Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Biochemistry

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our laboratory team, contributing to all stages of sample handling, analysis, and reporting. This role involves full ownership of the sample lifecycle, including assigning unique identifiers, requesting appropriate tests, processing samples (centrifugation and separation), performing analyses, and validating and authorising results for clinical use.

The successful candidate will be able to work both independently and collaboratively, carrying out routine and specialised biochemical analyses in line with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). A strong focus on efficiency and accuracy is essential to meet agreed turnaround times.

You will rotate across all laboratory sections, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and competencies to provide cover when required, while consistently delivering high-quality results.

All other roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) where these are met.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• There are two posts available: 1 x 36 fixed-term post (12 months) 1 x 25.9 fixed term post (9 months)
• The shift pattern is day, night, weekend and back shift, and is undertaken from Royal Alexandra Hospital and Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
• The successful applicant would be expected to work across all three of the Clyde Biochemistry sites as required.

Please note the salary is Pro Rata for part time hours.

Key responsibilities:

Key responsibilities also include participation in Point of Care Testing (POCT), such as capillary blood sample collection and analysis in clinical settings (e.g. diabetic clinics), and communicating critical or urgent results directly to clinical and nursing staff, escalating to laboratory consultants when necessary.

The role requires providing professional advice to clinical teams on sample collection, additional testing, and repeat analyses. You will also be responsible for routine and ad hoc maintenance of laboratory analysers, both on-site and in external clinical areas, in accordance with departmental procedures.

Additional duties include the preparation of reagents, calibration materials, and quality control samples, alongside ensuring the efficient and cost-effective use of laboratory consumables. Monitoring stock levels and proactively highlighting ordering requirements to the line manager will be an important part of the role.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to contribute to a high-performing diagnostic laboratory environment while developing a broad and adaptable skill set.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• Honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent (which is acceptable for HCPC registration)
• Required to be registered with HCPC as a BMS.
• Completion of the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Clinical Biochemistry, or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.
• Relevant post-graduate experience in a similar laboratory environment.
• Specialist Biomedical Scientists are required to have additional specialist knowledge in Clinical Biochemistry gained through CPD, attendance at seminars or short courses, in-house training and journal-based learning to post-graduate diploma level.
• Computer literate with good IT skills, including knowledge of analyser soft ware, quality control packages, word processing, statistical and data analysis packages.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:Thomas Butler - Sector Laboratory Manager on 0141314(0)6160 or email Thomas.Butler@nhs.scot

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our laboratory team, contributing to all stages of sample handling, analysis, and reporting. This role involves full ownership of the sample lifecycle, including assigning unique identifiers, requesting appropriate tests, processing samples (centrifugation and separation), performing analyses, and validating and authorising results for clinical use.

The successful candidate will be able to work both independently and collaboratively, carrying out routine and specialised biochemical analyses in line with departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). A strong focus on efficiency and accuracy is essential to meet agreed turnaround times.

You will rotate across all laboratory sections, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and competencies to provide cover when required, while consistently delivering high-quality results.

All other roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) where these are met.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• There are two posts available: 1 x 36 fixed-term post (12 months) 1 x 25.9 fixed term post (9 months)
• The shift pattern is day, night, weekend and back shift, and is undertaken from Royal Alexandra Hospital and Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
• The successful applicant would be expected to work across all three of the Clyde Biochemistry sites as required.

Please note the salary is Pro Rata for part time hours.

Key responsibilities:

Key responsibilities also include participation in Point of Care Testing (POCT), such as capillary blood sample collection and analysis in clinical settings (e.g. diabetic clinics), and communicating critical or urgent results directly to clinical and nursing staff, escalating to laboratory consultants when necessary.

The role requires providing professional advice to clinical teams on sample collection, additional testing, and repeat analyses. You will also be responsible for routine and ad hoc maintenance of laboratory analysers, both on-site and in external clinical areas, in accordance with departmental procedures.

Additional duties include the preparation of reagents, calibration materials, and quality control samples, alongside ensuring the efficient and cost-effective use of laboratory consumables. Monitoring stock levels and proactively highlighting ordering requirements to the line manager will be an important part of the role.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to contribute to a high-performing diagnostic laboratory environment while developing a broad and adaptable skill set.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• Honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent (which is acceptable for HCPC registration)
• Required to be registered with HCPC as a BMS.
• Completion of the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Clinical Biochemistry, or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience.
• Relevant post-graduate experience in a similar laboratory environment.
• Specialist Biomedical Scientists are required to have additional specialist knowledge in Clinical Biochemistry gained through CPD, attendance at seminars or short courses, in-house training and journal-based learning to post-graduate diploma level.
• Computer literate with good IT skills, including knowledge of analyser soft ware, quality control packages, word processing, statistical and data analysis packages.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:Thomas Butler - Sector Laboratory Manager on 0141314(0)6160 or email Thomas.Butler@nhs.scot

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.