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Job summary

Main area
Biochemistry
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Must participate in the 24/7 out of hours rota after local training and competency assessment)
Job ref
374-ED2098
Employer
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Conquest
Town
Hastings
Salary
£39,959 - £48,117 per annum, pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
19/11/2026 23:59

Employer heading

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust logo

Specialist Biomedical Scientist Biochemistry

NHS AfC: Band 6

We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area. 


We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex. 


Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes. 


The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services. 

 

Job overview

The Biochemistry Laboratory at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a well-organised and highly motivated Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and dedicated Biochemistry team. Our services are based over two acute hospital sites at Conquest Hospital, Hastings and Eastbourne District General Hospital - you will be based at Conquest Hospital although some cross-site working is required. 

In return, the Trust is committed to the personal and professional development of its staff at all levels.

The Department is fully automated in its analytical platform using Roche Cobas Pro analysers at Eastbourne and Conquest. The Sebia Capillarys is used across both sites for HbA1c analysis and electrophoresis. The Laboratory currently uses the iLab/Apex Laboratory Information system. LIMS is due to be replaced in 2027 with Winpath Enterprise.

Full 24/ hour, 7 days a week acute services are operated at both acute hospital sites. Candidates will be required to participate fully in the  shift rota, covering weekdays, nights and weekends after suitable training and assessment.

Main duties of the job

Qualified Biomedical Scientists, who have HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist with, or close to completing (as a guide minimum 75% completion) , a Specialist Portfolio in Biochemistry and suitable experience in Biochemistry within an NHS setting, or within a laboratory with IBMS training approval, are encouraged to apply. 
You will be required to rotate through the different areas within the Biochemistry Department. You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and develop your knowledge and skills. 
Our laboratories are accredited to UKAS 15189 standards and we promote a quality approach to working with all staff contributing towards maintenance of the Quality Management System.

An interest or previous experience in training would be an advantage in this role. It would be expected that the successful candidate will support the Training Officer in delivering BMS training.

Working for our organisation

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year. 

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

 If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • B.Sc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
  • State Registration (Health Professionals Council)
  • Post graduate specialist training evidenced by completion of IBMS portfolio or equivalent.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills achieved through evidence of ongoing continuing professional development and attendance on educational and practical courses
Desirable criteria
  • Familiar with Apex Computer System or Winpath
  • Familiar with automated analysers in Biochemistry
  • Familiar with manual techniques in Biochemistry

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Two years relevant laboratory experience, post HCPC registration in an NHS lab or lab with IBMS training accreditation
  • Experience of working flexibly and within a team.
  • Commitment to the ethos of a health care environment.
  • Experience of accepting responsibility while recognising limits.
Desirable criteria
  • An interest or previous experience in training

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Highly developed Biochemistry skills and techniques.
  • Good scientific numeracy skills.
  • Good IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Advanced biochemistry techniques.
  • Good knowledge of health and safety legislation and procedures as applied in pathology
  • Good knowledge of laboratory practice
  • Must be prepared to check all work performed
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Working on own initiative and managing own workload (work planning with flexibility).
  • Capable of working with minimum supervision

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyDisability confident leaderImproving working livesCare quality commission - GoodArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardNational Preceptorship for Nursing Quality MarkGold Award 2026 - Wellbeing at Work - East Sussex

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Reita Kerr
Job title
Biochemistry Lead BMS
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0300 131 5561
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