Practitioner Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Salary:  Band 5 £32,073 - £39,043

Hours : Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract : Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Practitioner Biomedical Scientist to join our Microbiology Department within a large university NHS trust.  Our Laboratory provides a comprehensive diagnostic Microbiology service to a diverse population, supporting Acute, Specialist and Community Healthcare services across Southern Hampshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for newly registered or early-career Biomedical Scientists looking to develop their skills within a busy, modern laboratory environment.  Working alongside experienced Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists and Clinicians, you will gain exposure to a broad range of diagnostic techniques while contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care.

We are committed to developing our staff and supporting career progression.  Successful candidates will be encouraged to undertake further professional qualifications and training, providing a clear pathway towards progression into Specialist Biomedical Scientist roles.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Receive, process, analyse and report a wide variety of Microbiological specimens in accordance with departmental protocols and quality standards.  Laboratory sections include, serology, mycology, bacteriology and molecular.
• Perform routine and some specialist laboratory procedures under supervision and within established competency frameworks.
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of results, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to best practice standards.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and automated diagnostic platforms.
• Participate in quality control, quality assurance and audit activities.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory policies, health and safety requirements and quality management systems.
• Actively contribute to the provision of a safe, efficient and effective laboratory service.
• Participate in the departmental shift system including weekend and bank holiday working as required.

Please see attached Job description for additional information.

Applicants should be:

• Hold an IBMS-accredited degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification.
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist, or be awaiting registration with evidence that registration is imminent.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in diagnostic Microbiology and laboratory medicine.
• Be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of microbiological techniques and laboratory procedures.
• Ability to maintain standards of accuracy and hand to eye coordination in repetitive manual techniques
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a methodical and organised manner.
• Ability to undertake the technical validation of microbiological test results
• Knowledge to undertake the interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and procedures within a clinical microbiology laboratory
• A willingness to learn and develop professional skills.
• Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without supervision
• To have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.   

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. 

For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026