Biomedical Scientist/Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Overview

To perform the diagnostic microbiology examination and reporting of specimens received in order to aid patient treatment and care. To use interpretive skills on culture plates and complex analysers combined with the Laboratory Information Management Computer System in order to deliver the diagnostic microbiology service to our users. The diagnostic work of the department includes processing, for example, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues and diverse secretions. Processed samples are then interpreted for the presence of pathogens, these could be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. To work as part of the team, or independently, processing specimens and producing accurate relevant diagnostic results, by the interpretation of clinical information and specimen type against the organisms isolated or detected. To initiate and interpret microscopy examinations, complex biochemical profiles, agglutination patterns and antibiotic sensitivity patterns as necessary. To make judgements and initiate follow up tests as required. To authorise diagnostic results using judgement and departmental guidelines ensuring they are correct, complete and clear and are within the departmental guidelines. To refer to more senior Scientific/ Medical staff as required. To use in depth knowledge and skills to communicate with colleagues regarding investigations to be undertaken and to communicate with clinicians and other users tests to be performed and interpretation of results. To be responsible to the Lead BMS for maintaining good standards of discipline, dress, timekeeping and behaviour of subordinate staff. To discuss with staff the expected outcomes of training and development activities prior to training events and afterwards to discuss actual outcomes. To assist staff to transfer, develop and use the new skills acquired. To participate in the audit of quality control measures within the department and to present this data to the Lead BMS in a timely fashion. For more information please review the attached job description and person specification

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) is proud of its strong reputation, record of achievement and ambition for the future. We serve a population of over 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and South Buckinghamshire, and remain committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Our new organisational strategy – FHFT 2030 – sets out our ambition to be the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS. Underpinned by our Trust values – Committed to Excellence, Working Together, Facing the Future, and being a modern, compassionate, Healthcare Organisation – we are creating a culture where our people can thrive and patients always come first.

We continue to invest heavily in our services and facilities. This includes the development of a new hospital at Frimley Park, major expansion of diagnostics and inpatient capacity, and the continued transformation of services across our sites. We have already delivered a brand-new £100m state-of-the-art Heatherwood Hospital, a £49m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and a £10m upgrade to maternity services.

We are also committed to sustainability and the NHS Net Zero ambition. Our new hospital and estate developments are being designed to be environmentally responsible, energy efficient, and future-proofed, featuring on-site renewables energy and intelligent energy systems. Through our green plan, we are embedding sustainable practices across all areas of care and operations, ensuring we reduce our environmental impact while improving population health and wellbeing. Our staff are key to helps us deliver on our ambition and to ensure sustainability is a core component of care delivery and our operations.

Alongside estates\’ investments, we are embedding a strong focus on digital innovation and quality improvement. Our electronic patient record (Epic), launched in 2024, is already enabling safer, more connected, and more effective care for patients, while giving staff the tools they need to do their best work. Our electronic patient record also supports safe and effective digitised care pathways, savings time and carbon, whilst delivering excellent quality of care.

Everything we do is guided by our values, shaping how we care for patients, support colleagues, and build a sustainable future for healthcare together.

We are seeking energetic, enthusiastic, and motivated HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists (Band 5 or 6) to join our busy Bacteriology Department within Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services.

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Completion of, or working towards, the IBMS Specialist Portfolio (or equivalent)
• Commitment to continuous learning, embracing new ways of working and developing specialist skills
• Flexibility to participate in a full shift rota, including early/late shifts, weekends, bank holidays, and on-call duties

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work across a dynamic, multi-site service (Frimley Park, Wexham Park, and Heatherwood)
• A supportive environment for career development, with structured training and mentorship
• Experience across all sections of the Bacteriology laboratory through rotational working
• The chance to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team

If you are an ambitious and motivated Biomedical Scientist, ready to contribute to high standards of patient care and laboratory excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.

Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.

We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.

Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo

Our laboratories are equipped with modern, automated technology including Kiestra, MALDI-TOF, and PCR platforms, offering an exciting and innovative working environment. We are fully accredited with UKAS ISO 15189 and hold HCPC training status, giving you excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development.