Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Biochemistry

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Colchester is seeking a motivated Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Biochemistry. The role covers a fixed-term contract to support a 24/7 service, with responsibilities including maintaining quality standards, training staff, and ensuring effective lab operations. Candidates must have an MSc in Biomedical Science and be HCPC registered. The position offers opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

27 days annual leave (pro rata)

Access to NHS discounts

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• MSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent proven experience.
• HCPC registered biomolecular scientist.
• Experience in Biochemistry department at band 6.

Responsibilities

• Maintain quality management system.
• Train and mentor less experienced staff.
• Validate and authorize laboratory results.
• Run the laboratory and participate in on-call rota.

Skills

Quality management system maintenance

Training junior staff

Validation and authorization of results

Leadership in a laboratory setting

Education

MSc in Biomedical Science

HCPC registration

IBMS specialist portfolio

Tools

Roche Cobas 8000 analysers

Nortstar BIO-UV analyser

Job description

Overview

Colchester Hospital are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist Biochemistry to join our team to cover maternity leave until 31/10/2026. You should have an MSc in Biomedical Science, be registered with the HCPC as a BMS and have completed the IBMS specialist portfolio (Clinical Biochemistry) or have equivalent proven experience in Biochemistry at band 6. You must have an in-depth knowledge of the requirements of a modern Biochemistry laboratory service with previous experience of working within the Biochemistry Department.

We are equipped with Roche Cobas 8000 analysers (c702/e801), P612 pre-analytics and NORTSTAR 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 service rota which attracts a night rate enhancement for lone working.

Our vision is to deliver innovations, high-performing pathology services that are focussed on our customers and deliver high quality and fully compliant services. We are clinically led and designed to achieve the benefits of scale that can be achieved by working together to meet our service users\' needs and support the excellent clinical care provided by our hospitals. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best pathology staff. We encourage our staff to undertake internal and external courses to aid their development.

Details

Date posted: 19 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

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

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Reference number: 432-HR730-25

Job locations: Colchester Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL

Main duties

Our pathology department is part of the collaborative East Coast Pathology Network. For full details of responsibilities and duties for this role please see the attached job description.

About our Pathology Service: https://youtu.be/FBrydUl_c5w

Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Job Information

You will enjoy a varied range of responsibilities from maintaining the quality management system, training of less experienced members of staff, validating and authorizing results and, most importantly, providing a safe quality service for our patients. As an experienced member of staff you will be a mentor to junior staff, assisting them with their development. As a shift lead you will be responsible for the running of the laboratory and you will need to have the flexibility to do out of hours to deliver a 24 hours, 7 days per week service. You will work independently and lead on the specialist area as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The work of the service brings staff into contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals (e.g., blood, pus, urine, faeces, respiratory secretions).

About us

We are ESNEFT and provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients\' own homes. We are the largest NHS organisation in East Anglia, employing more than 12,000 staff. We offer 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 offers a variety of services. Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. We are investing in time and digital transformation with Epic to bring a leading EPR system to ESNEFT.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, we want to hear from you. Find out about living and working here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A

Requirements

Registration

• HCPC registered
• Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
• Additional appropriate specialist qualification if required
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable

• Post Registration IBMS Specialist Diploma or IBMS diploma in Biomedical Science
• European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent
• Previous relevant NHS experience
• Previous experience of line managing staff

Disclosure and Barring Service and UK Registration

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and it will be necessary to submit a Disclosure to the DBS. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information see the NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Colchester Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL

Employer's website: https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/