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NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
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As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Biochemistry, NHS Lothian
Biochemistry (Band 6/6U) Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Blood Sciences, NHS Lothian
SJH Biochemistry x1
This is an opportunity for a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join our NHS Lothian team in Blood Science.
Candidates with HCPC registration and sufficient laboratory experience at Biomedical Scientist level (for example Specialist Portfolio) in Blood Science will be considered for the Band 6 post.
Candidates with HCPC registration - who lack relevant laboratory experience equivalent to a Specialist Biomedical Scientist- and are willing to undertake the IBMS Portfolio in Blood Sciences or Biochemistry, will also be considered for this post under Agenda for Change Annexe 21.
There are 3 adult acute hospitals and a specialist Paediatric hospital within NHS Lothian. Blood Science discipline Laboratory Services are provided from Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital and St John’s Livingston with this post being based at SJH. The Biochemistry department is a fast paced and busy department not only housing core Automated Biochemistry, but also an expanding specialist section including some Serology.
Our ideal candidates will have experience working in a Laboratory Medicine Laboratory as a BMS Biochemistry, with an interest in development and improvement of services. After suitable training the successful candidate will be required, after competency review, to undertake 24/7 duties in the appropriate departments and be flexible to provide cross site cover when needed. Working hours are 37 per week average including evenings, weekends and overnight working when suitably trained, this will change to 36h per week once the Reduced working week is implemented.
*Please note this is a Trainee post, therefore Annex 21 applies*
For trainees covered by Annex 21 where the period of training lasts for between one and four years, pay will be as follows:
- up to 12 months prior to completion of training: 75 per cent of the pay band maximum of the fully qualified rate.
- more than one but less than two years prior to completion of training: 70 per cent of the pay band maximum of the qualified rate of the qualified.
- more than two but less than three years prior to completion of training: 65 per cent of the pay band maximum for the qualified rate.
- more than three years from completion of training: 60 per cent of the pay band maximum of the fully qualified rate.
For further guidance on Annex 21 – please follow this link: Annex 21 – Arrangements for pay and banding of trainees
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions, please contact Fiona Rennie - Fiona.Rennie11@nhs.scot
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