Job summary
We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic BMS to join our Haematological Malignancies Diagnostic Service (HMDS) at Derriford Hospital.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong scientific, technical, interpersonal and analytical skills. This is an exciting opportunity to join during a period of significant transformation as we move to a multi-site model.

You will be instrumental in maintaining and developing high-quality services, maintaining quality systems and ISO15189 accreditation, and will have the opportunity to train the next generation of BMSs

The laboratory operates 24/7 and therefore full rota participation is required from the successful candidate.

Candidates for the Specialist BMS (Band 6) position must be HCPC-registered AND an IBMS Specialist Portfolio OR hold MSc in a relevant discipline with appropriate laboratory experience. We will consider appointing into a Registered BMS (Band 5) position if the suitable candidate is HCPC-registered with suitable experience and the IBMS Specialist Portfolio is to be completed within two years of appointment.

Candidates that hold / require a Health and Care Visa must already be HCPC-registered and working as a Registered BMS with UK laboratory experience.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Main duties of the job

• To provide specialist scientific, technical and diagnostic support within the Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS).
• To undertake specialist activities associated with molecular, genomic and other referral investigations used in the diagnosis, classification, monitoring and treatment of haematological malignancies.
• To provide specialist advice regarding test selection, referral pathways, sample requirements and result interpretation within defined scope of practice.
• To contribute to quality management, service improvement, education and training activities supporting the development of HMDS services.

About us
We 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 manager for this post who will put you into contact with the recruitment team.

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.

Details
Date posted: 29 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 216-LT-DB8324379

Job responsibilities

• Provide specialist scientific support across HMDS diagnostic pathways.
• Assess requests for molecular, genomic and specialist investigations to ensure appropriateness and completeness.
• Screen, review, interpret and authorise results within delegated scope of practice and local authorisation policies.
• Correlate laboratory findings with relevant clinical information and previous investigations where appropriate.
• Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.
• Identify abnormal, unexpected or urgent results and ensure timely escalation and communication to appropriate clinical staff.
• Maintain specialist knowledge of haematological malignancies, molecular diagnostics and genomic testing pathways.
• Participate in MDT preparation and provide specialist scientific input where appropriate.
• The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.
• Provide specialist advice to clinicians, healthcare professionals and laboratory staff regarding: appropriate test selection, referral criteria, sample requirements, expected turnaround times, interpretation of results within scope of practice.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification acceptable for HCPC registration).
• HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio (or equivalent recognised specialist qualification and demonstrable experience).
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development.

Desirable

• MSc in Biomedical Science, Molecular Pathology, Haematology or related discipline.
• Teaching, assessing or mentorship qualification.
• Quality Improvement or Audit qualification/training.
• IBMS membership (LIBMS).

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable post-registration experience in haematology, haemato-oncology or related diagnostic services.
• Specialist knowledge of molecular and genomic testing pathways relevant to haematological malignancies.
• Demonstrable experience of result interpretation, review and authorisation within scope of practice.
• Demonstrable experience of supervising, mentoring, training or supporting junior staff, students or trainees.
• Working knowledge of laboratory quality systems and governance requirements.
• Demonstrable experience participating in audit, quality assurance or service evaluation activities.
• Knowledge of ISO15189 quality standards and laboratory accreditation requirements.

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience working with Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs).
• Demonstrable experience of HMDS or MDT preparation/support activities.
• Demonstrable experience of molecular diagnostics or genomic testing services.
• Demonstrable experience participating in service improvement projects.
• Demonstrable experience of validation / verification activities.
• Knowledge of digital pathology or genomic IT systems.

Aptitude and Abilities
Essential

• Demonstrable experience to explain complex scientific information to clinicians and colleagues.
• Proven ability to prioritise competing priorities and meet service demands.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience presenting information in MDTs, audits or governance meetings.

Other Factors
Essential

• Proven ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.
• Flexible approach to working hours as required by service needs.
• Committed to high-quality patient-focused service delivery.

Desirable

• Demonstrated interest in haemato-oncology diagnostics.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address: Derriford Hospital UHP, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

For questions about the job, contact: Blood Sciences Operational Lead, Rosalynn Ord, rosalynn.ord1@nhs.net, 01752433951

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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.