Job overview
The Microbiology Department is looking for a Band 7 Senior specialist Biomedical Scientist. The successful candidate will be working alongside Band 5 and 6 Biomedical Scientists, Band 4 Associate Practitioners and Band 3 and Band 2 Medical laboratory Assistants based at St Richards Hospital, Chichester and reporting to the Microbiology Lead / Deputy Head / Head Biomedical Scientist
Main duties of the job
To provide day-to-day management of allocated sections within the Microbiology laboratory under the direction of the Lead / Deputy Head / Head BMS.
To practice as a Senior Specialist HCPC Registered BMS and provide a high quality service at all times.
To support the provision of a specialised, diagnostic service, within Microbiology, contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.
The individual will be expected to apply professional judgement and utilise specialist skills and detailed scientific knowledge to provide a high quality and timely result service.
The post holder will be competent to work independently in all areas of the microbiology laboratory and be able to work as an autonomous practitioner enabling a full 24-hour pathology service to be provided to the Trust.
In addition, the post-holder will be expected to participate in the Saturday and Bank Holiday rota and, if required by the Department, the laboratory “out-of-hours” rota.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
To participate in the provision of a specialised diagnostic Microbiology service, autonomously, contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of the treatment given.
The individual will be expected to apply professional judgement and utilise specialist skills and detailed scientific knowledge to provide a high quality and timely results service, performing routine procedures and investigations as required.
To ensure day-day running of the department in liaison with Lead / Deputy Head / Head Biomedical scientists
To be able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner.
See attached Job description and person specification.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Postgraduate qualification e.g. MSc / FIBMS
Desirable criteria
2. Additional qualifications e.g. quality, H & S, Leadership, IT
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Post registration experience in NHS microbiology laboratory (2+ years)
Desirable criteria
4. Post registration experience in NHS microbiology laboratory (5+ years)
5. Experience of UKAS assessments and QMS
Skills
Essential criteria
6. Up to date and in depth highly specialist knowledge of sub-specialist area within primary discipline
7. Regularly uses computer software to produce reports, spreadsheets and presentations including complex scientific data
8. Dexterity, high levels of hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor skills and keyboard accuracy
9. Experience of supporting clinical trials led by other departments e.g. GUM
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
10. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
11. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications