Job overview
INTERNAL UHSUSSEX APPLICANTS ONLY
Applications are invited from dynamic, motivated and forward-thinking HCPC -registered Biomedical Scientists for the Registered Biomedical Scientist role within the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory at University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation trust. We are looking to recruit a Biomedical Scientist to work in the team rotating through all sections of the laboratory across the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital, Hayward's Heath sites.
Candidates who are working towards their HCPC registration are eligible to apply. The full band 5 post will only be awarded once full HCPC registration has been completed.
The department provides a diagnostic Clinical Biochemistry service to University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners through Primary Care Trusts, and a specialist service to other NHS Trusts in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. It holds ISO15189 UKAS accreditation, and is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as a training laboratory.
Major investment is on-going within the Trust and, with the building of the Teaching, Trauma and Tertiary care centre over the next few years, will reinforce the Trust as a key player in South East England.
Main duties of the job
The Clinical Biochemistry department operates 3 sections across 2 sites: Automation, Special Chemistry and Immunology. The successful candidate will work across all sections of the department. The department runs a full 24-hour shift system - the successful candidates will be expected to fully participate in all aspects of this (including nights, weekends and bank holidays) subject to competency assessment.
Automation operates across RSCH and PRH and consists of two Cobas 8000 lines (C702 and E801), C8100 pre-analytics, C513 HbA1c analyser, and osmometry.
Special chemistry consists of Toxicology, Protein Electrophoresis, Trace Elements, First Trimester Screening, Manual Chemistry and is well equipped with state of the art equipment. This includes but is not limited to HRAM-MS, two LC/MS/MS systems and GC-MS for drugs of abuse analysis, trace elemental analysis (ICP-MS), ELISA workstations, renal stone analysis (FTIR) and gel electrophoresis with IEF for serum, urine and CSF).
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As a Registered Biomedical Scientist the post-holder will undertake further specialist training in a range of complex investigations using a variety of techniques, including manual, semi-automated and automated techniques on highly specialised analysers to assist in the diagnosis of disease, and monitoring of treatment. The post-holder will work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support staff, to provide an efficient, cost-effective and timely clinical service to patients to support the diagnosis, monitoring and management of patients.
The department provides a specialist 24/7 Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology service to both acute and primary care, and to other trusts within the Sussex area. The department performs in excess of 5 million tests per year across the RSCH and PRH sites.
The department runs a full 24 hour shift system the successful candidates will be expected to fully participate in all aspects of this system (including nights, weekends and bank holidays) subject to competency assessment.
The post-holder will maintain high professional standards, professional knowledge and competency, undertaking personal continuing profession development, and assisting with the training and development of other staff.
To see full list of duties and main responsibilities, please refer to the full job description attached to the vacancy on the Trust website.
Person specification
HCPC registration
Essential criteria
1. HCPC registered (or significant progress towards registration)
Laboratory experience
Essential criteria
2. NHS laboratory experience (minimum 1 year)
Desirable criteria
3. NHS laboratory experience in biochemistry
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
4. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
5. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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