Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Immunohaematology

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Brighton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading Trust in the UK as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, responsible for vital diagnostic services across advanced lab environments. This role at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust offers a supportive atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to patient-first care.

Benefits

Flexible working

Structured leadership development

Wellbeing Programme

Qualifications

• HCPC registered or working towards IBMS Specialist Portfolio.
• 2 years NHS lab experience required.
• Experience of specialist techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through key specialisms in Haematology, Coagulation, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion.
• Communicate with physicians regarding test suitability and result validation.
• Participate in a 24-hour shift system.

Skills

Communication

Data Input

Attention to Detail

Education

BSc Biomedical Sciences

HCPC Registration

Job description

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Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Immunohaematology

Band 6

Main area Blood Sciences Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week (Participation in 24/7 shift is mandatory) Job ref 279-7218591-JUN25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital Town Brighton / Haywards Heath Salary £37,338 - £44,962 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 19/06/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

Join our dynamic and forward-thinking Haematology team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust as a Biomedical Scientist. Based across our laboratories at Royal Sussex County Hospital (Brighton) and Princess Royal Hospital (Haywards Heath), you’ll rotate through Haematology, Coagulation, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion—gaining experience in all key specialisms.

We welcome HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists, including those working towards their IBMS Specialist Portfolio (Band 6 awarded upon completion). Our department is ISO 15189 accredited and IBMS approved for training.

UHSussex is undergoing significant investment, including state-of-the-art equipment and enhanced lab environments. You’ll benefit from structured leadership development pathways, rotational posts, and career progression support.

Our coastal locations offer an excellent quality of life. Brightonoffers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with arts, culture, and nightlife, alongside easy London access.Haywards Heathprovides a quieter pace, excellent schools, green spaces and direct train links to London and Brighton—perfect for work–life balance.

This is a great opportunity to develop your career in a supportive, forward-looking Trust at the heart of the South East.

Main duties of the job

The Haematology department operates 4 sections across 2 sites: Haematology, Coagulation, Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion. The successful candidate will work across all sections of the department.

The post would suit careful and accurate individuals who would work under pressure helping to provide a service that is vital to the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the hospital and surrounding community.

The ability to communicate well is essential. IT skills including data input skills are an integral part of the role; previous laboratory is desirable but not essential.

The department runs a full 24 hour shift system - the successful candidates will be expected to fully participate in all aspects of this (including nights, weekends and bank holidays) subject to competency assessment.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be required towork out of hours weekday and weekends after satisfying competency assessment.

Please note: Out of hours will attract agenda for change terms and conditions. This will also effect out of hours payments.

Main Duties

• Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
• Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
• Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
• Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
• Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person specification

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration
• BSc Biomedical Sciences or Degree accredited by IBMS as suitable for HCPC registration

2 years NHS lab experience

• 2 years NHS Haematology lab experience
• Experience of more specialist techniques
• 1 year NHS Haematology lab experience

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.