Overview
Biomedical Scientist or Trainee Band 5 / Band 6. Specialist knowledge/skills required for band 6 position. Trainee posts would be under Annex 21 of Afc.
Perform laboratory procedures effectively, rotating through the sections of the department, to provide a comprehensive pathology service as an aid to effective diagnosis and treatment of patients.
All staff are expected to work to the Trust Values. The Blood Sciences department provides a comprehensive service to North Cumbria Hospitals and primary care, with core analyses on a frequent basis, processing urgent requests and a variety of specialised tests. The majority of the pathology service is provided on a 24/7 basis. Out of hours cover is delivered via extended working arrangements, on call, or shift patterns according to the urgency and volume of the work.
Main duties
* Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations as required.
* Ensure procedures are carried out according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
* Communicate complex technical and clinical information, especially in critical situations, with technical authorisation of results and clinical authorisation of reports within agreed protocols.
* Undertake technical validation of complex / specialist results from laboratory investigations and ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
* Analyse and interpret test results of a specialist nature.
* Service and maintain diagnostic equipment, take corrective action in the event of equipment failure; follow contingency planning if such action fails and report to BMS team manager.
* Resolve routine and complex equipment and process problems, reporting to BMS team manager as required.
About us
At NCIC, the organisation aims to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria, with a focus on rural and remote healthcare. The Trust provides a wide range of community and acute services throughout the county.
Our five key principles demonstrate our commitment to safe, high-quality care: clinically led organisation; quality and safety at the heart of the Trust; a positive patient experience every time; a great place to work; and managing our money well.
We are committed to a diverse, inclusive workforce and a compassionate workplace. Across the North East and North Cumbria, we work to be the greenest region in England by 2030, and all staff are expected to support sustainability.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £31,049 to £46,580 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Location: Cumberland Infirmary, Newtown Road, Carlisle, CA2 7HY
Job description
Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.
Immigration and sponsorship – Due to changes implemented by the Government to UK immigration policy, some visa sponsorship restrictions may apply. Applicants should check eligibility before applying. If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and meet all essential criteria, you will be guaranteed an interview. Relocation assistance may be available for eligible posts. Please document evidence of meeting all essential criteria in your supporting information. If sufficient response is received, this post could close earlier than the specified closing date.
Important information – Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email to log on to Trac to select an interview time, usually within two weeks of the closing date. If you use a Hotmail account or have strict firewall settings, please check junk mail regularly.
Qualifications
Essential
* BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent
* HCPC registration
Desirable
* Essential IT skills (EITS) or equivalent
Experience
Essential
* All areas of chosen discipline
* Supervision and training
* Technical audit
Knowledge
Essential
* Underpinning theory of laboratory practice in the area of chosen discipline
* Laboratory health and safety, COSHH, risk assessment
* Continuing professional development with portfolio
* Equality legislation and best practice
Skills
Essential
* Practical laboratory skills
* Able to use initiative within a team
* Ability to analyse work for standards compliance
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills
* Good organisational skills
* Ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines
* Good hand/eye coordination
* Keyboard skills
* Demonstrates compassionate values and behaviours for dignified care
Other requirements
Essential
* Flexible approach to unsocial hours (nights, weekends, holidays)
* Ability to travel independently between sites
Disclosures
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a DBS check where applicable.
Employer details
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Cumberland Infirmary, Newtown Road, Carlisle, CA2 7HY
Employer website: ncic.nhs.uk
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