Specialist Biomedical Scientist B6/Biomedical Scientist B5 Haematology

Job Summary
Applications are invited from enthusiastic, motivated and experienced HCPC registered, Band 6, Biomedical Scientists to join our team in our UKAS Accredited Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratories. The role is temporary for 12 months to cover maternity leave, full and part time hours can be considered. The post is based at the Royal Oldham Hospital site, however flexibility to work across other sites within the Northern Care Alliance Trust is required. Band 5 HCPC registered BMS will be considered but must have relevant experience. The post holder will be required to participate in the 24/7 shift rota. The Central Service Laboratory serves The Royal Oldham Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary as well as primary care services within the vicinity. There is also an essential services laboratory at Fairfield General Hospital, Bury and similarly equipped laboratories across the NCA. The department has recently undergone major upgrades with refresh of Haematology analyser, installation of a new sample track and new LIMS system. We are in an exciting time of development and change, following the formation of the NCA. You will help to ensure that service delivery continues to be quality driven and patient focused. You will be a good team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible approach. You will be committed to patient safety and improving and maintaining quality. Full training will be provided for the role and active participation in CPD is encouraged.

Main duties of the job

• Perform and interpret complex diagnostic tests in Haematology and Blood Transfusion, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UKAS and MHRA standards.
• Rotate through all sections of the laboratory, contributing to disease diagnosis and patient management.
• Provide technical expertise and first-line troubleshooting for highly specialised laboratory equipment.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, apprentices, and trainees, ensuring competency records are maintained.
• Participate in internal and external quality control procedures and audits to support continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with clinicians and colleagues, including reporting urgent and critical results.
• Contribute to service development, including verification of new methodologies, equipment trials, and quality improvement projects.
• Ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials in line with Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
• Maintain accurate data entry and support the laboratory information management system.
• Uphold Trust values of Care, Appreciate, and Inspire in all aspects of work.

About us
The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provides hospital and integrated health and social care services to over one million people living across Greater Manchester. Our 20,000 colleagues care for people in hospital and in the community, working across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford, to save and improve lives. As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and working closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we're always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team. In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including, a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work-life balance.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS approved) or approved alternative science degree plus post graduate certificate in Biomedical Science or equivalent
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology and/or Hospital Transfusion Science

Desirable

• IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice
• Completed training for trainer course

Professional Registration
Essential

• HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist

Experience
Essential

• Proven post-registration HCPC experience in Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
• Experience working in an UKAS accredited laboratory
• Experience working in an MHRA approved laboratory
• Familiarity with a range of analytical techniques including: Full Blood Counts and Morphology, Coagulation Testing, Haemoglobinopathy Screening, HbA1c, Blood Grouping and Antibody screening, Antibody Identification, Serological Crossmatching

Desirable

• Experience with Specialist equipment such: Sysmex XN, Sysmex CN, Ortho Vision
• Experience with LIMS: WinPath Enterprise
• Involvement in audits, service development, or quality improvement projects.

Skills
Essential

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of haematology and Transfusion Science
• Ability to perform, validate, and interpret complex laboratory tests.
• Understanding of quality management systems and compliance with UKAS and MHRA standards.
• Competence in using laboratory information system and automated analysers.
• Good Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to undergo training and commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
• Willingness to participate in a 24/7 shift system. Including lates, nights, weekends, and bank holidays
• Ability to train and mentor junior staff and students.

Desirable

• Evidence of technical troubleshooting skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Oldham Hospital
Rochdale Road
Oldham
OL1 2JH
Employer's website: Apply through our website