Specialist Biomedical Scientist

NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity within its workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. We are committed to a culture that is caring, safe and respectful and aim to work together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran.

Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Haematology) – a permanent post based at University Hospital Crosshouse within the UKAS accredited Haematology department.

37 hours per week over 7 days, including public holidays (e.g., Christmas/New Year). The department operates a 24/7 shift system comprising early, day, backshift, overnight (lone working) and weekend shifts. Until sufficient experience is gained, hours will be predominantly 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

The successful candidate will provide specialist testing services, including analysis of results, using specialist equipment and manual testing methods. They will use professional judgement to assess quality control and technical failures, ensuring consistent, high‑quality patient results in compliance with UKAS ISO 15189:2022 standards. In addition to performing specialist testing, the candidate will answer enquiries from clinical staff, provide advice on tests and specimen types, and give results and reference ranges while following departmental guidelines and procedures.

The laboratory operates busy Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Immunology sites, and the candidate will rotate through these areas as well as the satellite lab at University Hospital Ayr. The department is equipped with modern analytical equipment and a small but modern automated Immunology section; computing is by Clinisys Winpath Enterprise system.

Applicants must hold a BSc (Honours) degree in Biomedical Sciences, or an equivalent qualification, accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. A Specialist Diploma in Haematology or demonstrable specialist‑level experience is required. Candidates who have not completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology (including Blood Transfusion) may be appointed as a trainee at Band 6 in line with Agenda for Change Annex 21, with comprehensive on‑the‑job training and opportunities for further study up to MSc level.