BHSCT Biomedical Science Support Band 4

Advertised role location: LABS
Official document: Job Description/Personnel Specification (Updated 19/10/2026) (doc)
JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Biomedical Science Support

LOCATION: Laboratories, Belfast Trust

BAND: 4

REPORTS TO: Operational Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Laboratory Manager

Job Summary / Main Purpose

To maintain the operations of the laboratory in supporting qualified Healthcare Scientists in pre-analytical preparation, equipment maintenance and post-analytical duties.

Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the postholder will;

Receive & sort samples and record relevant information regarding transport conditions according to SOPs.
Undertake the routine and non -routine preparation and examination of samples received in the laboratory, according to SOPs & methods.
Assist with the preparation & processing of samples for Internal Quality Control (IQC), Uncertainty of Measurement (UOM) and External Quality Assurance schemes (EQAS).
Assist with statistical analyses for trending / monitoring of laboratory results in relation to IQC; UOM and EQAS.
Use all aspects of the laboratory computer system relating to sample registration and examination.
Be competent in the performance of tests and investigations undertaken.
Daily preparation of equipment / analysers.
Participate in stock checks to ensure that there is sufficient stock in the laboratory to allow timely sample processing.
Process orders for the laboratories.
Supervise ATO / MLA staff and assist in their training.
Take responsibility for monitoring the status of laboratory equipment re temperature; fans; calibration / verification etc.
Work in a safe manner in accordance with the Laboratory’s Health and Safety Policies.
Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the laboratory premises and equipment.
Assist with virus protection of computers, through understanding of the Trust’s IT policies.
Answer telephone queries.
Maintain confidentiality (of sample results) in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Undertake filing request forms and other clerical duties (e.g. photocopying); photographic recording of samples (as required) and their electronic storage.
Support appropriate income generation contracts for the Laboratory.
Assist with quality control.
Ensure the return of specific equipment tested by the laboratory to clients.
Participate in Continuous Professional Development in line with KSF and work towards gaining further knowledge through certificate level training and short courses. This will be done through Personal Contribution Plan & Annual Staff Development review.
Participate in a 24 hr service, which will include extended working day, overnight weekend and Public holidays work as part of the conditioned 37.5 hr week.
Must adhere to all Policies and Procedures within the Belfast Trust.
Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.
For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-
Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Biomedical Science Support / Band 4
DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Laboratories / Surgery & Specialist Services

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience
Qualifications
Registration
2 GCSE's (Grades A-C /9-4) in Maths and English or equivalent PLUS 3 years’ relevant laboratory experience, to include 1 year at band 3 level.
OR
4 GCSE’s (Grades A-C /9-4) including Maths and English or equivalent PLUS 2 year’s relevant laboratory experience, to include 1 year at band 3 level.
OR
NVQ Level 3 in a science related subject or equivalent PLUS 1 years’ relevant laboratory experience at band 3 level.
OR
BTEC National Diploma in an Applied Science or equivalent plus 1 years’ relevant laboratory experience at band 3 level.
Shortlisting by Application Form

Other (e.g. Driving etc.)
Ability to work to cover a 24 hour service to include an extended working, overnight, weekends & bank holiday as required.

Shortlisting by Application Form

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience
Qualifications
Registration

GCSE Science subjects.
Basic computer experience with basic typing skills.
Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Ability to work on own initiative.
Ability to work in a team.
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues.

Interview

NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role