Job Overview
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for the position of Senior Biomedical Scientist – Quality Lead within Cellular Pathology at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. This permanent role offers a unique chance for international biomedical scientists seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom, as the employer provides Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates. The successful applicant will join a progressive department with strong support for Biomedical Scientist-led dissection and participate in cutting-edge modernization projects.
Position Details
Job Title: Senior Biomedical Scientist
Employer: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum (pro rata)
Schedule: Full-time with flexible working options
Employment Type: Permanent position
Language Requirement: English
Application Deadline: 01 October 2025
Visa Sponsorship Information
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust welcomes applications from international job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. The Trust will consider these applications alongside all other applications and provides Certificate of Sponsorship for qualified candidates. This represents an excellent opportunity for biomedical scientists worldwide to establish their career in the UK’s renowned healthcare system.
About West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community. We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
Hospital Facilities
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services including emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children’s ward. With 500+ beds, it serves as a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge. Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation services.
Organizational Values
We strive to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients while being guided by our core values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and teamwork. With nearly 5,000 staff from all over the world, we promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyone’s voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Role Summary
The Senior Biomedical Scientist will act as Quality Lead for Cellular Pathology while maintaining technical skills through bench work. Previous quality experience would be advantageous but not essential, as quality tasks are shared within the team and comprehensive support will be provided. The department is progressive with strong support for BMS-led dissection, and the successful candidate will have opportunities to perform and develop within this area.
Key Projects and Modernization
The department is currently engaged in several large-scale modernization projects that the successful candidate will support and contribute to:
Digital Pathology Implementation
The department utilizes digital pathology with an ongoing implementation project that offers exciting opportunities for professional development and technological advancement.
Specimen Tracking System
A state-of-the-art tracking system supports digital pathology implementation and facilitates LEAN working practices, enhancing efficiency and patient care.
LIMS Upgrade
The department is upgrading their Laboratory Information Management System, which will significantly improve Cellular Pathology workflows and operational efficiency.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work directly with the Laboratory Manager while acting as Quality Lead. Additionally, they will cover and lead technical tasks, serving as a key member of the team. Experience in specimen dissection would be particularly advantageous for this role.
Education and Qualification Requirements
Essential Qualifications
• HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent qualification
• Appropriate post-registration IBMS Specialist Diploma or demonstrable equivalence
• Appropriate postgraduate qualification or evidence of significant progress toward such qualification
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable Qualifications
• Quality Management Qualification
• Training Qualification
• Health and Safety Qualification
Experience and Knowledge Requirements
Essential Experience
• Highly specialist knowledge and experience across range of work procedures and practices
• Extensive practical experience working in Biomedical Science laboratory
• Experience with Pathology IT systems
• Practical experience with Quality Management Systems
• Experience performing and evaluating Risk Assessments
• Experience performing audits and addressing non-conformances
• Experience in training and mentoring
• Experience with incident reporting and investigation
• IT competency with Microsoft Word and Excel
Desirable Experience
• Relevant NHS working experience
• Experience in managing people
Skills and Abilities
• Excellent interpretation and analytical skills
• Ability to prioritize own workload and that of others
• Capacity to concentrate for prolonged periods
• High degree of manual dexterity for complex laboratory techniques
• Self-motivated and proactive approach
• Professional, friendly and approachable demeanor
• Demonstrable mentoring skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
• Excellent organizational skills
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as team player
• Flexible problem-solving abilities
• Excellent time management skills
Personal Qualities
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Commitment to excellence
• Self-motivated with ability to motivate others
• Ability to meet targets and deadlines
• Flexibility in responding to service needs
• Capacity to learn and assimilate new information
• Organizational skills with ability to handle interruptions
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Performance under pressure with competing demands
• Self-awareness and understanding of impact on others
• Flexible approach to working hours and duties
Additional Requirements
This position requires Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Applicants must have current UK professional registration, and international candidates should be prepared to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they resided continuously for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply through the NHS Jobs website. The closing date for applications is 01 October 2025. For questions about the position, please contact Claire Beverstock, Laboratory Manager, at [email protected] or 01284 713091.
Relocation Support
For international candidates successful in obtaining sponsorship, the Trust provides comprehensive support with the relocation process. Bury St Edmunds offers an excellent quality of life with historic charm, modern amenities, and excellent transport links to London and other major UK cities.
Professional Development
The Trust strongly supports continuous professional development and offers numerous opportunities for career advancement, specialized training, and participation in research projects. This position provides an ideal platform for biomedical scientists looking to establish a long-term career in the UK healthcare system.
Why Choose West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust?
Join an organization that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and supports professional growth. With nearly 5,000 staff from around the world, we strive to make our organization a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be. Join us and discover what you will #BeKnown for.
Reference Number
179-7205986-C-A
Employer Contact Details
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 2QZ
Website: https://www.wsh.nhs.uk
