Job summary
Fixed Term until 31/03/2028

Applications are invited from individuals who are dedicated, enthusiastic, energetic, skilled and confident in their technical abilities to apply for the post of Biomedical Scientist (Band 5) within our Clinical Microbiology Laboratory based at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The post holder will be required to work on sites as appropriate for the delivery of the service and may be asked to work across sites within the trust. The post holder will be required to support a 24/7 service as required. Early, core, late and night shift patterns will operate which includes weekends and bank holidays.

Applicants must be HCPC registered and with relevant laboratory (UKAS ISO 15189) experience. Applicants without HCPC registration need not apply as you will not be considered for this post.

Additional qualities that the department seek are an understanding of UKAS and quality within a clinical laboratory, a drive to improve laboratory processes, a strong team ethic as well as good performance as an individual BMS

If you believe that this could be you and are looking for a new challenge, your application would be gratefully received.

Main duties of the job
To participate in the routine work of the laboratory in accordance with laboratory procedure in an efficient, cost effective and safe manner.

• Infection Control: To maintain a clean, safe environment, ensuring adherence to the Trust's standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control.
• Health and Safety: To co-operate fully in adhering to the Trust policies and procedures with regard to health and safety.
• Governance: To actively participate in governance activities to ensure that the highest standards of care and business conduct.
• Equipment maintenance: Check the safety and functioning of all equipment.
• Stock Control: Maintain sufficient stocks of reagents, supplies etc. for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Maintain stock control records.
• Information and IT: Ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures for own work area are kept up to date and displayed appropriately. Assist in proposing, developing and implementing new procedures. Use word processing and spread sheet packages to produce draft SOPs, audit reports and laboratory data.
• Planning: Plan and organise own workload and may be required to assign work to Biomedical assistants.
• Supervisory: Participate in the training of new biomedical assistants and associate practitioners. Supervise biomedical assistants and less experienced staff, allocating work, training, etc.
• Quality Control: Perform quality control as appropriate and report any out of consensus results for investigation.

About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Details
Date posted: 03 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 358-8141727-CSI
Job locations: Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Perform other technical duties as required within post-holders training and competence.

Clinical / Scientific / Technical

• Carry out all laboratory analyses associated with the post, including reporting results, maintaining appropriate records and documentation.
• Participate in the departments rosters as required.
• Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action.
• Participate in the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables, reagents and equipment.
• Ensure the competent and efficient use of computerised data management systems.
• Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the departments training plan.
• Maintain on-going Professional Portfolio and update Professional Development Plan. Undertake courses and other activities to satisfy HCPC Continuing Professional Development requirements.
• Assist with the development of new methods and the implementation of new technology.
• Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance and Accreditation standards.
• Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure that safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy.
• Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health and safety.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
• Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as required.
• Participate in and contribute to own Personal Development Review.

GENERAL DUTIES

• To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (UKAS or equivalent).
• Participate in clinical audit and clinical governance.
• Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System

Out of hours working
The post holder will be expected to gain competence in techniques to allow participation in the delivery of the departments service outside core hours. This entails contracted participation in the out of hours rotas (On call) and overnight working as rostered.

Training relevant to this post, including safety aspects in the handling of biological material, will be given.

Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential

• State Registered BMS (HCPC)
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and training

Desirable

• Membership of IBMS
• Biomedical Science degree
• Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of instrumentation, method development and new technologies

Experience
Essential

• At least 12 months UK hospital laboratory experience covering duties explained in JD
• Word processing, spread sheets and laboratory information system experience.
• Aware of health and safety and confidentiality issues
• Conscientious, Meticulous.
• Demonstrates ability to organise their own work effectively
• Keyboard skills and computer literacy
• Able to demonstrate competency in appropriate laboratory techniques.

Desirable

• At least 24 months post registration UK hospital laboratory experience
• Departmental specific laboratory / advanced techniques
• Training junior staff
• Experience of Specialist discipline.
• Demonstrates a knowledge and awareness of Health and safety, quality management systems and service improvement.

Planning and Organisation
Essential

• Able to plan own work activities and those of clinical support staff

Desirable

• Able to work under pressure or to deadlines.

Analytical and judgement
Essential

• Able to make judgements regarding a range of facts or situations that require analysis. E.g. selection of appropriate samples, tests or techniques
• Can work accurately and methodically following verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge and understanding of pathology tests and medical terminology
• Ability to perform intricate procedures e.g. pipetting

Desirable

• Experience of troubleshooting appropriate instrumentation
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical microbiology laboratory tests

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

Equality and Diversity
Essential

• Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

Other requirements specific to the role
Essential

• Able to participate in out of hour's roster or other flexible working arrangements.

Desirable

• Awareness of patient or customer issues.

Communication and relationship skills
Essential

• Written work legible. Can communicate clearly verbally by phone and face to face. Can use tact and persuasive skills
• Evidence of working and integrating as part of a team
• Good interpersonal skills Able to communicate concisely, effectively and clearly at all levels

Desirable

• Demonstrates a range of IT skills
• Training junior staff.

Skills
Essential

• Able to maintain concentration for prolonged periods at various tasks

Physical Skills
Essential

• Demonstrate manual dexterity e.g. sufficient to handle pipettes and unscrew caps form small tubes

Desirable

• Previous experience of using pipettes to aliquot small volumes of liquid

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Address: Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 5WW, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Scientific Laboratory Manager
Hiten Mistry
hiten.mistry5@nhs.net

Supporting documents
Privacy notice
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

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.