Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 23 January 2026.

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.

A 5% Recruitment and Retention premium is available for this position up until March 2026.

• 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.

• Participate in validation and verification projects.
• Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.

• 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.

• 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.

Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined‑up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Always act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.

Work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.

Be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

Rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology and Virology department.

Participate in rotas covering Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday mornings as required.

Participate in the out‑of‑hours service in a lone worker situation.

Participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings, and laboratory meetings as appropriate.

Develop a specialist lead role in a technical area or item of equipment, including troubleshooting problems and reviewing protocols. Expertise and specialist knowledge may include one or more of the following functions:

• EUCAST
• NEQAS lead
• Rotas
• Deputy Quality Officer
• /AST lead
• Parasitology lead
• Union Representative
• Health & Safety lead
• Deputy Training Officer
• Laboratory instrumentation lead
• Deputy Virology lead
• Technical (Virology)

Participate in annual joint review in accordance with the Trust appraisal policy.

Be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient‑centred service, participating in the laboratory’s quality management procedures.

Rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal.

Be courteous and professional when dealing with other health care professionals.

Interpret clinical details and patient demographic data for…