Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Company Description

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Job Description

Salary : Band 6 £39,959 - £48,117 per annum

Hours : Full Time, 37.5

Contract : Permanent

The Department of Clinical Microbiology is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our busy Microbiology Department within a large University NHS Trust.  This is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern, high-throughput laboratory that provides a comprehensive diagnostic service to acute, specialist and community healthcare settings.

As part of a diverse team, you will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, patient-orientated diagnostic service, supporting patient care through the processing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of a wide range of microbiological investigations.  The laboratory benefits from a wide test repertoire, including molecular diagnostics and close links with clinical and academic colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• To work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists, to deliver a patient-orientated medical laboratory service and contribute to efficient and effective patient care.
• Perform and supervise Microbiology investigations across bacteriology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics.
• Interpret laboratory findings and authorise results within agreed competency levels.
• Participate in quality management, audit, service development and verification of new methodologies.
• Support the training and development of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and university students.
• Participate in the departmental shift system, weekend, bank holiday and on-call rota as required.
• Actively contribute to maintaining ISO 15189 accreditation and compliance with relevant quality standards.

Please see attached full Job Description

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• BSc (Hons) or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology / Virology or equivalent e.g. MSc in Microbiology / Biomedical Science

Experience:

• Have at least three years post-registration experience of working within a UK hospital diagnostic microbiology laboratory environment as a registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Be to demonstrate a broad level of specialist knowledge and practical experience.
• Have evidence of continuing professional development.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to use highly automated equipment
• Ability to maintain standards of accuracy and hand to eye coordination in repetitive manual techniques
• Ability to work in a methodical and organised manner
• Ability to undertake the technical validation of microbiological test results
• Knowledge to undertake the interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures within a clinical microbiology laboratory
• Strong customer service skills
• Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without supervision
• To have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Practical knowledge of clinical laboratory equipment and methods

Additional Information

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.   

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. 

For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026