The closing date for this job has now passed.

Job reference: 149148
Salary: Band 3 (£25,468 - £27,486)
Job closing date: 09/06/2023
Job Type: Healthcare Sciences
Location: The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Employment type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Job posted date: 12/05/2023
Employer (NHS Board): NHS Lothian
Department: Blood Science Laboratories

Job Advert

​​​​​Job Title:              Modern Apprenticeship – Biomedical Support Worker

Speciality:            Department of Laboratory Medicine

Contract:              Permanent

Hours:                  37.5hrs

Salary:                 £25,468 - £27,486 per annum (this will be paid as a training post at annex 21)*

*The successful candidate(s) will be paid at 70% of top band 3 in year 1 and 75% in year 2, on completion of training they will be paid as per the band 3 salary scale.

Location:             Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Positions:            2


NHS Lothian is responsible for meeting the health needs of circa 800,000 people living in and around Edinburgh. We employ approximately 24,000 staff and provide a comprehensive range of primary, community and acute care services for the populations of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian. Across all areas of care, we seek to provide specialist and general services fairly and efficiently and to the highest standards. NHS Lothian offers excellent career prospects and a wide range of job opportunities for potential employees. NHS Lothian offers training and development opportunities as well as excellent staff benefits. 

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The Service:

The Department of Laboratory Medicine provides laboratory services to primary and secondary centres throughout Lothian. These services are currently delivered from 3 adult sites: the Western General Hospital (WGH), the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) and St John’s Hospital.  Blood Sciences employ approx 270 staff and is based at RIE; WGH and SJH. Blood Sciences covers Biochemistry, Immunology, Serology, Haematology and Blood Transfusion. ​​​​​​​

The duration of the Modern Apprenticeship programme within the Department of Laboratory Medicine is two years. During this time the apprentice will be based in the reception areas of one of the blood science laboratories and will work as a member of NHS

Lothian Blood Science team. The apprentice will be trained and supported to undertake pre analytical duties within the laboratory.


What might a day in this job look like?

As part of a multidisciplinary team you will:

  • To undertake a range of routine and non-routine clinical laboratory support duties including sample processing, storage and retrieval, assigning investigation and test codes within the laboratory information management system, preparation of complex reagents, and use of basic analysers and equipment e.g. centrifuges, pipettes.
  • To undertake basic troubleshooting on basic equipment e.g. pipettes/centrifuges to ensure effective operation of the equipment and the safety of all users escalating more complex problems to the Assistant Practitioner/Biomedical Scientist.
  • Responsible for stock control, including reagents, within the laboratory reporting any shortages to the Assistant Practitioner/Biomedical Scientist to ensure availability of consumables at all times.
  • To maintain up to date written and electronic records and reporting results as and when required. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
  • To be responsible for ensuring personal ongoing training as required, ensuring skills / competencies are maintained.
  • To work within defined standards, protocols, policies and procedures including Health and Safety regulations for laboratory area, to ensure safe working procedures, health and safety of other staff and visitors to the department and maintain the highest level of service at all times.
  • To assist in training and mentoring of new staff providing guidance as and when required.
  • To provide cover for reception as and when required.
  • To support NHS Lothian’s values of quality, teamwork, care and compassion, dignity and respect, and openness, honesty


What will I gain?

  • You will work towards an SVQ Laboratory associated technical activities Level 3 (SCQF Level 7)
  • HNC Applied Science
  •  Extend on your existing laboratory skills and experience to work autonomously within a community setting and work closely with senior staff to provide first class care to patients.
  • Enhance communication skills to ensure effective engagement with all stakeholders in patient care
  • Confidently establish a rapport with the multidisciplinary team.
  • Make best use of resources including time, to achieve agreed goals for service delivery, taking responsibility for own actions

and self-development

  • Deal with queries from various internal and external customers confidently and effectively.
  • Gain valuable knowledge and experience within Healthcare Science to enable progression to further education within this field.


What Qualifications / Qualities are required?

  • Higher Chemistry & Biology as well as National 5 in Math – all at grade C or above 
  • Or NC Applied Science
  • 16 - 24 years of age (or up to 29 if you have a disability/care experienced)
  • Prior experience and a passion for working with patients with Mental Health issues a healthcare environment
  • Effective team player and contribute to working as part of a wider team across the organisation.
  • Positive approach to & willing to continuously learn and grow
  • Have health & safety awareness within a laboratory setting
  • Passion for working in Healthcare and Healthcare Science Services
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Understand and possess the NHS Lothian Values: NHS Lothian Values
  • Advanced interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work under pressure in a demanding role
  • Ability to carry out delegated responsibilities and work using own initiative when working autonomously.


To find out more about this position, please head over to our careers website, and watch the video of our current apprentice Vicky - Healthcare Science – NHS Lothian Careers 


The recruitment process will consist of various stages, all of which are mandatory, and will all be undertaken on-line and via MSTeams:                                          

14th June 2023

Information Session 

15th June 2023

Group Interview via MSTeams

14th June 2023

Online Assessment

Week commencing 19th June 2023

Face to Face Interview







​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Candidates who are successful in interview will be expected to start in NHS Lothian on Monday 31st July and we are not able to alter this date.



Take a look around the company https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/