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Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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Location
Salary
£38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata
Profession
Health science services
Grade
Band 6
Deadline
20 Feb 2026
Contract Type
Fixed term: 12 months (Maternity Cover)
Posted Date
06 Feb 2026

Job overview

12-month Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover

We are seeking an enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist with excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-motivation to join our dynamic team. This role is integral to the laboratory, where you will provide specialist technical expertise in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.

Specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) play a crucial role in the laboratory team, responsible for diagnosing infections and disease processes. They leverage the latest scientific knowledge and methods, while also utilizing traditional techniques when necessary. Specialist BMS conduct and interpret laboratory tests providing essential data to clinical staff for accurate diagnoses and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.

Main duties of the job

  • Technical Duties: Perform specialized tasks in the Bacteriology and Virology sections. Authorise specific result types. Oversee and supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs). Manage the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Perform specialized tasks in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.
  • Authorise specific result types.
  • Oversee and supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs).
  • Manage the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Quality and Project Management: Participate in validation and verification projects. Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.
  • Participate in validation and verification projects.
  • Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.
  • Development and Support: Stay updated with scientific advancements and managerial developments in the field. Support senior staff and the Laboratory Manager in providing an efficient, expert, and cost-effective laboratory service. Take on additional laboratory responsibilities with appropriate support and training.
  • Stay updated with scientific advancements and managerial developments in the field.
  • Support senior staff and the Laboratory Manager in providing an efficient, expert, and cost-effective laboratory service.
  • Take on additional laboratory responsibilities with appropriate support and training.

Working Hours:

  • Routine hours are Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 17:15 (37.5 hours per week).
  • Participation in a rotational schedule for weekends and Bank Holidays.
  • Involvement in the on-call (out-of-hours) service provision is required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached job description for full details.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the designated manager.