Specialist/Trainee Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Bromborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS trust in Bromborough is seeking a Specialist/Trainee Biomedical Scientist for a permanent Band 6 role. Applicants must have a degree in Biomedical Sciences and 3 years of specialist microbiology experience. The successful candidate will join a friendly team, participate in ongoing professional development, and have a vital role in the Microbiology Service. Responsibilities include specimen handling and bacteriology work, with opportunities for further training. Excellent support and opportunities for growth await the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Biomedical sciences or a qualification acceptable by the Health & Care Professions Council.
• 3 years Specialist microbiology experience.
• Able to satisfy registration requirements with the Health & Care Professions Council.

Responsibilities

• Work and rotate around sections of the laboratory.
• Receive and check samples against request forms.
• Select appropriate media for specimen types.
• Perform routine serological procedures, particularly for Hepatitis B and HIV.

Skills

Microbiological concepts

Bacteriology

Serology

Molecular methods

Organisational skills

Time-management skills

Education

Degree in Biomedical Sciences

Tools

Laboratory computer systems

Job description

Go back Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Specialist/Trainee Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

The closing date is 14 January 2026

Applications are invited from highly motivated and enthusiastic HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists with Specialist Portfolio or earlier equivalent, for a permanent Band 6 role with Chester & Wirral NHS Microbiology Service (CWMS).

Motivated pre‑registration / trainee BMS are also welcomed to apply for this role with a view to progression to Specialist BMS; successful applicants who do not meet the criteria for Specialist BMS will be employed at Band 6 annex 21 pay scale.

CWMS is the shared microbiology service for Countess of Chester Hospital and Wirral University Teaching Hospital. The laboratory is based off‑site from the hospitals in Bromborough and is open 7 days a week 24/7.

CWMS performs bacteriology, mycology, serology and molecular diagnostics.

CWMS uses the "Telepath" LIMS and has a significant number of interfaced analysers.

After suitable training you will be expected to participate in the 24/7 service.

The successful candidate will join our friendly team of experienced Biomedical Scientists and support staff rotating through all sections of our busy laboratory.

You will be encouraged and supported to participate in further education, training and Continuing Professional Development.

Main duties of the job

• To work and rotate around sections of the laboratory.
• Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with ward staff where there are doubts, assigning high risk samples to an appropriate containment area and dealing with leaking/damaged specimens.
• Bacteriology: selection of an appropriate media, incubation temperatures and atmospheres as indicated by specimen type and clinical information provided; interpretation of culture results and selection of appropriate organism (bacterial, fungal or yeast) for identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing, based on the interpretation of clinical information and application of specialist knowledge and experience of infectious diseases; interpretation of findings from these results to produce a final report with an appropriate report comment. Perform extra/further investigations as indicated by culture findings or when requested by Microbiology medical staff.
• Microscopy: examination of clinical specimens using a range of microscopes, e.g. fluorescent, lights and inverted microscopes.
• Serology: perform routine serological procedures in the diagnosis of viral diseases, particularly Hepatitis B and HIV.

About us

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first contact. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high‑quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, serving a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust‑wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach of the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

• Degree or equivalent in Biomedical sciences or a qualification acceptable by the Health & Care Professions Council and 3 years Specialist microbiology experience.
• Able to satisfy registration requirements with the Health & Care Professions Council; if registered prior to July 2008, have met registration requirements at the time.

Knowledge and Skills

• A good understanding of microbiological concepts in relation to patient care and environmental services.
• Demonstrates ability to work competently and unsupervised.
• Demonstrates technical expertise and experience in bacteriology, serology and molecular methods.
• Demonstrates good organisational skills in a pressurised work environment.
• Demonstrates ability to organise, prioritise workload and good time‑management skills.
• Proficient in the use of laboratory computer systems.

Personal Attributes

• Respond to unexpected changes and adopt a flexible approach; demonstrate adaptability in undertaking duties required of the post.
• Ability and willingness to undergo further training and continual professional development.
• Comply with Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust's Policies.
• Ability to motivate and lead staff, evidence of a management or supervisory role.
• Experience of laboratory audit procedure to comply with quality standards.

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.

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust