Job summaryWe are seeking an HCPC registered Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our Clinical Biochemistry team. The laboratory provides a high throughput, fully automated diagnostic service using advanced immunoassay, photometric platforms, with Specialist Chemistry investigations utilising LCMS, HPLC and ICPMS technologies.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong scientific, technical and analytical skills, work across all laboratory sections, contribute to a quality driven diagnostic service and participate in a 24/7 rota. Clinical Chemistry experience is essential; trainee applications will not be considered.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the service during a period of significant development as Pathology moves into a purpose built, state of the art laboratory designed to support innovation and growth.
The department is ISO15189 accredited and holds HCPC training status for IBMS portfolios. The UHP Pathology Service is part of a Peninsula-wide network focused on standardising testing, improving efficiency and patient care. Derriford Hospital is a Major Trauma Centre providing specialist Oncology, Cardiothoracic and Women's Services, supported by extensive point-of-care testing.
We promote staff development and offer excellent training and career progression opportunities.
Preference is given to internal Trust and Priority/At Risk candidates, including NHS At Risk staff across Devon, who meet the experience and criteria outlined in the Specification.
Main duties of the jobBiomedical scientist candidates will have HCPC registration. The candidate will have demonstrable knowledge and experience of Clinical Biochemistry and working with highly automated systems.
Candidates will be expected to participate in the 24/7 rota.
Candidates will be expected to process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, CSF and other fluids taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease.
Candidates will demonstrate a high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable.
Demonstrable experience of quality management is also desirable to monitor and maintain the highest standards of quality across the ISO 15189:2012 accredited clinical chemistry service.
The department has full HCPC training status for pre and post registration IBMS portfolios and full ISO 15189 accreditation.
Please see the Job Description for further information on the main duties of the job.
About usWe are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.
If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.
We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.
It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
DetailsDate posted: 13 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Per Annum (Sessional Fees Apply)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 216-PL-DB8159118
Job locations: Biochemistry Department, Derriford Combined Laboratory, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesThe post holder will perform a key role in providing analysis of clinical specimens for a wide range of diagnostic to aid pathological diagnosis of the patients we serve. Involving the use of automated instruments that utilise a range of analytical technologies including spectrophotometry, colorimetry, ion selective electrodes, and immunoassay, together with manual and specialised techniques utilising chromatography and mass spectrometry. This role requires an individual that works with accuracy and precision whilst having excellent organisational skills.
Act in a supportive role to section leads and deputies to ensure the smooth day to day running of the department and rotate through all clinical chemistry sections. Full participation in the 24/7 rota is a requirement of the post holder, this includes weekend, evening, and night duties, which require a flexible approach to the hours of employment, previous experience in out of hours working is desired.
For further details please see attached JD & PS
Person SpecificationKnowledge and ExperienceEssential- Ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within DCL
- Demonstrable experience in a Haematology, Clinical Chemistry or Immunology Laboratory within a Department which handles a total workload of 200000 patient requests per annum
Desirable- Demonstrable experience with specialist techniques within the discipline the post holder is expected to work
- Proven post qualification demonstrable experience
- Participation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme
QualificationsEssential- Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health and Care Professions Council. The latter will require a Post Graduate Certificate, a Post Graduate Diploma or an MSc in Biomedical Sciences. Or recognised equivalent qualification.
- State registration with Health and Council Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
- Associate of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBMS)
DesirableAptitude and AbilitiesEssential- Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy
- Communicate with company representatives and staff from external organisations including other NHS Trusts
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Biochemistry Department, Derriford Combined Laboratory, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Section Lead Biochemistry, katie Jones/Stephanie Hockridge, stephanie.hockridge@nhs.net, 01752245254
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.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.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
