Specialist Biomedical Scientist | Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The Great Western Hospitals NHS FT; Swindon; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK healthcare provider in Swindon is seeking a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join their Haematology and Blood Transfusion team. This fixed-term contract role focuses on delivering high-quality test results and patient care, requiring strong analytical and communication skills. Candidates should be State Registered Biomedical Scientists with experience in complex laboratory procedures. Out-of-hours shift cover is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in performing and interpreting complex laboratory procedures.
• Familiarity with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ISO 15189 standards.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Analyze infectious samples using specialized laboratory procedures.
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies and SOPs.
• Supervise and train Trainee BMSs and support staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

State Registered Biomedical Scientist status

MSc in biomedical sciences or laboratory haematology

Job description

Specialist Biomedical Scientist - 1 year fixed term contract

This role is an opportunity for an experienced Biomedical Scientist to join the Great Western Hospitals Haematology and Blood transfusion section within the Blood Sciences department as a fixed-term maternity cover position.

The post holder will join a team of dedicated professionals working to deliver high quality test results and excellent care to patients across Swindon and the surrounding area. The Great Western Hospitals Blood Science department handles over 6 million test requests per year and offers a large repertoire of tests for our patients.

The post holder will be expected to work at a competence level equivalent to the Institute of Biomedical Scientists Specialist Portfolio in Haematology or Blood Transfusion and contribute to the effective running of the department by performing and interpreting a range of scientific procedures on biological specimens using highly complex equipment. The laboratory operates a quality management system (QMS) which all staff members engage with to ensure all processes are followed according to SOPs and documented according to the departmental policies.

Senior Biomedical Scientists support this role and other BMS roles in the department.

There is a requirement for out of hours shift cover, including lates, nights and weekend shifts. This is distributed to all staff via a rota. An MSc in biomedical sciences or laboratory haematology or similar may be an advantage.

To act as a State Registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS) who provides a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services throughout the Haematology and Blood Transfusion department.

To perform automated and manual laboratory procedures of varying complexity in accordance with Standard operating procedures (SOPs).

To contribute to the departmental out-of-hours shift rota and have a flexible approach to hours of employment, according to individual contract.

To liaise with a wide range of staff groups, both internal and external to the department.

Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities

• Analyses of potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care.
• Ensures efficient use and maintenance of resources, is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, ensuring viability of reagents used.
• Exercises own initiative and works in co-operation with other staff members to ensure that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189 and other professional standards.
• Carries out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance in highly complex automated system, ensures appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
• Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy.

Analytical and interpretive skills

• Exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical material or data.
• Completes the work process by the validation and verification of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires in-depth theoretical knowledge.

Role Responsibilities

• Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of Health and Care Professionals Council and the Trust's protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of State Registration status.
• Develops own skills, taking responsibility for Continual Professional Development (CPD) and performance.
• Complies with requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks.
• Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external, to include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
• Provides and receives complex scientific information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
• Provides and receives sensitive information to an from patients and their representatives where empathic and reassurance skills are required. Must include notification of adverse events.
• Displays and maintains a working knowledge of laboratory IT systems.

Teaching and Training

• Participates in the supervision and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff and clinical staff where required.

This advert closes on Wednesday 19 Nov 2025