Overview
Join to apply for the Specialist Biomedical Scientist role at NHS National Services Scotland
This post is a 12 Month Fixed Term / Secondment position. As per the Fixed Term Contracts Policy - where individuals with continuous service within the NHS apply for fixed-term contract roles, NSS reserves the right to refuse any such appointment.
About The Organisation
National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national NHS Board operating at the heart of NHSScotland, providing support and advice at strategic and operational levels. NSS supports customers to deliver services more efficiently and effectively and offers shared services on a national scale using best-in-class systems and standards. Our priority is to improve the health and well-being of the people of Scotland by working in partnership with colleagues across Health and Social Care to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions and systems, delivering high quality services that help our stakeholders to free up resources to reinvest into essential services.
The Post
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) plays a vital role in the health of the people of Scotland and internationally. We contribute to biomedical research, blood screening and donor services. The National Microbiology Reference Unit (NMRU) is part of SNBTS with laboratories at the Jack Copland Centre located at the Heriot-Watt University campus in Edinburgh. The NMRU provides frontline screening and confirmatory testing for departments within SNBTS and other health services to maintain the safety of the blood supply. A Specialist Biomedical Scientist is required to perform microbiological testing for viral markers transmissible by blood transfusion. The NMRU primarily provides a confirmatory testing service using a range of microbiological assays and algorithms. The post holder will be expected to train in all areas within the NMRU, including serological and molecular testing, and be involved in validations, assay development and epidemiological research as required.
The Candidate
You should hold an honours degree in Biomedical Sciences or another similar, relevant qualification and be registered with the HCPC. You should have a high level of attention to detail and be proficient in standard Microsoft Office software. Experience with molecular biology techniques and PCR and/or microbiological serological techniques are desirable for this position. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check. Any candidate who has lived/worked overseas for more than 12 months in the preceding 5 years will also be required to provide a criminal record check from the appropriate overseas agency. Candidates must have current HCPC registration at the time of applying.
Location and Working Pattern
The Jack Copland Centre, 52 Research Avenue N, Currie, EH14 4BE
Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NSS.
Benefits
Our benefits package includes a pension scheme, a comprehensive range of work-life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits.
Inclusion
NSS is a national board and, as an anchor institution, it is our ambition to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome. We recognise that flexible working creates an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and balance personal and professional responsibilities. This is supported through Once for Scotland flexible working policies. NSS has a long-term commitment to staff health and well-being and offers many learning and development opportunities to support and improve our approaches to diversity, inclusion and mental health in the workplace. There are several equality staff networks that all staff are welcome to join. We are also an equal opportunities employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies. As an accredited Disability Confident Leader, NSS aims to offer a fully accessible and inclusive recruitment service that supports applicants on their candidate journey. If you are interested in any reasonable adjustments, please contact the Recruitment Team.
Further Information
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Dr Carol McInally, Consultant Clinical Scientist, or 0131 314 5661. Closing date for completed applications is Monday 10th November 2025. For more information about NSS, please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail, so please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders). NHS National Services Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and, as a committed participant in the Disability Confident scheme, guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.
Job Details
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Employment type: Contract
* Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
* Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
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