work individualy or as part of a team
• Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity
• Organised with good interpersonal skills

Communication

• Clear, and concise in communication
• Good command of English language
• Familiar with multiple modes of communication (email, MS teams)

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.

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust