Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Special Chemistry)

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

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in Sussex seeks an experienced Specialist Biomedical Scientist for the Special Chemistry & Toxicology department. The role involves providing high-quality analytical services and mentoring junior staff. Join a dynamic team dedicated to patient care and innovation in biochemistry.

Benefits

Wellbeing Programme

Flexible working options

Diversity and Inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• At least 75% completed IBMS specialist portfolio or equivalent experience.
• 2 years post registration NHS lab experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality analytical service in Special Chemistry and Toxicology.
• Support senior BMS team with training and mentoring junior staff.
• Undertake complex investigations using various techniques.

Skills

Communication

Time-management

Organisational skills

Technical expertise

Education

HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist

Tools

ICP-MS

High-resolution mass spectrometry

Gel electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis

Isoelectric focussing

FTIR-ATR

Job description

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Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Special Chemistry)

Band 6

Main area Biochemistry Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 279-7017064-MAY25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £37,338 - £44,962 per annum (plus shift enhancement) Salary period Yearly Closing 21/05/2025 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

We are looking for an experienced HCPC registered specialist biomedical scientist to join the Special Chemistry & Toxicology department at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. The department is UKAS accredited and also holds IBMS laboratory training approval to deliver registration and specialist training.

You will work with a friendly and dynamic team of biomedical scientists, to assist in the provision of a specialist biochemistry service, including ICP-MS trace metal analysis and First Trimester screening, amongst other specialist techniques. The Special Chemistry & Toxicology section boasts an extensive repertoire of specialist work and state-of-the-art equipment such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, ICP-MS, gel and capillary electrophoresis, isoelectric focussing and FTIR-ATR amongst other techniques.

You will undertake a range of complex investigations using a variety of techniques including manual, semi-automated and automated methods to assist in the diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment.

The post holder will be based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

Applicants with at least 75% completed IBMS specialist portfolio (or demonstrable equivalent experience) will be considered.

Main duties of the job

You will work in Special Chemistry and Toxicology providing a high quality and timely analytical service to users. This includes ICP-MS for trace metal analysis and First Trimester screening for trisomy 21,18,13. Other duties include isoelectric focussing for oligoclonal bands, serum protein electrophoresis and drugs of abuse testing amongst other techniques.

You will support the senior BMS team within the section to provide training and mentoring to junior staff and trainees, and to assist in troubleshooting and quality management tasks.

You must be able to demonstrate excellent time-management and organisational skills and technical expertise, and be confident working as an autonomous practitioner. You should have excellent communication skills as you will be working with laboratory staff across sites and disciplines, clinical staff and external users of our service.

It is an essential requirement that you have either completed a Specialist IBMS Portfolio in Clinical Biochemistry, or have successfully completed its predecessor, the CPSM/HPC logbook and oral examination, or must be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.

The department has a 24/7 shift system in place. You may be able to undertake additional overtime (e.g. weekend shifts) in the automated section once satisfying appropriate competency assessment. For further details, please review the attached job description and person specification.

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, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 - 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

In addition to the above information, please see the attached Job Description and Personal Specification for full details

Person specification

HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist

• HCPC registered
• In progress

Clinical Biochemistry experience

• 2 years post registration NHS lab experience
• Experience of specialist techniques (e.g. LCMS/ICPMS)
• Experience of First Trimester screening

ED&I and Skills

• 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:

Please note, the use of AI generated applications will be closely monitored. It is at the managers discretion to reject your application if they feel the majority has been created through the use of AI tools.

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.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.