Specialist​/Trainee Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Go back Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The closing date is 14 January 2026

Applications are invited from highly motivated and enthusiastic HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists with Specialist Portfolio or earlier equivalent, for a permanent Band 6 role with Chester & Wirral NHS Microbiology Service (CWMS).

Motivated pre‑registration / trainee BMS are also welcomed to apply for this role with a view to progression to Specialist BMS; successful applicants who do not meet the criteria for Specialist BMS will be employed at Band 6 annex 21 pay scale.

CWMS is the shared microbiology service for Countess of Chester Hospital and Wirral University Teaching Hospital. The laboratory is based off‑site from the hospitals in Bromborough and is open 7 days a week 24/7.

CWMS performs bacteriology, mycology, serology and molecular diagnostics.

CWMS uses the "Telepath" LIMS and has a significant number of interfaced analysers.

After suitable training you will be expected to participate in the 24/7 service.

The successful candidate will join our friendly team of experienced Biomedical Scientists and support staff rotating through all sections of our busy laboratory.

You will be encouraged and supported to participate in further education, training and Continuing Professional Development.

• To work and rotate around sections of the laboratory.
• Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with ward staff where there are doubts, assigning high risk samples to an appropriate containment area and dealing with leaking/damaged specimens.
• Bacteriology: selection of an appropriate media, incubation temperatures and atmospheres as indicated by specimen type and clinical information provided; interpretation of culture results and selection of appropriate organism (bacterial, fungal or yeast) for identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing, based on the interpretation of clinical information and application of specialist knowledge and experience of infectious diseases; interpretation of findings from these results to produce a final report with an appropriate report comment.
  
  Perform extra/further investigations as indicated by culture findings or when requested by Microbiology medical staff.
• Microscopy: examination of clinical specimens using a range of microscopes, e.g. fluorescent, lights and inverted microscopes.
• Serology: perform routine serological procedures in the diagnosis of viral diseases, particularly Hepatitis B and HIV.

All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first contact. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.

We are one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, comprising the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high‑quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, serving a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales and the wider North West footprint.

We have approximately 855 beds trust‑wide and our financial turnover is in excess of £337m.

The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus or ferry and within easy reach of the major cities of Liverpool, Chester and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.

• Degree or equivalent in Biomedical sciences or a qualification acceptable by the Health & Care Professions Council and 3 years Specialist microbiology experience.
• Able to satisfy registration requirements with the Health & Care Professions Council; if registered prior to July 2008, have met registration requirements at the time.

• A good understanding of microbiological concepts in relation to patient care and environmental services.
• Demonstrates ability to…