Job overview
This role has been approved for advertising; however, it is also being assessed as a suitable alternative employment opportunity. As a result, the vacancy may be withdrawn or there may be a delay before shortlisting can begin.
This role is open to all applicants. However, in line with Cornwall First recruitment principles, initial shortlisting will prioritise applicants from Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and the Integrated Care Board for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our busy, friendly and professional Clinical Microbiology Team. This exciting post would be ideal for scientists with multi-discipline experience or for those looking to expand their current knowledge base. Further training is always encouraged and supported.
This is a full time post of 37.5 hours per week across a 24/7 working week including nights and weekends.
Main duties of the job
The Specialist Biomedical Scientist will work as a key member of the team, helping to deliver a continuously improving and high quality service. The post-holder will also be expected to act as a mentor for more junior scientific and support staff, and where required, to lead and supervise a sub-section of the laboratory in the absence of senior staff.
The Royal Cornwall Hospital is the principal provider of emergency, acute, specialist and community healthcare to the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The current Microbiology Department comprises of two main sections: Bacteriology and Virology (Serology/Molecular). Experience in the use of BD FX blood culture system, IQ Sprint urine analysers, Vitek, BD MGIT TB system, Bruker Malditof MS and a variety of molecular assays would be advantageous; together with working to UKAS accreditation standards.
As a Specialist BMS, you will be expected to participate in the current rota system including weekend working and the on-call rota. The department’s operates 7 days a week and you will be expected to work to a 16 week shift rota including day shifts, late shifts, including the overnight out of hours service (12-9pm) and weekends. Further training is encouraged and supported. The position offers the opportunity to become a valued member of of our friendly team in a county renowned for its beaches and stunning scenery.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.
To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
- Identity Checks
- Professional registration and qualification checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Occupational Health clearance
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
- Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation
We reserve the right to close this advert early.
We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.
We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Relevant diagnostic laboratory experience
- Working knowledge of bacteriology laboratory bench areas.
Desirable
- Experience training and supervising less qualified/experienced staff
Qualifications
Essential
- BMS Degree or equivalent.
- Registered with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
- Holds a Specialist Portfolio in Microbiology (or equivalent) or be actively undertaking at the time of appointment (Completion expected within 1 year)
Desirable
- Further Qualifications with IBMS, HSE, NEBOSH, IT or other relevant laboratory achievments
Practical/Intellectual Skills
Essential
- Highly developed knowledge of routine/specialised manual and automated laboratory investigations and procedures in all sections.
- A good understanding of theoretical & practical microbiology
- Knowledge of the correct balance between initiative and limits of authority
- Good verbal communication at all levels
Desirable
- Practical experience with a Laboratory Quality Management System
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist Biomedical Scientist with Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust in Truro, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 pa pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (Secondments will be considered). The application deadline is 12 Jul 2026.
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