Specialist Biomedical Scientist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a qualified HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist to join its specialist Flow Cytometry team within the Haematology department.

This laboratory forms part of the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) and provides advanced diagnostic support for children with complex blood disorders and cancers.

The successful candidate will contribute to the laboratory’s diagnostic service, helping to detect and monitor paediatric haematological malignancies as well as other blood disorders. The role offers the opportunity to work within a highly specialised research-active environment that participates in innovative clinical trials, including CAR-T therapy studies for acute leukaemia.

About the Service

The SIHMDS Flow Cytometry Laboratory supports diagnosis and monitoring of several conditions, including:

• Paediatric haematological cancers
• Platelet disorders
• Red blood cell membrane abnormalities
• Neuroblastoma and related solid tumours

The laboratory also collaborates with multiple clinical trials investigating new therapies for B-cell, T-cell and myeloid leukaemia.

Key Responsibilities

Technical and Scientific Duties

The Biomedical Scientist will support the delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service by:

• Performing laboratory techniques in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Preparing samples and acquiring data using flow cytometry technology
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and troubleshooting instrument issues
• Supporting the development and validation of diagnostic assays
• Recording and managing laboratory data accurately and securely
• Maintaining compliance with departmental quality standards
• Contributing to accreditation processes with United Kingdom Accreditation Service

Clinical and Diagnostic Responsibilities

The role will also involve:

• Analysing laboratory findings and reporting results within agreed turnaround times
• Adding clinically relevant comments to laboratory reports when appropriate
• Supporting clinicians by advising on appropriate diagnostic tests
• Requesting additional investigations when clinically necessary

Professional Development

The postholder will be expected to:

• Maintain professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council
• Participate in continuing professional development (CPD)
• Attend training sessions, seminars and internal educational activities
• Contribute to staff training and knowledge sharing within the department

Working at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for its excellence in paediatric healthcare and research.

The organisation promotes an inclusive workplace culture where diversity is valued and staff are supported in their professional development. Employees can participate in staff networks that support equality and wellbeing, including groups focused on disability inclusion, ethnic diversity, gender equality and LGBTQ+ support.

The Trust is also recognised as a Disability Confident Employer and a Stonewall Diversity Champion, demonstrating its commitment to fairness and inclusion.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification)
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council
• Completion of a Specialist Portfolio, MSc, or equivalent experience within a haematology laboratory
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Essential Experience and Knowledge

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Practical experience working in a clinical haematology laboratory
• Knowledge of NHS pathology laboratory systems and workflows
• Understanding of quality management systems and laboratory accreditation
• Familiarity with national laboratory quality standards

Desirable Experience

Additional experience that would be beneficial includes:

• Knowledge of flow cytometry or immunophenotyping techniques
• Experience working with paediatric blood samples

Key Skills

• The successful candidate should demonstrate:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Teaching and mentoring abilities
• Advanced diagnostic laboratory skills within haematology

Safeguarding and Background Checks

Because the role involves working with vulnerable patients, the postholder must undergo an enhanced background check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required before employment.

Visa Sponsorship and Employment Guidance

Applicants requiring immigration sponsorship may be considered if they meet UK visa requirements and professional registration criteria.

Useful UK government guidance for applicants:

• Skilled Worker visa eligibility and requirements
• Skilled Worker visa job eligibility guidance
• Professional registration requirements for regulated healthcare roles
• Criminal record checks for overseas healthcare workers
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background checks

Application Advice

• Candidates should clearly demonstrate in their application:
• Evidence of HCPC registration and relevant laboratory qualifications
• Practical experience in clinical haematology diagnostics
• Knowledge of quality assurance systems and laboratory accreditation
• Commitment to professional development and teamwork.