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Sponsorship-friendly
Band 5
Full-time

Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology (fixed term maternity cover)

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustBedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, United KingdomDepending on experience per annumCloses 28/09/2026

At a glance

Band
Band 5
Contract
Fixed-term
Pattern
Full-time
Posted
14/09/2026
Closes
28/09/2026

Sponsorship verdict

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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.
Quoted verbatim from the source advert

Role summary

This is a fixed-term Biomedical Scientist position in the Microbiology Department at Bedford Hospital, covering maternity leave. The role involves performing a range of microbiological analyses and investigations using modern diagnostic technologies to support patient diagnosis and treatment. The successful candidate will contribute to a high-quality, efficient, and patient-focused microbiology service, working flexibly as the department progresses towards a 24/7 service, including shifts, weekends, and bank holidays. The department is UKAS accredited and an IBMS-approved training laboratory.

Essential criteria

  • Good knowledge of Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology)

Desirable criteria

  • Knowledge of Serological and Molecular methods
  • Specialised knowledge of Microbiology
  • Knowledge of quality systems and processes such as audit
  • Demonstrable experience in Pathology Laboratory Environment
  • Experience of working in Microbiology (Bacteriology/Serology/Molecular)
  • Experience working at a specialist level within Microbiology
  • Experience using LIMS (Winpath)
  • Experience in use of quality systems and processes
  • BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
  • HCPC State registration
  • Specialist portfolio in Medical Microbiology
  • Specialist portfolio in Virology
  • Excellent inter-personal skills
  • Ability to utilise evaluation tools
  • Standard keyboard skills
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, at all levels
  • Flexible in approach and working relationships
  • Other
  • Ability to tolerate frequent exposure to highly unpleasant substances and infectious substances
  • Good knowledge of Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology)
  • Knowledge of Serological and Molecular methods
  • Specialised knowledge of Microbiology
  • Knowledge of quality systems and processes such as audit
  • Demonstrable experience in Pathology Laboratory Environment
  • Experience of working in Microbiology (Bacteriology/Serology/Molecular)
  • Experience working at a specialist level within Microbiology
  • Experience using LIMS (Winpath)
  • Experience in use of quality systems and processes
  • BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
  • HCPC State registration
  • Specialist portfolio in Medical Microbiology
  • Specialist portfolio in Virology
  • Excellent inter-personal skills
  • Ability to utilise evaluation tools
  • Standard keyboard skills
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, at all levels
  • Flexible in approach and working relationships
  • Other
  • Ability to tolerate frequent exposure to highly unpleasant substances and infectious substances

Useful to know

Band 5 pay context

Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 5 at £29,970 – £36,483 a year, across England.

Application window

Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d

Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.

Full advert · preview

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology (fixed term maternity cover)

The closing date is 28 September 2026

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced Biomedical Scientist to join the Microbiology Department at Bedford Hospital on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave.

The laboratory is equipped with a wide range of modern microbiology and diagnostic technologies, including bioMrieux BacT/ALERT VIRTUO, Beckman Coulter MicroScan, bioMrieux VIDAS, BioFire TORCH, Roche cobas 6800, Cepheid GeneXpert, BD MAX, Bruker MALDI-TOF, DS2 and BD MGIT .

The laboratory provides a comprehensive range of microbiological investigations to Bedford Hospital, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and surrounding GP practices . The department is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and is an IBMS-approved training laboratory , supporting the education and development of biomedical science staff.

As a member of the Microbiology Team, you will contribute to the delivery of a high-quality, efficient and patient-focused microbiology service . You will perform a range of microbiological analyses and investigations, providing accurate and timely results to support the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of patients across the Trust.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as a Biomedical Scientist , perform

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