Biomedical scientist
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
PLYMOUTH, PL6 8DH
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
2 September 2026
2 days left
Job description
Applicants must be HCPC state registered and have demonstrable experience of working in a diagnostic Microbiology laboratory. The Department has over ...
To perform microbiological analysis of biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, cerebral spinal fluid and other clinical samples, taking personal responsibility for the quality of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of infectious disease, and the detection and monitoring of hospital and community-based outbreaks of infection.
Maintain a high standard of professional knowledge and competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out at bench level.
To make diagnostic decisions of infection and treatment options, based on microscopic findings, the analysis of bacterial culture plates, and the subsequent assessment of bacterial susceptibility tests, which requires in depth knowledge, experience, expertise and judgement.
When working alone at night or at weekends, e.g. when on call, to carry out essential investigations and make critical diagnostic decisions unsupervised, and with no on-site back-up or reference point.
To work, if required, with high-risk samples and cultures, at Containment Level 3, and to be aware when circumstances arise necessitating the move of normal laboratory investigations (Containment Level 2) to a higher containment level.
To have sufficient knowledge and competence to work on rotation in all bacteriology and serology sections of the laboratory as required.
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Proven ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of infectious disease throughout the Department of Microbiology
- To have sufficient knowledge, competence and experience to work on rotation in all bacteriology and serology sections of the laboratory as required, and to achieve the equivalent accuracy and turnaround times of other staff of the same grade
- Post registration experience in a Microbiology laboratory
- A proven working knowledge and practical application of IT systems
- Participation in Continual Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable
- Demonstrable post qualification experience
- Demonstrable experience with specialist techniques within a section of the laboratory
- Participation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme
- Successful completion of IBMS Specialist Portfolio or preceding IBMS training 'logbook'.
Qulaifications
Essential
- Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or Life Sciences or equivalent qualification acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Heath Professions Council for registration
- State registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
Desirable
- Member of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)
- A willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement
Aptitude and abilities
Essential
- Proven ability to fulfil the Occupational Health Dept. requirements for working specifically in a Microbiology laboratory
- Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy
Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills
Circumstances
Essential
- The post holder will be required to participate in the on call rota when fully trained, which will involve working a late duty shift on weekdays. There is also a requirement on to work Weekends and Bank Holidays which are on a rolling rota
- Required to work in an area of biological risk, frequently exposed to biological and chemical hazards and with the requirement to remove unpleasant bodily fluids, e.g. urine, faeces, sputum etc. from their containers for analysis
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
19 August 2026
Last checked
20 August 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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