Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Northampton

Job Summary

The post holder will work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners to deliver a high-quality Pathology service 24/7 based on the effective use of the Quality Management System. They must be HCPC registered, hold an IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology/Transfusion and have experience of all aspects of Blood Transfusion, Haematology, and Coagulation diagnostic testing, as well blood component service provision, and blood film morphology competence.

The aim of the Specialist Biomedical Scientist post is to assist senior staff with the effective flow of work across the laboratory and intervene where necessary to ensure that the samples are processed in a timely manner. Be able to demonstrate good judgement and common sense to resolve operational problems on a day-to-day basis in the absence of senior staff and know when to seek support. The post-holder will deputise for Senior staff in their absence and commit to formally maintaining their skills and knowledge by appropriate training and self-education, thus allowing them to apply skills to the latest techniques and complex procedures.

Main duties of the job

Note: This section has been reformatted for consistency. The original text described the Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratory responsibilities and registration requirements.

The Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratory receives, examines and reports upon a large number of patient samples each year, and provides blood products to those patients who need them. The post holder will hold and maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS). The post holder will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries and will be required to verify and validate completed work. The post holder will also be expected to maintain an efficient workflow through effective prioritisation and use of organisation skills and problem solving.

About Us

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Courage. We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone\’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses and partners. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Details

Date posted 20 January 2026
Pay scheme Agenda for change
Band Band 6
Salary £38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum / pro rata
Contract Permanent
Working pattern Full-time
Reference number 265-7715398-CSS
Job locations Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD

Job Description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical support workers delivering a high-quality Pathology service 24/7 based on the effective use of the Quality Management System. The post holder will undertake laboratory investigations as appropriate to their banding and competencies. The post holder will participate in all quality activities and attend departmental meetings on a regular basis. The post holder will be required to train/teach staff of all grades within the scope of their competencies. The post holder will be required to undertake responsibilities to comply with national standards e.g., UKAS, MHRA. The post holder will be required to lead new processes through change control. The post holder will be required to deputise for senior BMS. The post holder will be required to carry out complex troubleshooting of equipment and results. The post holder will be required to manage staff rosters. The post holder will be required to mentor/supervise staff undertaking their IBMS specialist portfolio. The post holder will be required to investigate QA issues to successful resolution through the non-conformance process. The post holder will be required to authorise Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia screening results, in line with their competencies, and ensure abnormal results are escalated to the Antenatal screening team.

Person Specification

Essential

• Basic IT skills to include use of Microsoft Office package.

Desirable

• Experience of current Laboratory IT system.

Knowledge and Experience

• Working experience in the relevant Pathology discipline.
• Working experience of analytical platforms.
• Understanding of quality indices.

Desirable

• Experience of portfolio supervision.
• Experience of coordinating day to day laboratory activities.
• Experience of current platforms in use.

Education, Training and Qualifications

• IBMS approved degree in Biomedical Science or a degree in a related subject area with relevant additional modules to comply with HCPC requirement.
• HCPC registration.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio.

Disclosures and Sponsor information

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. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name Northampton General Hospital
Address Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton, NN1 5BD
Employer\’s website https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Home.aspx