Job summary
* To take responsibility for the management and coordination of a defined section of the department with specific reference to the implementation and maintenance of Health & Safety issues, Quality Systems, including all accreditation standards and Personnel matters.
* To undertake scientific duties in POCT as required in order to facilitate the smooth running of the service.
* Deliver the Pathology POCT strategy across UHP sites and community-based point of care activities.
* To provide a clinical technical service by performing routine and specialist analytical testing on a range of biological samples.
* Takes the practical lead in the development and implementation of the UHP Point of Care policies.
* To maintain and run specialist equipment of the section.
* To possess the skills required to provide the necessary training and supervision of state registered Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Trainee BMS and support staff within their section of the department.
* To assist the Laboratory Manager & Lead BMS in the management of the laboratory.
Main duties of the job
* The post holder will directly manage a group of Biomedical Scientists and support staff, typically up to 10.
* The post holder in collaboration with the Lead BMS, Lab Manager and Consultant Clinical staff will provide a timely, high quality, accurate and cost‑effective service.
* Take a lead role in the provision of Point of Care Testing within the Trust within the constraints of clinical need and cost and based on best national practice.
* To provide highly visible, effective leadership and management of Point of Care services.
* Facilitate research projects, quality improvement projects and clinical audit, both independently and in collaboration with Regional and National programs.
* Ensure cost‑effective use of Trust resources. Advise on the acquisition, procurement and implementation of medical devices and Point of Care devices with support from the Senior Management Team.
* To work with colleagues from across DCL to provide efficient, multidisciplinary support to local teams, the Trust and the wider health care community.
* The post holder will ensure continued provision and access to key POCT services by community teams and ward staff.
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 encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.
Details
Date posted: 14 January 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 216-DH-DB7560542
Job locations: Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Managerial Responsibilities
Lead and manage POCT technical services, ensuring scientific and technical excellence. Maintain high professional standards and ensure staff meet speed, quality, and accuracy requirements. Oversee induction, training, and competency records for all staff. Manage staffing levels to allow mandatory training while maintaining safe service. Support training for junior medical staff and Clinical Scientists. Collaborate and supervise staff, working with senior management as needed. Develop and maintain continuous service review and quality improvement programmes. Ensure compliance with UKAS ISO15189 and MHRA standards. Establish and audit procedures and protocols within your section. Manage stock control and ordering, ensuring safe and tidy storage. Promote efficiency measures and share best practices. Produce and maintain SOPs, protocols, and policies. Implement procedural changes and communicate updates. Maintain security and confidentiality of documents and records. Ensure accurate record‑keeping and equipment maintenance. Provide statistical and workload data as required. Ensure adherence to internal and external quality control procedures. Establish flexible working systems to optimise equipment use. Promote health and safety compliance and investigate incidents.
Financial Responsibilities
Ensure value for money in purchasing and maximise supplier discounts. Support income generation initiatives. Conduct monthly budget checks and monitor contract spend. Maintain and provide financial data for management and charging purposes.
Human Resources
Complete annual appraisals, set objectives, and monitor progress. Manage annual leave and ensure adequate staffing. Recruit staff and manage sickness in line with policy. Promote teamwork and uphold Trust values. Monitor staff conduct, time‑keeping and safety. Support change management initiatives.
Communication
Respond to complaints and report to senior management. Communicate meeting content and operational updates to all staff. Maintain clear communication lines and attend relevant meetings. Liaise with clinical staff and suppliers to ensure service quality. Act as mentor during staff induction and ensure daily handovers. Verify and validate POCT methods for patient safety.
Scientific & Professional
Evaluate new equipment, methods, and techniques. Plan and prioritise workload, perform urgent analyses, and troubleshoot complex equipment. Oversee POCT equipment use and maintenance across Trust and Primary Care. Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations. Maintain instruments, quality control and service logs. Deliver POCT training and support healthcare professionals. Process biological samples and authorise results for diagnosis and treatment. Perform complex analytical techniques and report sensitive results. Understand pathology and clinical significance of results. Identify abnormal results and request additional tests as needed. Operate and maintain analytical equipment and prepare calibration materials. Ensure quality control procedures and corrective actions. Participate in CPD, audits, research and teaching programmes. Implement new technology and working practices. Prepare Clinical Governance reports and support income generation.
Working Relationships
Accountable to Laboratory Manager via Lead BMS. Collaborate with clinical teams, NHS colleagues and POCT suppliers. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Other Requirements
Adhere to Trust policies, confidentiality and governance standards. Attend mandatory training and maintain professional development. Comply with safeguarding, infection control and risk management policies. Participate in 24/7 rotas if applicable.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience Essential
* Ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within DCL.
* Specialist proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in the technical field of a Pathology discipline.
* Proven experience in staff supervision, development and competency‑based training.
Desirable
* Demonstrable experience of collaborative working between distinct health care teams to deliver gains for the wider health care community.
* Proven knowledge and experience of POCT.
* Ability to interpret POCT results and escalated clinical concerns appropriately.
Qualifications Essential
* Master's degree in a Biomedical Science or other relevant scientific discipline aligned to pathology or POCT, or significant equivalent demonstrable experience.
* Proven evidence of compliance with HCPC standards of proficiency and commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development.
* Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.
Desirable Qualifications
* Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS) by examination.
* Completion of a Specialist Biomedical Scientist portfolio in any relevant discipline.
* Trust‑recognised trained risk assessor.
APTITUDE & ABILITIES Essential
* Proven ability to lead service improvement and change initiatives, engaging stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
* Excellent time management and organisational skills.
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. 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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Employer details
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Derriford Hospital
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
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