Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Microbiology (Annex 21)
The closing date is 16 August 2026

Job summary
We are looking for a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join the award winning team at Dorset County Hospital. An enthusiasm and interest for all areas of Microbiology, including bacteriology, virology, serology, parasitology and mycology is required, as well as an understanding of the importance and value of the regulatory requirements.

Consideration will be given to Band 5 state registered Biomedical Scientists who wish to complete the Microbiology Specialist Portfolio under Annex 21 of Agenda for Change. Pay progresses as follows

• More than three years from completion of professional training and competencies = 60% of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate
• More than two but less than three years = 65% of the qualified rate
• More than one but less than two years = 70% of the qualified rate
• Up to 12 months prior to completion of all professional training and competencies = 75% of the qualified rate

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

Main duties of the job
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

• To produce accurate and timely Microbiology results from clinical samples in accordance with the policies, protocols and quality standards.
• To ensure that clinically significant and urgent results are dealt with in a timely fashion.
• To be able to rotate around all areas of the laboratory, including serology.
• To provide specialist advice to clinicians about the appropriateness of tests and turnaround times.
• Update documentation (SOPs, bench guides, risk assessments) using specialist microbiology knowledge and expertise.
• To participate in the Microbiology out-of-hours service

The post holder will work with the other members of the department to maintain and develop a quality, timely and patient focused Microbiology service for the local population.

The Department follows a 7 day working roster which the post holder will be expected to support including the weekend, bank holiday and on-call rota.

This is an exciting time to join the Pathology team in Dorset. We are currently making great progress with our vision to create an integrated pathology service for Dorset and across Wessex.

About us
We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate's individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

UKVI Sponsorship: This role may be available for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Sponsorship will be determined based on your current situation and on a case-by-case basis.

Details
Date posted: 31 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Per Annum (Annex 21)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 405-26-HS387SBSM
Job locations: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of accreditation standards, for example UKAS.
• Good manual dexterity
• Understands, can perform and can teach others all aspects of routine Microbiology
• Ability to accurately follow and convey to others verbal and written instructions, including complex protocols and procedures.
• An understanding of quality requirements.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
• Able to work as part of team.

Desirable

• Ability to prioritise own workload, to delegate appropriately and manage time effectively.
• Appropriate IT skills.
• Knowledge and experience of audit
• Ability to recognise problems and to instigate corrective actions
• Participation in CPD
• Reliable, conscientious and punctual
• Enthusiastic about work and profession
• Self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to support the out of hours service
• Able to accept responsibility for own actions

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Demonstrate at least two years of recent post registration experience in an HCPC approved Microbiology laboratory.
• As in-depth knowledge and understanding of operating procedures and techniques to diagnostic Microbiology.
• Understands and can apply the principles of good laboratory management.

Desirable

• Demonstrate understanding of the Microbiology of disease and their processes.
• Awareness of accreditation requirements and quality management systems.

Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential

• IBMS accredited BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Medical Microbiology, or equivalent experience
• Professional registration with HCPC
• Evidence of involvement in ongoing training and development relevant to the post.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Head of Microbiology, Gareth Rees, gareth.rees8@nhs.net, 01305254343