Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Healthcare Science - Microbiology

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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

Specialist Biomedical Scientists (SBMS) in Microbiology are responsible for the technical aspects of the diagnosis of infection and determination of appropriate anti-infective therapy by the application of specialist microbiological methods, using the most up to date scientific analysis in conjunction with traditional methods of culture, microscopyand specialist techniques. The SBMS post is responsible for carrying out the duties required to provide an efficient
microbiology service that is necessary for effective patient care and to supervise, instruct, train and act as a mentor to less experienced biomedical scientists and support staff. They will also be required to offer specialist advice and guidance on the services available to users and to provide information about the analyses that are performed.

The Diagnostic Clinical Microbiology Service for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde is delivered from two sites:
Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The laboratories provide a full and
comprehensive Microbiology service to the population it serves including Hospital based users,
General Practice, the Private sector and to colleagues in the University and Teaching sectors.

Applicants require an I.B.M.S. accredited, BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences and must be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist. Graduates who expect to complete their degree and attain HCPC Registration as Biomedical Scientists in the near future are welcome to apply and Annex 21 arrangements may be applicable under these circumstances.

The applicant will require to have successfully attained the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology, or will be expected to complete the Specialist Diploma as part of their training to attain the position within a maximum of three years following appointment.

The post is based at the Microbiology Laboratory at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow which is a state of the art facility which contains extensive Microbiology equipment such as Vitek 2, Vitek MS, Virtuo, WASPLab and MGiT TB Analysers.

The laboratory holds UKAS accreditation for ISO 15189 standards as a single managed unit together with the Microbiology laboratory at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
QEUH Microbiology department operates an out of hours 24/7 operational service and the post holder will have a contractual requirement to participate in the rota for the out of hours’ service. This involves working 36 hours over 7 days, with hours worked at evenings, weekends, public holidays and participation in the emergency on call service working between 8pm and 8am, Monday to Sunday as part of the out of hours rota.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• Location based in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• Permanent Contract
• Full-time position (36 hours per week)
• Shift pattern of this post are over 7 days including evenings, weekends, on-call and public holidays as part of the laboratory out of hours system (contractual requirement)

Key responsibilities:

The Specialist Biomedical Scientist will be expected to apply professional judgement and developed specialist knowledge and skills, and to work, often under pressure, as part of a team. The post holder will also be expected to operate in the absence of supervisory or other staff. The duties of the post holder are:

• To perform tests and procedures (manual and semi automated) that will assist in the diagnosis, prevention and cure of infectious diseases
• To assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and to prepare and process them having decided which manual and semi automated techniques to employ.
• To be able to work independently (sometimes alone – for example if the post holder is on call), to prioritise work and perform all of the tasks required in receiving and processing specimens and in reporting complex microbiological tests with minimum input from other members of staff.
• Prolonged concentration and attention to detail are essential to the above processes (5 bullet points) and form the greater part of the working day.
• To take responsibility for finishing, checking and validating colleagues’ work as necessary
• To communicate patient results by telephone and to provide technical advice to clinicians on the wards, GPs or other service users.
• Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

Essential:

• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Accredited BSc (Hons) Degree in Biomedical Science
• HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Successful attainment of relevant IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology, or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Must participate in and provide evidence of Continual Professional Development and on- going training that is required to maintain specialist knowledge, professional standards and registration with the HCPC.
• Must have knowledge of laboratory standard operating procedures, including complex and specialist tests, and Division and department policies and procedures.

Desirable:

• Be willing to study for an MSc Biomedical Science qualification, or equivalent

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Sylvia Rennie, Operational Manager, On 0141 354 9152 or email [email protected]

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.  

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From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part-time working hours will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various” , we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community . We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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