Specialist Healthcare Scientist

NHS National Services Scotland; Larbert; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare service provider in Larbert is seeking a motivated Band6 Biomedical Scientist to enhance its rapidly expanding Point of Care Testing (PoCT) Service. This role requires providing scientific support, managing quality assurance, and delivering training programs. Applicants should preferably be HCPC registered or actively working towards registration. The position plays a critical role within the service, enhancing patient outcomes and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered or working towards HCPC registration.
• Experience in PoCT or laboratory settings is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific support to clinical staff using PoCT devices.
• Contribute to governance and quality assurance of PoCT.
• Deliver and assess training for PoCT operators.
• Develop SOPs and quality documentation.
• Support the PoCT Lead in supervising staff.
• Collaborate to maintain patient-focused PoCT service.

Skills

Scientific support and expert advice

Governance and quality assurance

Training and competency programs

SOPs and risk assessments

Troubleshooting skills

Collaboration with clinical teams

Service improvement

Education

HCPC registration or working towards it

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Band6 Biomedical Scientist to join our expanding Point of Care Testing (PoCT) Service within NHS Forth Valley.

PoCT is a rapidly developing area supporting both acute and community healthcare settings, enabling faster clinical decision‑making and improved patient outcomes. As part of our dedicated PoCT team, you will play a key role in ensuring high quality testing across Forth Valley, supporting service users, and helping to maintain safe and effective diagnostic pathways. This role also forms a crucial part of our workforce plan, providing stability within the service and supporting the PoCT Lead in delivering a reliable, responsive, and expertly governed PoCT provision.

As a Biomedical Scientist in PoCT, you will:

• Provide scientific support and expert advice to clinical staff using PoCT devices across NHS Forth Valley.
• Contribute to the governance and quality assurance of PoCT, including IQC/EQA, device verification/validation, and audit.
• Deliver and assess training and competency programmes for PoCT device operators.
• Develop, review, and maintain SOPs, risk assessments, and quality documentation.
• Troubleshoot device and testing issues, liaising with clinical and technical teams.
• Support the PoCT Lead by supervising PoCT support staff and deputising as required.
• Work collaboratively with laboratories, clinical areas, and external partners to maintain a safe, compliant, and patient focused PoCT service.
• Contribute to service improvement, accreditation preparation, and ongoing POCT expansion projects.

Consideration will be given to applicants who are HCPC registered or working towards HCPC registration. If successful at interview, they will be required to complete relevant IBMS portfolios and the schedule of in‑house training provided, within the agreed time scale, prior to progression, and the salary will be paid at Band 6 Annex 21 of the A4C Terms and Conditions.

For informal enquiries, contact: Joanne Lyon, POCT Service Manager, [e-mail], 01324 567021

As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes. NHS Forth Valley may be able to offer sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. If you are currently working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, transitional arrangements may apply. Please note that sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks. For further information on visa requirements and sponsorship eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance.

It is also recommended that anyone applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad read the following guidance: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad – GOV.UK.

The duties of this post require the successful candidate to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third‑party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e‑mail, therefore please check your e‑mail regularly (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account for updates.

NHS Forth Valley is positive about disabled people and is committed to offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please contact the Recruitment Office on 0330 041 4694 if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you with your application and/or interview.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.