NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Scottish Toxoplasma and Lyme Disease and Tick-borne infections Reference Laboratories
This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive department situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. We deliver two comprehensive, high quality and highly specialised microbiological reference services: the Scottish Toxoplasma Reference Laboratory (STRL) and the Scottish Lyme Disease and Tick-borne infections Reference Laboratory (SLDTRL). As such, we offer testing for patients from throughout Scotland as well as clinical and technical advice. We also work closely with Health Protection Scotland to provide epidemiological information.
The reference laboratories are situated within the Microbiology department at Raigmore Hospital, which offers a comprehensive Microbiology service to clinicians throughout the NHS Highland area. The department has 3 sections: Culture (bacterial culture, antibiotic sensitivity, antigen detection), Molecular (bacteria and virus), Serology (bacterial and viral serology and Immunology tests).
We require an HCPC registered specialist Biomedical Scientist for the Reference Laboratories in NHS Highland, in compliance with agreed specifications to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of a high quality service as assessed by internal and external review.
Candidates can also apply in the following circumstances:
HCPC registered with no specialist portfolio (or pending) - Band 6 Annex 21 would apply in such circumstances, and the successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant Specialist Diploma in order to transition to Band 6.
A post with Annex 21 applied is paid a percentage of the fully qualified rate during the period of training as follows:- Year 1: 60% of the pay band maximum; Year 2: 65% of the pay band maximum, Year 3: 70% of the pay band maximum; Year 4: 75% of the pay band maximum. Should you fail to complete the training required for this post the duties of your post may be reviewed.
The post is based at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. Candidates who are HCPC registered/specialist BMS must have experience in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory. Currently there is no requirement to work weekends, evenings or throughout the night, however, needs of the service may require this going forward.
For potential applicants who may be looking for a change of lifestyle, the Highlands offers the ultimate countryside lifestyle since from Inverness there is easy access to both the Cairngorms, the West Coast of Scotland and the North Coast 500, which is proving very popular due to the outstanding scenery and beautiful sandy beaches along this route.