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Job summary

Main area
Chemical Pathology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Fixed term: 7 months (Contract to end on 31/03/2026)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
249-7370484
Employer
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
The Great Western Hospital
Town
Swindon
Salary
£38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
18/09/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Blood Sciences

NHS AfC: Band 6

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a unique organisation, serving as the sole integrated provider in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire system. Our scope extends beyond boundaries as we oversee adult community services in Swindon and provide acute care from the Great Western Hospital. 

Our 5,500 staff have 1.2m patient contacts a year, with 13,000 operations carried out in our Theatres, around 4,000 babies born, and our emergency attendances are now well over 100,000 per year. Those numbers only tell part of our story about what an exciting time it is to join Great Western Hospitals.

We are cultivating a culture that fosters our ambitions, prioritising equality, diversion, inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. We aim to create an environment where every member of our team can truly thrive.

The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer; all applicants who have a disability can opt to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme, which means that, providing they meet the minimum essential criteria for the post, they will be offered an interview. We are also proudly accredited as a Veteran Aware organisation and have signed The Armed Forces Covenant.

If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close adverts prior to the published closing date. Therefore, we advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

Job overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join our Chemical Pathology team on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of high-quality, efficient diagnostic services in a busy and evolving laboratory environment, while also contributing to projects involving digital transformation, analyser optimisation, and quality improvement.

You will work as part of the Blood Sciences team and be responsible for the delivery and development of the routine and specialist chemical pathology service, including troubleshooting, validation, training, and support for electronic requesting initiatives.

Our Chemical Pathology department is part of a larger, collaborative Blood Sciences service that is patient-focused, quality-driven, and committed to continuous improvement.

As a Band 6 BMS, you’ll be encouraged to take ownership of technical processes, participate in training and service development, and support projects that will enhance digital efficiency and clinical connectivity.

Main duties of the job

  • Perform and supervise complex biochemical investigations using a range of automated and manual techniques

  • Validate and authorise results in line with laboratory protocols and clinical relevance

  • Provide support and training to junior BMS and MLA staff

  • Contribute to the maintenance and development of analyser platforms, including troubleshooting, calibration, and verification

  • Support service improvement initiatives including digital workflow optimisation and test catalogue reviews

  • Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes (IQC/EQA)

  • Assist in implementing electronic requesting and LIMS configuration changes

  • Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and maintain accurate documentation and audit trails

  • Work collaboratively with clinical teams to support safe, timely patient care

Working for our organisation

Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

This fixed-term role until 31/03/2026 is ideal for someone looking to further develop both their technical and leadership skills while contributing to meaningful innovation in clinical diagnostics.

You’ll be supported by experienced senior staff, have access to structured CPD opportunities, and work in an environment where improvement and learning are part of daily practice.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will:

  • Work independently within the scope of your competence, and escalate clinical or technical concerns appropriately

  • Provide input into analyser maintenance schedules, QC troubleshooting, and performance monitoring

  • Assist in the validation of new tests, platforms, and connectivity projects

  • Collaborate with IT and clinical colleagues to support safe and accurate electronic test requesting

  • Train and assess staff competencies and contribute to a positive team culture

  • Participate in departmental meetings, audits, and quality assurance processes

  • Adhere to Health and Safety protocols and contribute to continuous accreditation readiness

This post will suit a forward-thinking BMS with a strong grounding in clinical biochemistry and a desire to get involved in both service delivery and development work.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent experience
  • Training in basic and specialist laboratory techniques
Desirable criteria
  • Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)
  • Evidence of cross-disciplinary training and awareness
  • ECDL
  • Member of the IBMS or related professional bodies
  • Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working in a medical laboratory environment in discipline
  • Ability to carry out a wide range of tests
  • Has acted autonomously as a Biomedical Scientist
Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience of working in a Clinical Laboratory in discipline as lone worker

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: Goldhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesStonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.Step into healthArmed Forces Covenant

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Graeme Getty
Job title
Pathology IT Manager
Email address
[email protected]
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