Job overview

We are excited to invite applications for a Biomedical Support Worker to join the Microbiology department at Bedford Hospital. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking team working with state‑of‑the‑art technology, including the BioMerieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, BD MGIT, DS2, BioMerieux Vidas and Biofire, Roche Cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert and Bruker Maldi‑TOF. Following a recent merger with the L&D Hospital Microbiology department, our laboratory now delivers a wide range of investigations for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, as well as local GPs. We are proud to be UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2012 and recognised as an IBMS‑approved training laboratory.

In this role, you will work closely with Biomedical Scientists, supporting them in performing microbiological techniques that are essential to the clinical diagnosis of infectious disease. Your contribution will directly impact patient care, helping to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. Previous laboratory or hospital experience is desirable, but not essential, as full training will be provided. What matters most is your enthusiasm, your commitment to learning, and your ability to bring strong numerical, literacy and communication skills to the team. A minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English Language and Science is required.

The core hours of work are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Once fully trained, you will participate in our shift pattern, which runs from 07:00 to 22:00 and includes weekends and bank holidays. This is a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to grow within a supportive environment where training and development are at the heart of what we do.

If you are motivated, curious, and eager to build a career in microbiology, we would love to hear from you. This is your chance to join a team that is shaping the future of diagnostic science and making a real difference to patients every day.

Main duties of the job

Details of specific service/department responsibilities, accountabilities and objectives are listed in the Role Descriptor document incorporated with this generic Biomedical Support Worker job description.

The post holder will contribute to the day to day operations and limited technical aspects of the service.

The post holder will assist Higher Biomedical Support Workers, BMS and senior laboratory BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS].

The post holder is expected to follow policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.

The post holder may be required to assist in the training of other support staff.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton.  Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

 

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.