Specialist Biomedical Scientist and Departmental Quality Officer in Brighton

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Specialist Biomedical Scientist and Departmental Quality Officer

Band 7

Main area Microbiology Grade Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Compressed hours

37.5 hours per week Job ref 279-8306537-SEP26

Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £49,387 - £56,515 Per Annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 09/10/2026 08:00

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research , we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1

Job overview

Applications are invited from a highly self-motivated, enthusiastic, suitably qualified and experienced candidates to join the Microbiology team, in the role of Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Quality Officer. Applicants must be HCPC registered, have a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject or Fellowship of the IBMS with extensive post registration experience in a NHS routine diagnostic laboratory. Applicants must be prepared to work and attend meetings at any site.

Main duties of the job

An advanced scientific knowledge of Microbiology along with the ability to demonstrate extensive experience of staff support, training, development and supervision is essential.

An extensive knowledge and awareness of the requirements of UKAS ISO 15189 standards and the UKAS accreditation journey.

The successful candidate will act as part of the Senior Specialist BMS team and as the Quality Officer for Microbiology.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are seeking an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist with a postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline or Fellowship of the IBMS, together with substantial post-registration experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory. Applicants should possess an advanced scientific knowledge of microbiology, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a proven ability to support, train and develop staff.
A strong understanding of quality management systems, accreditation standards, audit processes and continuous improvement methodologies is essential. Experience of supporting or leading UKAS assessments and implementing quality improvements within an accredited laboratory environment would be highly advantageous.
The successful candidate will become an integral member of the Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist team and will play a key role in maintaining and developing the department's quality culture, ensuring the continued delivery of safe, effective and high-quality diagnostic services.
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Qualifications

• Post Registration Experience NHS Virology Laboratory (5+years)
• HCPC registration
• MSc/Mphil(Master of Science or Philosophy) or equivalent & FIBMS.
• Quality Qualification (IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Quality)
• Experience of UKAS assessments and Quality Management Systems
• Post Registration Experience NHS Microbiology Laboratory (5+years)

Equality Diversity Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Name Cassandra Malone Job title Lead Biomedical Scientist Email address cassandra.malone@nhs.net Telephone number 01273 696955 Additional information

Please email for further information or to arrange an informal discussion about this role.