Automated Biochemistry Section Manager

Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job
We're looking for an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist to lead the Automated Biochemistry department of our UKAS-accredited Clinical Biochemistry laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your career in a large, busy teaching hospital laboratory and to use your skills to shape the future of the service.

About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS, we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Details
Date posted: 30 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: Depending on experience, £57,528 - £64,750 pa or pa pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Reference number: 188-SCL060726
Job locations: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
You will need: Significant expertise in all technical aspects of Clinical Biochemistry A proven track record of people management Experience of leading large projects

The Automated Biochemistry section at Southampton processes around 4,500 samples per day with a test repertoire that supports a large teaching hospital. Clinical specialities that the laboratory supports are wide-ranging and include cancer care, bone marrow transplantation, endocrinology, neurosciences, cardiothoracic surgery, paediatric and neonatal intensive care, ophthalmology, and vascular surgery. As Section Manager, you will report directly to the Operations Manager for Laboratory Medicine. You will have day-to-day technical and managerial responsibility for this busy section, comprising a large team working 24/7, as well as managerial responsibility for the point-of-care laboratory.

Person Specification
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential

• Relevant MSc, Higher Specialist Certificate (IBMS) or equivalent
• HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Significant, demonstrable, postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in relevant clinical laboratory discipline
• In depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate
• Thorough knowledge of Laboratory Health and Safety arrangements
• In depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate
• Sound knowledge of common IT programme and excellent keyboard and IT skills
• Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff
• Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice
• Must be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential group

Desirable

• Management Training
• Chartered Scientist
• Member of Professional Body
• Ability to perform technically advanced procedures as applicable
• An understanding of quality assurance procedures
• Experience of working in different laboratories
• Experience of project principles techniques and tools such as Prince 2 and Managing Successful Projects

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

For questions about the job, contact:
Consultant Clinical Scientist
Nicola Merrett
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