Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Biochemistry

NHS; Colchester; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Colchester is seeking a Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist to cover maternity leave. The role involves maintaining quality systems, mentoring staff, and managing laboratory operations. Required qualifications include an MSc in Biomedical Science, HCPC registration, and experience in a biomedical lab. Competitive salary from £38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata, with development opportunities and NHS discounts available.

Benefits

27 days annual leave pro rata

Flexible working options

Generous pension scheme

Access to NHS discounts

Qualifications

• MSc in Biomedical Science with HCPC registration is required.
• Experience managing staff and performing risk assessments.
• Substantial practical experience in a biomedical science lab.

Responsibilities

• Maintain quality management systems in the pathology department.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior staff.
• Lead work in specialist areas and manage laboratory operations.

Skills

Theoretical knowledge of biomedical procedures

Practical experience in a Biomedical Science laboratory

Experience with Quality Management Systems

Education

Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent

HCPC registered

Appropriate Post Registration IBMS Specialist Diploma

Tools

Pathology IT systems

European Computer Driving Licence

Job description

Overview

Colchester Hospital is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Biochemistry to cover maternity leave until 31/10/2026. Closing date for applications is 05 October 2025.

You should have an MSc in Biomedical Science, be registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio (Clinical Biochemistry) or have equivalent proven experience in Biochemistry at Band 6. An in-depth knowledge of the requirements of a modern Biochemistry laboratory service and prior experience in the Biochemistry Department are essential.

We are equipped with Roche Cobas 8000 analysers (c702/e801), P612 pre-analytical, and NORSTAR BIO-UV analyser. We are the spoke lab for ESNEFT, operating a 24/7 service, where you are expected to participate in the 24/7 out-of-hours rota which attracts a night rate enhancement for lone working.

Our vision is to deliver innovative, high-performing pathology services that are customer-focused, high quality, and fully compliant. We are clinically led and designed to achieve the benefits of scale by working together to meet service users\' needs and support excellent clinical care. We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining the best pathology staff and encourage internal and external courses for development.

Internal applicants currently employed by ESNEFT will be offered on a secondment basis only.

Main duties of the job

Our pathology department is part of the collaborative East Coast Pathology Network. Responsibility includes maintaining the quality management system, training less experienced staff, validating and authorising results, and providing a safe, quality service for patients. As an experienced member of staff you will mentor junior staff and assist with their development. As a shift lead you will be responsible for the running of the laboratory and may need to work out of hours to deliver a 24/7 service. You will work independently and lead on the specialist area as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The work involves handling human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals (e.g., blood, pus, urine, feces, respiratory secretions).

About us

We are ESNEFT, providing hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. We deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals and clinics, and in patients\' homes. We are the largest NHS organisation in East Anglia, employing over 12,000 staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, flexible working options, a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata), and access to NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme contains a variety of services. Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone, and we are investing in a digital transformation with Epic to bring a leading EPR system to ESNEFT.

Find out about living and working here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A

Job responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Registration

• HCPC registered
• Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
• Evidence of CPD
• Appropriate Post Registration IBMS Specialist Diploma or IBMS Diploma in Biomedical Science

Knowledge & Experience

• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience of specialist biomedical procedures relevant to the post
• Substantial practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory
• Experience of Quality Management Systems
• Experience of performing Risk Assessments
• Experience of Pathology IT systems
• European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent
• Previous relevant NHS experience
• Experience of line managing staff

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to check for any previous criminal convictions.

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata