Go back Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Biomedical Scientist
The closing date is 28 May 2026
Applications are invited from enthusiastic, motivated and experienced HCPC registered, Band 6, Biomedical Scientists to support our team in our UKAS Accredited Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratories. The role involves working within a 24/7 shift system, including nights, weekends and late shifts and is based at the Royal Oldham Hospital and Fairfield General Hospital sites, however flexibility to work across other sites within the Northern Care Alliance Trust will be required. Band 5 HCPC registered BMS will be considered but must have relevant experience.The custom built Central Service Laboratory serves The Royal Oldham Hospital Trust sites and Rochdale Infirmary as well as primary care services within the vicinity. There is also an essential services laboratory at Fairfield General Hospital, Bury and similarly equipped laboratories across the NCA. The department has recently undergone major upgrades with refresh of Haematology analyser, installation of a new sample track and new LIMS system.We are in an exciting time of development and change. You will help to ensure that service delivery continues to be quality driven and ensure care is of the high standard that we would expect for our patients. You will be a good team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible approach. You will be committed to patient safety and improving and maintaining quality. Full training will be provided for the role and active participation in CPD is encouraged.
Main duties of the job
Perform and interpret complex diagnostic tests in Haematology and Blood Transfusion, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UKAS and MHRA standards.Rotate through all sections of the laboratory, contributing to disease diagnosis and patient management.Provide technical expertise and first-line troubleshooting for highly specialised laboratory equipment.Supervise and mentor junior staff, apprentices, and trainees, ensuring competency records are maintained.Participate in internal and external quality control procedures and audits to support continuous improvement.Communicate effectively with clinicians and colleagues, including reporting urgent and critical results.Contribute to service development, including verification of new methodologies, equipment trials, and quality improvement projects.Ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials in line with Health & Safety and COSHH regulations.Maintain accurate data entry and support the laboratory information management system.Uphold Trust values of Care, Appreciate, and Inspire in all aspects of work.
About us
The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provides hospital and integrated health and social care services to over one million people living across Greater Manchester. Our 20,000 colleagues care for people in hospital and in the community, working across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford, to save and improve lives.
As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and working closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we're always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team.
In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including, a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work-life balance.
Learn more about us in our Candidate Information Pack (opens in existing window)
Job responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS approved) or approved alternative science degree plus post graduate certificate in Biomedical Science or equivalent
* IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology and/or Hospital Transfusion Science
* IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice
Professional Registration
* HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist
Experience
* Proven post-registration HCPC experience in Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
* Experience working in an UKAS accredited laboratory
* Experience working in an MHRA approved laboratory
* Familiarity with a range of analytical techniques including: oFull Blood Counts and Morphology oCoagulation Testing oHaemoglobinopathy Screening oHbA1c oBlood Grouping and Antibody screening oAntibody Identification oSerological Crossmating
* Experience with Specialist equipment such: oSysmex XN oSysmex CN oOrtho Vision
* Experience with LIMS: WinPath Enterprise
Skills and Knowledge
* Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of haematology and Transfusion Science
* Ability to perform, validate, and interpret complex laboratory tests.
* Understanding of quality management systems and compliance with UKAS & MHRA standards.
* Competence in using laboratory information system and automated analysers.
* Good Communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Evidence of technical troubleshooting skills
Other
* Willingness to participate in a 24/7 shift system. Including nights, lates, weekends, and bank holidays.
* Commitment to Continuing Professional Development. Ability to train and mentor junior staff and students.
* Willingness to work across sites as required
* Completed training for trainer course
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.
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
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