Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Bristol is seeking a Clinical Biochemist for a Band 5 position. This role involves providing clinical biochemistry services, participating in out-of-hours shifts, and supervising laboratory assistants. The ideal candidate will hold a BSc in Biomedical Science, be registered with HCPC, and have relevant NHS laboratory experience. The position offers a salary ranging from £31,049 to £46,580 per year.

Qualifications

• Operational experience in an NHS Clinical Biochemistry laboratory.
• Understanding and experience of quality control systems.
• Ability to plan own work and meet deadlines under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Follow protocols for performing laboratory procedures.
• Participate in 24/7 clinical Biochemistry out-of-hours service.
• Ensure reports of abnormal results are made without delay.

Skills

Basic keyboard skills

Ability to use Microsoft Windows and associated programmes

Competence to perform analytical tests

Excellent communication skills

Ability to solve problems

Education

BSc or equivalent in Biomedical Science

Registration with HCPC

Tools

Laboratory computer systems

Beckman Analysers

Job description

Job summary

The post holder will be part of a team providing a Clinical Biochemistry service to the Trust. The post holder will rotate through all sections of the Department practising a wide range of automated and manual analytical procedures to produce high quality test results.

The post holder will be expected to understand the need for analytical quality and clinical urgency, and take appropriate action when finding abnormal pathology results in order to maintain the highest standards of patient care.

In addition to their analytical skills, the post holder will be expected to supervise and train medical laboratory assistants, as well as other technical and scientific staff working under the direction of the section leader.

The post holder will be expected to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have UK based laboratory experience.

The post holder will be expected to participate in the out-of-hours roster, including lone working at night and weekends to support the urgent clinical needs of the Trust. Out of hours shifts are included within the contracted 37.5 hours per working week. This post will include an increased allocation of night shifts.

Main duties of the job

To follow protocols for performing a wide range of laboratory procedures.

• To participate in the 24/7 provision of clinical Biochemistry out-of-hours service to the trust, this will include working night and weekend shifts. This post will include an increased allocation of night shifts.
• To organise personal workload in response to the urgency and volume of requests.
• To inspect analytical quality control results and authorise the reporting of only those analytical results which satisfy established criteria.
• To recognise the importance of abnormal results, and to ensure that they are reported without delay. To ensure that appropriate follow on tests are performed in line with the level of abnormality detected.
• To maintain equipment and work space in a clean and functional condition.
• To ensure that analytical procedures and equipment not conforming to quality specifications are brought to the attention of the senior staff member.
• To assist the supervision of Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants.
• Assisting in the training all grades of staff.
• To establish, maintain and increase their knowledge, skills and competency. This includes maintaining a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio, providing evidence of participation in learning and development activities.

About us

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as 'Good' overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward-thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world‑leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we are meeting our pledge.

Details

Date posted: 25 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £46,580 a year pa (progression to Band 6 available)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

387-DT0444-LH

Job locations

Bristol Royal Infirmary

Marlborough Street

Bristol

BS2 8HW

Job description

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person Specification

Skills and Abilities – Essential

• Basic keyboard skills
• Ability to use Microsoft Windows and associated programmes such as Word & Excel.
• Competence to perform analytical tests.
• Ability to plan own work.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to represent the Department effectively in its relations with other Departments and externally.
• Be able to problem solve
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure

Knowledge and Experience – Essential

• Operational experience in an NHS Clinical Biochemistry laboratory.
• Understanding and experience of quality control systems
• Understanding of organisational objectives.
• Able to demonstrate commitment to service improvements.
• Experience of laboratory computer systems.
• Understanding of the critical importance of confidentiality.
• Understanding and experience of working to quality standards

Desirable

• Experience of document management systems
• Experience of Beckman Analysers
• Experience of participation in out-of-hours service provision

Qualifications and Training – Essential

• BSc or equivalent in Biomedical Science.
• Registration with HCPC.
• Evidence of CPD.
• IBMS Specialist Certificate (E for band 6 role)

Aptitudes – Essential

• Good team member
• Conscientious
• Attention to detail
• Manual dexterity

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)

Bristol Royal Infirmary

Marlborough Street

Bristol

BS2 8HW

Website: https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/