Band 5 Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a desire to progress. We are looking for a keen and driven university graduate who holds HCPC registration portfolio or has an ambition to complete the IBMS generic portfolio and qualify for registration with the HCPC.

The post holder will be based in Cellular Pathology Department at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and will be expected to work across sites. This is a full time vacancy of 37.5 hours between Monday-Friday and weekend shifts by rotation.

It is essential you have a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent. Applications from non-HCPC registered applicants are encouraged for a trainee BMS position if other qualification criteria are met; annex 21 will apply under Agenda for Change. You must be able to demonstrate an active knowledge of and experience in a routine Histology Laboratory. Successful candidates would need to sign a learning contract and be expected to complete the IBMS Generic portfolio.

Cellular Pathology houses several sub-specialities including Histopathology, Cytopathology, Electron Microscopy, a muscle biopsy service, a specialist Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour service, Andrology service, as well as a postmortem suite, and mortuary. The laboratory receives and processes a wide range of tissue samples including approximately ninety thousand histological specimens and 7000 non-gynae cytology fluid-based samples per year.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will work across the full range of services provided by the Histology Department, including dissection/loading, embedding, microtomy, Special stains, and IHC. The post holder will also be required to work cross site on rotation.

As a pre-specialist biomedical scientist, the post holder will be following standard operating procedures and support the implementation of improved or best practice. All work will be in keeping with the laboratory quality management system. This will include the effective use of laboratory procedural and other records, maintenance of assets/analysers, and supporting with the resolution of corrective and preventative actions.

The Cellular Pathology Department is undergoing a busy period of development, with upgrades to IT systems, the introduction of Digital Pathology, and a desire to develop the workforce into a range of laboratory, line management, and advanced practice roles.

Additional questions to be answered in the Supporting Evidence of your application:

1. Quality is an important part of laboratory work. What involvement do you have in 'Quality' and the Quality management system.
2. What CPD have you undertaken recently and why is participating in CPD important?
3. Trouble shooting is an important skill for a Biomedical Scientist. Give an example of when you had to trouble shoot within an area of the department.

About us

We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.

Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:

1. Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;
2. Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.

UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.

University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital.

Date posted: 14 April 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 5

Salary: £29,970 to £36,483 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 304-1092300

Job locations

Trustwide

Mindelsohn Way

Birmingham

West Midlands

B15 2TH

Job description Job responsibilities

*Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent academic achievement that is ratified by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• State registration with Health Professions Council (HPC)
• Evidence of continuing professional development and proficiency in accordance with HPC guidelines.

Desirable

• Working towards completion of post registration specialist competency portfolio.

Experience Essential

• Experience of working in clinical laboratories.
• Experience of laboratory techniques and automation

Desirable

• Experience of dealing with suppliers, clinical and support staff, the public or customer care.

Additional Criteria Essential

• Numerate and able to undertake scientific calculations with and without the use of aide.
• Perform in a team.
• Manual dexterity to undertake automated, manual, and specialised techniques.
• Good and accurate IT input and MS Office skills
• Effective communication skills both written and oral.
• Demonstrate logical thought processes and the ability to solve problems and plan remedial action.
• Honesty
• Reliability
• Resilience and adaptability
• Self-motivated
• Positive attitude.
• Expected to participate in all out of hours periods as required by service provision

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: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Address:

Trustwide

Mindelsohn Way

Birmingham

West Midlands

B15 2TH

Employer's website: https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab)