Company Description
Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, one of the largest hospitals on the south coast, employing over 8,700 staff.
Job Description
- Salary: Band 6 £39,959 - £48,117 per annum
- Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
- Contract: Permanent
- The Department of Clinical Microbiology seeks a highly motivated and enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our busy Microbiology Department within a large University NHS Trust.
- This is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern, high-throughput laboratory that provides a comprehensive diagnostic service to acute, specialist and community healthcare settings.
- As part of a diverse team, you will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, patient‑oriented diagnostic service, supporting patient care through the processing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of a wide range of microbiological investigations.
- The laboratory benefits from a wide test repertoire, including molecular diagnostics and close links with clinical and academic colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists to deliver a patient‑oriented medical laboratory service and contribute to efficient and effective patient care.
- Perform and supervise microbiology investigations across bacteriology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics.
- Interpret laboratory findings and authorise results within agreed competency levels.
- Participate in quality management, audit, service development and verification of new methodologies.
- Support the training and development of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and university students.
- Participate in the departmental shift system, weekend, bank holiday and on‑call rota as required.
- Actively contribute to maintaining ISO 15189 accreditation and compliance with relevant quality standards.
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences.
- Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology / Virology or equivalent, e.g. MSc in Microbiology / Biomedical Science.
Experience
- At least three years post‑registration experience working within a UK hospital diagnostic microbiology laboratory environment as a registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Evidence of broad specialist knowledge and practical experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Skills and Knowledge
- Ability to use highly automated equipment.
- Ability to maintain standards of accuracy and hand‑to‑eye coordination in repetitive manual techniques.
- Ability to work in a methodical and organised manner.
- Ability to undertake technical validation of microbiological test results.
- Knowledge to undertake interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures within a clinical microbiology laboratory.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without supervision.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Practical knowledge of clinical laboratory equipment and methods.
Additional Information
The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We offer benefits such as an on‑site nursery, a free beach hut for long summer days, an on‑site wellness centre including a gym and a swimming pool, and staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and Disability. We also host awards ceremonies to recognise achievements and provide support to all staff when needed.
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026.
