Specialist/Trainee Biomedical Scientist: Sponsorship Available

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Job Summary

Applications are invited from highly motivated and enthusiastic HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists with Specialist Portfolio or earlier equivalent, for a permanent Band 6 role with Chester & Wirral NHS Microbiology Service (CWMS).

Motivated pre-registration / trainee BMS are also welcomed to apply for this role with a view to progression to Specialist BMS, successful applicants who do not meet the criteria for Specialist BMS will be employed at Band 6 annex 21 pay scale.

CWMS is the shared microbiology service for Countess of Chester Hospital and Wirral University Teaching Hospital. The laboratory is based off-site from the hospitals in Bromborough and is open 7 days a week 24/7.

CWMS performs bacteriology, mycology, serology and molecular diagnostics.

CWMS uses the “Telepath” LIMS and has a significant number of interfaced analysers.

After suitable training, you would be expected to participate in the 24/7.

The successful candidate will join our friendly team of experienced Biomedical Scientists and support staff rotating through all sections of our busy laboratory.

You will be encouraged and supported to participate in further education, training and Continuing Professional Development.

 

Main duties of the job

  • To work and rotate around sections of the laboratory.
  • Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with ward staff where there are doubts, assigning high risk samples to an appropriate containment area and dealing with leaking/damaged specimens.
  • Bacteriology: Selection of an appropriate media, incubation temperatures and atmospheres as indicated by specimen type and clinical information provided. Interpretation of culture results and selection of appropriate organism (bacterial, fungal or yeast) for identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing, based on the interpretation of clinical information and application of specialist knowledge and experience of infectious diseases. Interpretation of findings from these results to produce a final report with an appropriate report comment. Perform extra/further investigations as indicated by culture findings or when requested by Microbiology medical staff.
  • Microscopy: The examination of clinical specimens using a range of microscopes, e.g. fluorescent, lights and inverted microscopes.
  • Serology: Perform routine serological procedures in the diagnosis of viral diseases, particularly Hepatitis B and HIV.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Specific Experience & Training

Essential

  • Degree or equivalent in Biomedical sciences or a qualification acceptable by the Health & Care Professions Council and 3 years Specialist microbiology experience
  • Able to satisfy registration requirements with the Health & Care Professions Council, plus, if registered prior to July 2008, have met registration requirements at the time
  • Completed IBMS Specialist Portfolio Assessment (Diploma)

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • A good understanding of microbiological concepts in relation to patient care and environmental services
  • Demonstrates ability to work competently and unsupervised
  • Demonstrates technical expertise and experience in bacteriology, serology and molecular methods
  • Demonstrates good organisational skills in a pressurised work environment
  • Demonstrates ability to organise, prioritise workload and good time management skills

Desirable

  • Proficient in the use of the laboratory computer systems

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Respond to unexpected changes and adopt a flexible approach. Demonstrate adaptable and flexible approach in undertaking duties required of the post
  • Ability and willingness to undergo further training and continual professional development
  • Comply with Trust Health & Safety Policy and Procedures
  • Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust’s Policies

Desirable

  • Ability to motivate and lead staff, evidence of a management or supervisory role
  • Experience of laboratory audit procedure to comply with quality standards

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).

Closing Date: 14 January 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.