Biomedical Scientist (Bacteriology)

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Lancashire is seeking 2 WTE Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientists to join their Microbiology team. The role involves performing a wide range of diagnostic tests on clinical samples, interpreting results, and ensuring high-quality patient care. Candidates should hold an accredited Biomedical Scientist degree and have at least a year of relevant experience. This position encourages flexible working patterns to support work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Support for work-life balance

Qualifications

• At least 1 year experience working in a Bacteriology laboratory as a Biomedical Scientist.
• HCPC Registration or IBMS registration.
• Completion of the BVH Microbiology competencies.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic tests on clinical samples.
• Interpret and validate test results.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and analysers.
• Communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.

Skills

Diagnostic testing

Interpretation of results

Laboratory quality standards

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Effective communication

Education

Accredited Biomedical Scientist degree

Job description

Position Overview

Our busy and friendly Microbiology team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is looking for 2 WTE Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientists to join us as we continue to deliver high-quality diagnostics and patient care.

Role Summary

As a specialist biomedical scientist, you will perform a wide range of diagnostic tests on clinical samples, interpret results, maintain equipment, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of diagnostic tests on clinical samples (blood, urine, swabs, sputum) to detect bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
• Use techniques such as culture, microscopy, antigen detection, PCR, and other molecular methods.
• Interpret and validate test results in accordance with laboratory protocols and quality standards.
• Ensure all work complies with UKAS/ISO 15189 quality management systems and infection prevention guidelines.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and analysers.
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure timely and accurate results delivery.
• Communicate effectively with clinicians and other healthcare professionals regarding urgent or significant results.
• Contribute to training, supervision, and mentorship of less experienced staff or students.
• Take part in the extended working hours shift pattern, including evenings, weekends, and on‑call duties.

Experience and Qualifications

• Accredited Biomedical Scientist degree.
• At least 1 year experience working in a Bacteriology laboratory as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Preferably completed specialist portfolio in Microbiology (if HCPC registration attained after 2008) or equivalent experience/qualifications (if registration before 2008).
• HCPC Registration (or IBMS registration) and relevant laboratory experience (Band 5 position considered).
• 1 year experience as a Band 5 post HCPC registered BMS within a Microbiology department (for automatic Band 6 progression).
• Completion of the BVH Microbiology lone working associated competencies and integration onto the out of hours on‑call rota.

Working Hours & Conditions

Applicants need to be able to work between 8am and 8pm. Participation in weekend and bank holiday sessions is also required.

The post holders will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Teaching Hospital Trust as a registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the Bacteriology laboratory.

Benefits and Flexibility

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining a healthy home‑life balance. Working patterns such as part‑time working, self‑rostering, compressed hours, annualised hours can be explored. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

Location

The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients. The facility is located just a 1‑hour drive from Manchester & Liverpool.

About Blackpool

Blackpool is a vibrant coastal resort with a bustling centre and historic seafront, offering a great place to live and work. The town is world famous for its many attractions, including the Blackpool Tower, scenic cycling routes, and picturesque promenade.

Apply Now

If you have answered yes to these questions, please feel free to contact us for an informal chat. We would love to hear from you!

Please ensure that all aspects of the role requirements are covered in the "supporting information" section of your application.

For further details / informal visits contact:

• Name: Paul Regan – Senior Biomedical Scientist – Email: [e-mail] – Telephone: [phone]
• Teams: Jade Coldwell (Senior BMS) and Helen Cooper (Senior BMS) – Telephone: [phone]