Job summary The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload. As a Biomedical Scientist (BMS) you will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment. You will also be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to supervise and train other less experienced and qualified staff. You will also be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS. Main duties of the job To assist in the day-to-day supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area. To assist in the training of less qualified staff. To process the clinical specimens received and undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, undertaking reading, reporting and the interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs). To adhere and contribute to the delivery of the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS). To observe safety regulations of the laboratory and UKHSA. To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff. To maintain a high standard of technical skill. To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and validation of results as appropriate. To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable. This is not an exhaustive list. Please see job description document for full list of duties. About us We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Date posted 11 April 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-JP-301008-EXT Job locations UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology Southmead Hospital, Pathology Sciences Building Bristol BS10 5NB Job description Job responsibilities You would undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Laboratory Manager or Lead Biomedical Scientist. You would be required to assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaises with senior technical staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy. You would also be responsible for ensuring data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system. You will perform sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high.You would need to analyse biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill. You would be working in high-risk Containment Level 3 laboratories following local code of practice within these facilities. The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirements of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If your application falls below the Band 6 threshold, your application may be assessed against a lower grade role. Selection Process This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. Please be aware that you will be assessed on the below listed nine essential criteria, rather than the full list on the job description document. An application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) A 750 word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Please note all applications meeting all the essential criteria will proceed through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirements of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If your application falls below the Band 6 threshold, your application may be assessed against the lower grade role. If you are interviewed for the role and you do not meet the required benchmark you may be considered for a Band 5 role. Applications will also be considered from candidates working towards HCPC registration who may be offered an EO Healthcare Scientist position. All essential and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a technical test as part of the interview. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Location This role is being offered as lab based at Severn Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays on a rotational basis. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates for this role must pass an enhanced disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check clearance. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Job description Job responsibilities You would undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Laboratory Manager or Lead Biomedical Scientist. You would be required to assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaises with senior technical staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy. You would also be responsible for ensuring data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system. You will perform sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high.You would need to analyse biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill. You would be working in high-risk Containment Level 3 laboratories following local code of practice within these facilities. The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirements of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If your application falls below the Band 6 threshold, your application may be assessed against a lower grade role. Selection Process This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. Please be aware that you will be assessed on the below listed nine essential criteria, rather than the full list on the job description document. An application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) A 750 word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Please note all applications meeting all the essential criteria will proceed through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirements of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If your application falls below the Band 6 threshold, your application may be assessed against the lower grade role. If you are interviewed for the role and you do not meet the required benchmark you may be considered for a Band 5 role. Applications will also be considered from candidates working towards HCPC registration who may be offered an EO Healthcare Scientist position. All essential and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a technical test as part of the interview. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Location This role is being offered as lab based at Severn Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays on a rotational basis. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates for this role must pass an enhanced disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check clearance. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Person Specification Application form and Statement of Suitability Essential Application form and Statement of Suitability Qualifications Essential State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines Desirable Undertaking further study - e.g. IBMS Specialist Portfolio, MSc or professional qualification (Completion of an IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent experience is essential for employment at Band 6.) Knowledge and experience Essential Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills. Able to organise less qualified staff Desirable Demonstrate post-registration experience in Bacteriology or Virology Analytical Skills Essential Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Autonomy/Freedom to Act Essential Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales Person Specification Application form and Statement of Suitability Essential Application form and Statement of Suitability Qualifications Essential State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines Desirable Undertaking further study - e.g. IBMS Specialist Portfolio, MSc or professional qualification (Completion of an IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent experience is essential for employment at Band 6.) Knowledge and experience Essential Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills. Able to organise less qualified staff Desirable Demonstrate post-registration experience in Bacteriology or Virology Analytical Skills Essential Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Autonomy/Freedom to Act Essential Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency Address UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology Southmead Hospital, Pathology Sciences Building Bristol BS10 5NB Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)