Specialist Biomedical Scientist Haematology and Blood TransfusionThe closing date is 18 August 2026Job summaryWe are looking for a full time permanent Specialist BMS in Haematology and Blood Transfusion at CDDFT in our very busy Department of Blood Sciences which processes 1500-2000 samples per site each day. Nominal Base will be University Hospital of North Durham but you will be expected to travel to and work at the other sites within the Trust if required.
We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our friendly, dedicated team of professionals. You should be able to demonstrate a broad experience in Haematology and Blood Transfusion at both a technical and theoretical level. Any specialist knowledge and experience in Haematology microscopy, Coagulation, Haemoglobinopathy screening or serology would be an advantage.
You will be a proactive member of the Blood Sciences Team, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential as is the ability to work within a team processing a high workload of specimens. You should have great multi-tasking ability, have excellent organisational skills and attention to detail and be able to appropriately prioritise work. Applicants please note that relevant experience should have been obtained within the last three years.
Main duties of the jobYou must be an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist, have an IBMS accredited BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent and hold an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology and Blood Transfusion or have significant relevant experience within Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
Candidates working towards the Specialist Diploma in Haematology and Blood Transfusion will be considered, provided you can demonstrate relevant post registration skills and knowledge with the ability to work at specialist Band 6 level.
Candidates must be able to provide documentary relevant CPD evidence in support of their application at interview.
The department has a specialist portfolio training programme in place and has a proven track record of success. The successful applicant will be expected to take an active role in the training and development of staff within the department from MLA to Band 5 BMS.
About usIf you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce
ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
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DetailsDate posted: 04 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: C9439-2627-RP-1294
Job locations: University Hospital Of North Durham, North Road, DURHAM, DH1 5TW, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesThe Blood Sciences Department is UKAS accredited and part of your role will be to complete all required quality documentation including training, competency and CPD.
You must be an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist, have an IBMS accredited BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent and hold an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology and Blood Transfusion or have significant relevant experience.
Candidates working towards the Specialist Diploma will be considered provided you can demonstrate relevant post registration skills and knowledge with the ability to work at Specialist Band 6 level.
Candidates must be able to provide documentary relevant CPD evidence in support of their application at interview.
The department has a specialist portfolio training programme in place and has a proven track record of success. The successful applicant will be expected to take an active role in the training and development of staff within the department from MLA to Band 5 BMS.
The main automation in Haematology has recently changed to Siemens Hema analysers and stainers, Coagulation ACL TOPS 550 analysers and Blood Transfusion to change to Ortho automated technology soon. The LIMS is provided by Clinisys Winpath soon to change to Winpath Enterprise. Haemoglobinopathy screening is about to be re-introduced on site using the Tosoh G11 analysers.
Experience of the above is advantageous but not essential as all necessary training will be provided.
Main Specialist BMS tasks are:- Booking patient samples into the LIMS, ensuring correct tests inputted, checking and centrifuging samples
- Performing complex automated and manual analyses, staining and microscopy including manual differential cell counts
- Authorising results, reflexing tests as required, referring abnormals to Consultants.
- Ensuring analysers maintained, calibrated and quality controlled and troubleshooting any issues
- Managing pending test lists, prioritising urgent work to meet turnaround times
- Performing Blood groups and antibody identification and crossmatching by both manual and automated techniques.
- Providing Blood and products in a timely manner in emergency situations.
You must be able to prioritise, multi-task, keep calm and have excellent communication skills in emergency scenarios.
- Managing blood and blood product stock
- Answering telephone queries and liaising with other Trust staff and the general public
- Training and supervising Band 2 and 3 reception staff and Band 4 and Band 5 Haematology staff
- Stock control including ordering, receiving and receipting deliveries, documenting and organising batches of reagents and performing verification tasks
- Assist in the training and competency assessment of new Band 4 and Band 5 staff and ward staff
Please refer to the Job Description and Personal Specification for full details.
Maintaining all relevant aspects of the Quality Management System.
The department operates a 24/7 shift system covering dayshifts, late shifts, nightshifts weekends and Bank Holidays which the successful applicant must participate in. There is currently one BMS covering Haem/BT on each site after 2030 and at weekends.
Cross-site cover will be required at the other sites to meet the needs of the service.
A visit to the laboratory is highly recommended to those interested in this post.
For Informal Enquiries Contact:
Joanne Lawson, Blood sciences departmental manager UHND
0191 333 2628 jlawson5@nhs.net
Person SpecificationSpecial RequirementsEssential- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
- Able to participate in 24/7 working as required.
- Working Flexibly
QualificationsEssential- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent.
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in a Biomedical Science specialty relevant to the post, or demonstrate equivalent additional professional development, training and education with appropriate relevant post registration experience.
- Demonstrate evidence of on-going CPD.
Desirable- Teaching / assessor / mentor qualification or relevant experience.
- Evidence of further study within a clinically related subject
- BBTS Certificate
ExperienceEssential- 2 years post registration experience in a similar or larger establishment as BMS Band 5
Desirable- Additional Pathology interests or experience of specialist tests
Special Skills & KnowledgeEssential- Organisational skills
- Ability to prioritise
- Good Communication
- Relevant theoretical knowledge and practical experience
- Precise and accurate work performance
Desirable- Additional responsibilities e.g. H&S nominee, COSHH, risk assessor
Statutory RegistrationEssentialDesirable- Membership of any other professional body e.g. IBMS
Additional informationThis 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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. 
