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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The role:
These positions are available within the Histology area of the department based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. The post of Biomedical Support Worker in the department of Pathology is an essential post in the successful running of the department. The post holder will provide laboratory support to both medical and scientific staff. The department provides a comprehensive Histopathology service to Greater Glasgow & Clyde and undertakes a wide range of diagnostic techniques. Working for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde means contributing to one of the largest and most complex healthcare organisations in the UK, with a shared commitment to delivering safe, high‑quality services for patients across Glasgow and Clyde. This position is important because it provides essential technical and laboratory support that underpins diagnostic services, helping clinicians make timely and accurate decisions that directly impact patient care and treatment outcomes.
No Band 2 roles are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care Worker visa. routes. For Band 3 roles, only posts of 32 hours per week or more may meet eligibility. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) cannot provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for roles that do not meet these criteria, and applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
- Rotational cover is required Saturday & Public holidays 08:00-12:00, and evenings Mon-Fri 17:00-19:00
Key responsibilities:
- Check, receive and prepare laboratory specimens in accordance with standard operating procedures to support accurate diagnostics
- Enter patient and specimen data accurately into the laboratory information system, maintaining high standards of data quality and confidentiality
- Assist Consultant Pathologists and Biomedical Scientists during specimen dissection, ensuring proper handling and documentation
- Load, unload and monitor laboratory processing equipment, supporting efficient workflow within the department
- Carry out tissue embedding and related technical tasks under appropriate supervision
- Support stock control by monitoring, replenishing and safely storing laboratory consumables and reagents
- Undertake general laboratory duties, contributing to a safe, organised and efficient working environment
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage workload effectively in a fast‑paced laboratory environment
- Good numeracy, literacy and keyboard skills, enabling accurate data entry and record keeping
- High levels of accuracy and attention to detail, essential for handling specimens and laboratory information
- Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists and wider laboratory staff
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining safety, quality standards and confidentiality
- Qualifications must include one of the following: three Highers at Grade C or above (including Chemistry or Biology and Maths); SVQ Level 3 in a relevant science subject; completion of a modern apprenticeship in life sciences; or equivalent accredited education or learning
- An understanding of safe working practices within a laboratory setting, particularly when handling specimens and chemicals
What we offer:
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact:
Biomedical support Worker, Suzanne Ferrá, 0141 354 9469, suzanne.ferra2@nhs.scot
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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