Job Description
About the Role
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is seeking a skilled Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) to join the Haematology team within the Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to highly specialised laboratory services supporting children and young people receiving complex medical care.
The position is primarily a night shift role, working three 12.5-hour night shifts per week. The successful candidate will work across several laboratory disciplines, including haematology, coagulation, and blood transfusion, supporting diagnostic testing and patient care in a tertiary paediatric hospital environment.
The laboratory provides a comprehensive range of specialist investigations to assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing rare and complex conditions affecting children.
Working Pattern
This post is structured around night-time laboratory operations:
- Shift time: 19:45 – 08:15
- Shift length: 12.5 hours
- Weekly schedule: Three nights per week
- Includes participation in out-of-hours services operating 24/7
- After completing training, the post holder will contribute to the wider laboratory service rota.
Laboratory Environment
The Haematology department operates as part of a highly specialised paediatric diagnostic service and performs a wide range of investigations, including:
- Routine and specialist haematology testing
- Coagulation and haemostasis investigations
- Blood transfusion support for complex clinical cases
The laboratory is UKAS accredited and recognised as an IBMS-approved training laboratory, supporting professional development and career progression for biomedical scientists.
Key Responsibilities
The Specialist Biomedical Scientist will support technical operations within the laboratory while ensuring high standards of scientific practice and patient safety.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Performing laboratory tests in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Supporting diagnostic services across haematology, coagulation, and transfusion laboratories
- Monitoring test performance and identifying potential technical issues
- Troubleshooting assays and instrumentation where required
- Ensuring laboratory results are delivered within established turnaround times (TATs)
- Maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance with data protection and information governance standards
- Supporting quality assurance procedures and maintaining accurate records
- Participating in professional development reviews and continuing education
Professional Development
Great Ormond Street Hospital encourages ongoing learning and professional growth. The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities
- Maintain professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Participate in annual Personal Development Reviews (PDRs)
- Contribute to maintaining departmental quality and regulatory standards
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Current HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Training and competency within Haematology or Blood Transfusion laboratories
- Evidence of professional development or completion of a Specialist Portfolio
Experience and Knowledge
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Practical experience working in a routine haematology or transfusion laboratory
- Understanding of quality management systems (QMS)
- Awareness of laboratory accreditation standards
- Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and diagnostic techniques
- Experience supporting colleagues working toward IBMS registration portfolios or specialist diplomas would be advantageous.
Core Skills
The ideal candidate will bring the following professional strengths:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent organisational and workload management abilities
- Knowledge of health and safety practices in laboratory environments
- Understanding of medical terminology
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary clinical teams
Working at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Great Ormond Street Hospital is internationally recognised for delivering world-class paediatric healthcare and research. The Trust values diversity, fairness and inclusion, ensuring all staff members feel respected and supported.
The organisation actively encourages applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and members of under-represented communities.
GOSH is also recognised as a Living Wage Employer and supports staff networks that promote equality and professional collaboration.
Equality and Inclusion
The hospital maintains a workplace culture where all employees are treated fairly regardless of background, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status or age. Staff networks help foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for everyone working within the organisation.
Applying for the Role
Candidates are encouraged to submit applications early as vacancies may close once sufficient applications have been received.
Applicants requiring UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be assessed alongside all other candidates according to the role requirements.
Helpful UK Government Resources
If you are considering working in the UK healthcare sector or relocating internationally, the following official resources may be useful:
- Skilled Worker visa guidance
- Prove your right to work in the UK
- Working in healthcare in the UK
- Employment rights and workplace protections
- Professional registration and regulation for healthcare roles