Job overview
The Microbiology Department is looking for a Band 6 specialist Biomedical Scientist. The successful candidate will be working alongside Band 4 Associate Practitioners and Band 3 and Band 2 Medical laboratory Assistants based at St Richards Hospital, Chichester, as part of the Band 6 and 7 Specialist Biomedical Scientists and reporting to the Microbiology Head Biomedical Scientist.
Please note this post is for an initial period of 3 years as part funded by the NHS England project supporting HIV-opt-out testing. At this stage we are unable to confirm whether this funding will be available beyond 3 years.
Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval, you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
Main duties of the job
The individual will be expected to support the provision of a specialised, diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.
They will be expected to be fully competent to undertake routine processing and testing of specimens in the department, performing routine and advanced procedures and investigations as required.
Ideally we are looking for a Biomedical Scientist who has completed the IBMS Specialist portfolio although we may consider individuals nearing completion of the Specialist portfolio. However, pay would be at Band 5 pay level until completion of the IBMS Specialist portfolio.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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 be able to work independently as an autonomous practitioner.
To deputise for Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientists (B7) as required.
See attached Job description and person specification.
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
Person specification
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential criteria
1. Registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
2. IBMS Specialist Portfolio in relevant discipline
3. Experience of discipline specific procedures within NHS laboratory
4. Ability to work as part of a team
5. Excellent verbal & written communication skills.
6. Ability to undertake and report on appropriate biomedical investigations.
7. IBMS approved Biomedical Sciences degree or equivalent qualification
Desirable criteria
8. Member of the IBMS at the appropriate level
9. Experience in training of others
10. Demonstrable experience of supervising junior personnel
11. Experience of using WinPath Enterprise
12. Experience of using Q-Pulse
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
14. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues .
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