Trainee Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is seeking a Trainee Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology team at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shrewsbury. The role offers development in a busy diagnostic lab, working towards HCPC registration and IBMS training while contributing to a 7-day service and weekend rota.

Initial training will cover records, IT systems, and laboratory procedures; the post requires flexibility to cover weekends and bank holidays and owning transport is

Qualifications

• BSc(Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS approved) or equivalent
• HCPC registration is expected or eligible for registration
• NHS laboratory experience and familiarity with laboratory equipment
• Proficient in Microsoft software and pathology IT systems

Responsibilities

• Keep clear and accurate records and learn to use laboratory computer systems and specialist equipment.
• Work closely with experienced Biomedical Scientists and trainers, following laboratory procedures and asking for support when needed.
• Complete the required training and IBMS Registration Training Portfolio, working towards registration with the HCPC.
• Help maintain high standards of quality, safety and confidentiality, while supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory.
• Take part in ongoing training and, once fully trained, work as part of the laboratory’s out-of-hours rota, including some weekends and Bank/Public Holidays.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

BSc(Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS approved) or equivalent

Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science or equivalent professional body

HCPC registration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Pathology IT systems

Job description

Trainee Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

NHS AfC: Band 5 Annex 21

Main area Microbiology Grade NHS AfC: Band 5 Annex 21 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Mainly Monday to Friday core hours 09:00-17:15, 1 in 4 weekends, occasional evening and bank holidays.) Job ref 223-BMS-761-A

Site The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Town Shrewsbury Salary £32,073 - £39,043 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 15/10/2026 23:59

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Trainee Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and supportive Microbiology team at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and practical experience within a busy diagnostic Microbiology laboratory, contributing to the delivery of a high-quality service to patients across the Trust.

The Microbiology department provides a 7-day diagnostic service, and the successful candidate will be required to participate in a rota covering weekends and bank/public holidays as part of a 37.5-hour working week. The role will involve working within a fast-paced environment where accuracy, attention to detail, effective communication and the ability to work safely and efficiently are essential. Experience of working in an NHS Microbiology laboratory would be preferred.

Main duties of the job

• Keep clear and accurate records and learn to use laboratory computer systems and specialist equipment.
• Work closely with experienced Biomedical Scientists and trainers, following laboratory procedures and asking for support when needed.
• Complete the required training and IBMS Registration Training Portfolio, working towards registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Help maintain high standards of quality, safety and confidentiality, while supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory.
• Take part in ongoing training and, once fully trained, work as part of the laboratory’s out-of-hours rota, including some weekends and Bank/Public Holidays.

Working for our organisation

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team — clinical or non-clinical — plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values — ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.

Pathology is a vibrant team, continually looking for ways to develop innovative ideas and ways of working, ensuring our services continue to match the rapid pace of growth in diagnostic advances.

If you are looking for new opportunities and challenges, then this post could be for you. Own transport will be essential. There is a requirement for the post holder to work flexible hours in line with service requirements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.

Qualifications

• BSc(Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS approved) or equivalent
• Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science or equivalent professional body.
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Experience

• Clinical NHS laboratory experience
• NHS Hospital experience
• Familiar with instrumentation used in the department, or similar.
• Theoretical knowledge and practical experience of Biomedical procedures gained through BSc or equivalent
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software.
• Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems, Quality Assurance and Laboratory accreditation.
• Sound understanding of Health and Safety.

Skills

• Good verbal and written skills and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and patients.
• Able to concentrate for prolong periods of time.
• Able to pay meticulous attention to detail and maintain accuracy.
• Able to adapt and develop new ideas to improve the service.

We commit to removing barriers for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions in recruitment, training, and career progression. We will offer an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the above position and will support reasonable adjustments wherever possible. In addition, whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are male, from black and minority ethnic backgrounds or who have a disability, as these are currently under-represented in our workforce.

We are committed to offering an interview to applicants from the Armed Forces community who meet the minimum criteria for the position. In addition, for those who are successfully appointed from the Armed Forces community, the Trust are committed to recognising previous service and rank in terms of pay, annual leave and other terms and conditions.

We are committed to equal opportunities in employment. The policies and practices of the Trust aim to promote an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of all people. At the heart of our policy, we seek to treat people fairly, flexibly and with dignity and respect.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from an Ethnic minority background are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace, that attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self. Many of our colleagues work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise a fair and equitable process that balances your needs, the needs of our patients and service delivery.

Our Commitment to Safety and Respect - The Trust is a signatory to the NHS Sexual Safety Charter and is committed to a safe, inclusive workplace free from sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination.

Thank you for your interest in The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, we look forward to receiving your application for employment.

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