Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Biochemistry)

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Combe Raleigh; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Barnstaple is seeking a dedicated professional to join their Blood Sciences team. The role involves conducting technical investigations, supervising new staff, and ensuring quality service delivery. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in a laboratory setting. The position offers competitive benefits including generous annual leave and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

27 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to NHS Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in technical and specialist investigations.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage responsibilities.
• Commitment to supporting a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical investigations in the laboratory.
• Supervise and train new staff.
• Ensure accurate result authorisation.

Skills

Technical investigations

Problem solving

Supervision of unqualified staff

Education

Degree in relevant field

Tools

Roche Cobas analysers

Job description

Role and details

• Posting date: 08 October 2025
• Salary: £38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year
• Additional salary information: £38682.00 - £46580.00 a year
• Hours: Full time
• Closing date: 22 October 2025
• Location: Barnstaple, EX31 4JB
• Company: NHS Jobs
• Job type: Permanent
• Job reference: C0023-25-1777

Summary

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides core healthcare services to a population of more than 615,000 people living in North, Mid and East Devon, and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of specialist services, across the UK and Europe. The Northern site is set in the midst of glorious Devon countryside and close to the northern coastline, with its stunning beaches. Barnstaple is within easy reaches of picturesque locations such as Dartmoor and Exmoor scenery.

The Laboratory has strong links with the University of Exeter Medical School through the Eastern site, providing a comprehensive Research and Development analytical service, both supporting trials and translating diagnostic research into clinical practice. The laboratories in the Trust are at the forefront of some of the most exciting new research, particularly in the areas of diabetes and gastroenterology autoimmunity.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated person to join our team of dedicated professionals at the Northern site in Barnstaple. Duties will include technical and specialist investigations, routine maintenance, problem solving on analysers and to assist in the supervision and training of new staff. You will be expected to take charge of a section, responsibility for result authorisation and supervise unqualified staff. You will be required to work autonomously.

The Department of Blood Sciences is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189, holds IBMS training approval and is committed to maintaining this as part of a wider hospital network in the Southwest. The department uses Q-Pulse for quality management. We provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic services for the acute Trust and to 23 GP practices across North Devon & North Cornwall. We have an unprecedented relationship with our Primary care colleagues and the new Devon CCG.

We are using ICE to develop innovative means of syndrome-based requesting as well as optimising the service in other ways. A managed Laboratory service contract has been jointly procured with South Devon NHSFT meaning that we are well resourced with new Roche Cobas analysers. We are looking for an individual who is committed to supporting the team in providing best service for patients.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Normal shift: 09:00 - 17:30, Late: 12:30 - 20:00, Night: 20:00 - 09:00, Weekend Day: 09:00 - 20:00

Interview Date: To be confirmed. For further information please contact: Rachel Nice, Blood Science Manager or Julia Macbeth, Senior Biochemist.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we\'ll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you\'re starting out in the NHS, you\'ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You\'ll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit. You\'ll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we\'d love to hear from you.