Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology)

NHS; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job description

Bank - Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology)

The closing date is 18 February 2026

We are seeking an enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist with excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of self‑motivation to join our Bank. This role is integral to the laboratory, where you will provide specialist technical expertise in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform specialized tasks in the Bacteriology and Virology sections.
• Authorise specific result types.
• Oversee and supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) and Assistant Practitioners (APs).
• Manage the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Participate in validation and verification projects.
• Take responsibility for a specific technical function within the laboratory.
• Stay updated with scientific advancements and managerial developments in the field.
• Support senior staff and the Laboratory Manager in providing an efficient, expert, and cost‑effective laboratory service.
• Take on additional laboratory responsibilities with appropriate support and training.
• Routine hours are Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 17:15 (37.5 hours per week).

Main duties of the job

Specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS) play a crucial role in the laboratory team, responsible for diagnosing infections and disease processes. They leverage the latest scientific knowledge and methods, while also utilizing traditional techniques when necessary. Specialist BMS conduct and interpret laboratory tests providing essential data to clinical staff for accurate diagnoses and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.

About us

Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Job responsibilities

• At all times to act in accordance with and adhere to laboratory and Trust procedures and protocols.
• To work under the direction of Senior BMS staff in the provision of a diagnostic Microbiology service, working within departmental guidelines and safety policies.
• To be responsible for health and safety issues pertinent to diagnostic laboratory work, adhering to all Trust and laboratory employment Health and Safety policies and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
• To rotate (after suitable training and competency verification) through all sections of the Bacteriology department.
• To participate in mandatory training requirements of the Trust and attend training sessions, educational meetings and laboratory meetings as appropriate.
• To be aware of and support the goal of providing a quality driven patient centred service, participating in the laboratory’s quality management procedures.
• To rectify and or bring to the attention of more senior staff/Laboratory Management any issues compromising this goal.
• To be courteous and professional when dealing with other health care professionals or patients.

Please see attached Job Description for full details.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications, Training

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved) or equivalent.
• Current registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• IBMS Specialist diploma in Medical Microbiology.
• MSc Medical Microbiology (or equivalent experience/qualification).
• Quality Management training.
• Health & Safety training.
• Parasitology training.
• Mycology training.

Experience

• In‑depth experience of working in all areas of a Medical Microbiology laboratory, post HCPC registration.
• Previous experience of working alone out of hours.
• Quality Management experience.
• Health & Safety Management experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£38,682 to £46,580 a year – based on experience.