Job overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Virology Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology Department at Bedford Hospital.
Our laboratory is equipped with an extensive range of modern platforms, including the Beckman Coulter Microscan, BioMérieux BacT/Alert Virtuo, Cepheid GeneXpert, BD MGIT, BioMérieux VIDAS, BioFire TORCH and FilmArray, Roche Cobas 6800, Bruker MALDI‑TOF, BD MAX, Stratec Gemini, Roche Cobas 8000, and the DS2 system.
Following our merger with the Luton Microbiology Department, we now provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and local GP practices. The department is UKAS‑accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and is recognised by the IBMS as an approved training laboratory.
In this role, you will be a key member of the senior Microbiology team, with a primary focus on Virology and Quality.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will serve as a Senior Biomedical Scientist, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Quality team to support the Virology service through robust quality processes, documentation management, and staff training, ensuring continued compliance with UKAS accreditation standards. Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience with Quality Management Systems, a strong understanding of quality principles, and a proven ability to train staff across all grades.
In this role, the post holder will support the senior Virology team by maintaining and developing departmental documentation, monitoring and managing non‑conformances, conducting audits, implementing quality improvements, and delivering training. They will also assist the Laboratory Manager with the operational running of the department, contributing to the implementation, monitoring, and review of contractual requirements while ensuring service continuity and effective risk mitigation.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will work as an HCPC‑registered Biomedical Scientist, contributing to the effective delivery of departmental services.
They will support Laboratory Management in implementing and maintaining a cohesive service, working in partnership with the department’s clinical lead.
They will be responsible for applying the department’s quality policy, including delivery of agreed quality objectives.
They will contribute to the implementation and maintenance of UKAS standards by using the established Pathology Quality Management System, supporting the quality cycle and audit processes required for ISO 15189 compliance.
They will assist in developing action plans to address non‑conformities identified through internal or external audits or complaints, ensuring that corrective and preventative actions are completed and embedded.
They will follow and update departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) using the Q‑Pulse Document Management Module.
Where delegated, they will take responsibility for drafting, reviewing, and implementing SOPs within the Q‑Pulse system.
They will manage the day‑to‑day quality operations within the department, supporting senior staff with documentation, and training staff of all grades in standardised quality processes and effective use of the Quality Management System.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal at all levels
- Manage and analyse highly complex information and data
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Document writing
Desirable
- Leadership skills
- Time management skills
Knowledge
Essential
- In depth knowledge and understanding of serological tests and interpretation
- In depth knowledge and understanding of molecular tests and interpretation
- Knowledge of relevant healthcare guidelines and standards, eg. NICE, IDPS, BASHH
- Understanding performance characteristics of serological and molecular tests
Desirable
- Ability to design research investigations and experiments.
Experience
Essential
- Audit and evaluation, clinical and information governance, use of Quality Management systems
- Significant specialist knowledge of Virology acquired over a significant period
- Verification and validation, application of IVDR
- Statistical analysis and data presentation
- Preparation for and management of, virology assessment by accreditation bodies
Desirable
- Experience training staff
- Experience in the implementation of new processes
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- Masters degree or related professional health care qualification or equivalent
- HCPC registration
Desirable
- IBMS certificate in Expert Practice in Quality Management
- IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 7 Phlebotomist roles in Luton
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Biomedical Scientist - Virology with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Luton, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent: Full time Monday-Friday. The application deadline is 30 Jun 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (16 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.