Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Biomedical Scientist
The closing date is 25 November 2026

Job summary
Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Department: Microbiology
Band 6 - £39,959 - £48,117
Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week
All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic HCPC-registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our dynamic Microbiology laboratory team. We are seeking a dedicated professional with proven competency and experience at the required level.

Applicants must be HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists with a minimum of 3 years' post-registration experience in a UK clinical microbiology laboratory. Candidates should also have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology or be nearing completion with verification pending.

We are looking for a passionate and driven individual who would enjoy the challenge of working in a busy microbiology laboratory.

The ideal applicant for this role will need to be a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, familiar with Quality Assurance and Quality Management Systems with a genuine desire to further their learning and provide a safe service at the highest standard.

'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'

Previous applicants need not apply

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interview date: 8th December 2026

Main duties of the job
The post holder will be part of a team of Specialist Biomedical Scientists delivering a diagnostic Microbiology Service analysing and reporting on blood, urine, faeces and other materials to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, effective resource management.

The post holder will prioritise their own workload, communicate with senior laboratory staff, clinicians, and patients.

The post holder will undertake their responsibilities within the Bacteriology, Serology, Molecular, Mycology, Parasitology sections of the laboratory to meet all required national and local standards. These will include analytical, technical, and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery.

The post holder will work with complete patient confidentiality in line with the departments/ Trusts policy on Data Protection Act 1998.

The post holder will be expected to work alone or as part of a team providing a 24-hour laboratory cover throughout the year as required, this will include working morning, afternoon, and night shifts or on-call on weekends and public holidays.

Please refer to the Job Description attached for full details

About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.

We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.

Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.

Job responsibilities

• Carry out analytical duties manipulating samples and reagents with accuracy, precision, and speed to ensure a high-quality cost-effective service.
• Prioritisation of section work to take account of workload and urgency of analyses
• To follow the standard operating procedures and participate in their regular review and update.
• Use of specialist knowledge to determine the relevant tests to be carried out on samples received in each section
• To undertake routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments.
• To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patients samples.
• Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.

Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge

• HCPC Registration
• In process/completed IBMS Specialist Portfolio
• Evidence of relevant CPD
• Knowledge of UKAS accreditation process and standards
• Understanding of Health and safety policies, COSHH assessments
• Knowledge of working in CL2 & 3 areas of the lab, QMS, LIMS etc...

Experience

• Instrument trouble shooting and maintenance
• Staff training/H&S/QMS
• Out of hours service (lone worker), weekend, public holiday working pattern

Skills

• Possess excellent practical skills
• Be able to prioritise work
• Work under pressure
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be proficient in IT skills

Communication

• Clear, and concise in communication
• Good command of English language
• Familiar with multiple modes of communication (email, MS teams)

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Microbiology (Dept), Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Chief Biomedical Scientist & Operations Manager, Rizalea Echaluse, 01908995781

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