Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Virology

University Hospitals Sussex Nhs Foundation Trust; Brighton, Chichester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Specialist Biomedical Scientist for the Virology department based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. The post involves work in serology and molecular sections, with potential placement at St. Richards Hospital in Chichester.

Applicants should hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Virology (or be close to completion). Salary starts at AfC Band 5 and moves to Band 6 after successful diploma assessment.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist.
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Virology or nearing completion.
• Experience of Virology within NHS Laboratory.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to undertake and report serology and molecular investigations.

Responsibilities

• Provide a specialised diagnostic Virology service contributing to patient care.
• Participate in 7-day working pattern including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Apply professional judgement and use specialist skills to deliver high-quality timely results.
• Work independently as an autonomous practitioner.
• Deputise for Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientists as required.

Skills

HCPC registration

NHS Virology experience

Verbal & written communication

Serology & molecular investigations

Education

IBMS Specialist Diploma - Virology

Job description

Job summary

The Virology department is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join the team. The post will be permanently based in the Virology department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. The post holder will be working in both serology and molecular sections, including participating in validations, verification and clinical trials. In the future there may be a requirement to work at St. Richards Hospital in Chichester.

We are looking for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist who has completed the IBMS Specialist diploma in Virology although we may consider applications from individuals that are currently completing a IBMS Specialist Diploma in Virology/Microbiology. If successful the post holder will have a salary of AfC Band 5 until their diploma has been successfully assessed. The post will then be paid as AfC Band 6.

Main duties of the job

The individual will be expected to support the provision of a specialised, diagnostic Virology Laboratory service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis, disease progression and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.

They will be expected to be fully competent to undertake routine processing and testing of specimens in the department, performing routine and advanced procedures and investigations as required.

About us

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Details

Date posted: 30 October 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 279-8356290-OCT26

Closing date: 13 November 2026

Job responsibilities

• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
• To participate in the provision of a specialised diagnostic Virology service, autonomously, contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis, disease progression and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of the treatment given.
• To participate in the 7 day working pattern of the department. This will include evening, weekend and bank holiday shifts.
• The individual will be expected to apply professional judgement and utilise specialist skills and detailed scientific knowledge to provide a high quality and timely results service, performing routine procedures and investigations as required.
• To be able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner.
• To deputise for Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientists as required.

Person Specification

Essential qualifications

• HCPC registration - Biomedical Scientist
• IBMS Specialist Diploma - Virology
• Experience of Virology within NHS Laboratory
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Ability to undertake and report appropriate serology and molecular investigations

Desirable qualifications

• Member of IBMS at appropriate level
• Experience of training others
• Demonstrable experience of staff management
• Participation in a quality management system
• Participation in UKAS accreditation compliance

Essential 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

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.

UK Registration

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

Employer details

Employer name: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, United Kingdom

Employer's website: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact

Lead Biomedical Scientist, Cassandra Malone, [e-mail], 01273696955

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community.