Job summary
- Main area
- Biochemistry
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 5
- Contract
- 1 year (Fixed Term)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 252-7680517
- Employer
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Darent Valley Hospital
- Town
- Dartford
- Salary
- £32,602 - £39,686 per annum inclusive of allowance
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 16/02/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Biomedical Scientist - Biochemistry
NHS AfC: Band 5
Job overview
Applications are invited for the post of Healthcare Science Specialist Band 5
We are looking for well-motivated individuals with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our busy Biochemistry Department.
In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our newly designed and refurbished pathology laboratory houses a range of equipment including Beckman Coulter AU5800, DxI 9000 analysers and DxA 5000 track. We also provide measurement of HbA1c on our Tosoh analysers, electrophoresis samples using Sebia analysers and other esoteric tests.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Please note, this post may close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
Applicants must be fully qualified and registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists specialising in Biochemistry and must hold an accredited Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS).
The successful applicant will be expected to fully participate in a 24/7 shift system in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions at both sites as required.
Working days and or shift patterns will be agreed by the line manager to meet the needs of the service.
Working for our organisation
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
Perform tests and assays on all samples as necessary, according to established protocols and required standards.
Prioritise samples for processing and results for issuing and to clinically validate and release results.
Follow all protocols regarding the escalation of abnormal results
Achieve departmental quality objectives by maintaining test turnaround times and ensuring samples are dealt with in a timely manner
Have a basic knowledge and understanding of protein electrophoresis
Ensure that documentation e.g. patient records and manual testing worksheets are maintained to both local and Trust standards (including electronic records).
Service and maintain all specialist equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions and good laboratory practice.
Carry out basic analyser trouble shooting
Deal with telephone and personal enquiries, referring to the relevant department as appropriate.
Accurately maintain records e.g. quality audit reports and performance reports.
Assist with the maintenance of UKAS 15189 accreditation (CPA accreditation).
Support stock management including assisting in receipt of stock, monitor reagents and consumables, ensure efficient use of consumables and notify shortages to senior staff.
Ensure that clinical waste is not allowed to accumulate in the department.
Notify the Healthcare Scientists about safety issues or concerns within the Department.
Undertake appropriate tasks, new techniques or other developmental activities as required by the Healthcare Scientists.
Participate in audits, where required.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Person specification
Education and Training
Essential criteria
- Honours degree in biomedical science from one of the UK education centres accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
- State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) specifically as a Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Biochemistry
- Evidence of CPD
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
- Basic knowledge and understanding of protein electrophoresis
- Knowledge of theory and analytical techniques in Biochemistry
- Knowledge of current trends in Biochemistry
- Ability to work unsupervised in all sections of the Biochemistry Department
- Methodical and able to organise own workload
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge and understanding of more complicated Biochemistry
Experience
Essential criteria
- Basic understanding and experience in Biochemistry
Desirable criteria
- Recent experience within a UK based hospital
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Emma Champ
- Job title
- Senior Biomedical Scientist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01322 428489
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