Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology) in Exeter

Biomedical Scientists within the Royal Devon Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust Microbiology Scientific team provide a consistently high quality and professional service to all users of the service. Biomedical Scientists (BMS) are an integral part of the laboratory team responsible for the diagnosis of infection and disease processes by the application of the latest scientific knowledge, coupled with the most up-to-date scientific methods and use of traditional methods where required. BMS carry out and interpret the results of laboratory tests on biomedical samples that will aid clinical staff in the diagnosis of illness and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. The post holder will be working flexibly across seven days.

We are delighted to be able to recruit a Biomedical Scientist to work within the Clinical Microbiology department (Exeter site) of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This is a substantive post for a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist. You must hold HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist to apply for this post.

The Department of Microbiology provides a comprehensive Microbiology service to the RDUH Trust and local population across Northern and Eastern Devon. The Department employs approximately 80 staff across two laboratories based at North Devon District Hospital and Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The department provides bacteriology, mycology, serology/virology and molecular microbiology services and processes in excess of 600,000 specimens per annum. The service operates 24/7 including weekends and overnight cover is provided by an on-call service. The Microbiology department (eastern site) is situated on the edge of Dartmoor, in the city of Exeter with easy access to the M5 corridor and excellent transport links to the open countryside and Devon coastline. There is an on-site restaurant, crèche facilities and a choice of coffee/tea outlets.

As the workload and its complexity increases, we are now seeking an enthusiastic Biomedical Scientist with good interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-motivation to join the team. Working as an integral part of the laboratory team, you will process clinical specimens for microbiological testing and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic processes, helping to deliver a high level of service quality, both to the Trust and the community. To be the successful candidate, as well as being friendly and reliable, you will need a flexible attitude towards work with strong IT, communication and organisational skills, and an acute attention to detail. You will rotate throughout the Microbiology department and require the ability to work under pressure and work well within a team. The department has achieved UKAS accreditation to ISO 15189 and is an IBMS approved training laboratory.

Working Pattern: Current Laboratory opening hours are 8 am to 6 pm, however, this is continually under review. Core hours are from 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week), working on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, on a rotational basis.

Please note, this is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees, therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us: Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities. Our values are at the heart of everything we do.

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family-friendly policies. If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit; you will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.

Salary Band 5: £31,049 - £37,796 per annum pro rata.

Frequency: Annual.

Vacancy Reference: 185-793-12368.

Contract Type: Permanent.

Closing Date: 11 February 2026.

Job Category: Biomedical Science.

Staff Group: Healthcare Scientists.