Senior Biomedical Scientist - Biochemistry, Lister Hospital

Job Summary

A vacancy has arisen for a Senior Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in our Essential Services Laboratory (ESL) at Lister Hospital following the implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board, which commenced on 1st March 2025. Applications are invited from committed, motivated and enthusiastic individuals who wish to take on more responsibility, extend their skills and be instrumental in moving the department into an exciting future. If you would like to be involved in shaping the future of the pathology services at HSL and are HCPC Registered with a Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent and a Postgraduate qualification of MSc, FIBMS or equivalent you are invited to apply.

Main Duties

The laboratory at Lister Hospital provides 24/7 routine biochemistry testing for acute and urgent care areas of the hospital as well as some onsite testing for the local community. The successful candidate will join our team of dedicated biomedical scientists and associate practitioners in delivering a high-quality pathology service.

About Us

At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:

• Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
• Annual related salary review
• Discounted gym membership through Better Gyms
• Cash healthcare plan giving cash back on a variety of healthcare costs
• Sick Pay Entitlement: 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter
• Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
• Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness – six months qualifying period
• Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme offering an interest‑free loan for the cost of annual travel tickets
• Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
• Company Pension Scheme with company and staff contributions increasing with service
• Competitive annual leave allowance – 28 days
• Flexible working hours – 37.5 hours standard working week

Job Responsibilities

To manage staff and various sections within the Lister Essential Services Laboratory directed by the Operational Lead or Deputy, working in collaboration with other senior scientific staff to provide an efficient and effective service.

Key duties include:

1. Supervise various grades of scientific & support staff.
2. Participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, adhering to standard operating procedures and their regular review and update.
3. Participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
4. Conduct techniques and testing across clinical biochemistry, routine haematology diagnostics and blood film morphology using Roche c6000, Sysmex XN9100, Sysmex CS2500, NSTA ESR, Arkray HPLC analysers and manual methods.
5. Communicate patient results and answer enquiries from health care professionals within the hospital and community, providing information on appropriate investigations and explanation of results.
6. Interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
7. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
8. Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication.
9. Operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
10. Evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
11. Interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on the pathology computer system.
12. Check reports for further action by clinicians and authorise reports as delegated within HSL departmental policy.
13. Assist in evaluating new equipment and advise the head of service on the need for new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment.

Ensure the department meets all required standards by CPA/UKAS and participate in the regular review of all laboratory procedures, including the establishment and monitoring of internal and external quality control and assurance schemes.

Training

1. Train new laboratory and clinical staff, explaining and teaching complex technical/analytical procedures and motivating staff.
2. Acquire up-to-date knowledge of developments in the discipline and pathology as reflected by CPD.
3. Maintain specialist skills and knowledge to work independently.
4. Attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
5. Identify the training needs within the team.
6. Maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Qualification in pathology disciplines consistent with State Registration.
• MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant subject.
• Current registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline.

Skills and Abilities (Essential)

• Good organisational skills.
• Work accurately, neatly and efficiently; attention to detail.
• Work in a team.
• Basic keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Work on own initiative.
• Communicate efficiently in English.
• Use laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty.
• Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
• Ability to write and review SOPs.

Experience (Essential)

• Working in a routine diagnostic laboratory.
• Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System and proficiency in relevant techniques.
• Minimum 3 years HCPC registration.
• Experience of using a Laboratory Information System.
• Experience supervising staff.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service 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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

Health Services Laboratories
North Herts NHS Trust
Corey’s Mill Lane
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 4AB