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

• Laboratory analysis and interpretation of results of a range of newborn bloodspot screening tests within the Scottish Screening Laboratory (SNSL).
• Accurate testing and timely reporting of results to appropriate consultant Paediatricians, General Practitioners and Geneticists by telephone ensuring the provision of a high quality newborn blood spot screening service for the population of Scotland.
• Participation in implementation of new service development
• The post holder is responsible for carrying out the duties required to provide an efficient newborn screening service that is necessary for effective patient care.
• The post holder will be required to offer specialist advice and guidance on the service to users and to provide information about the analyses that are performed.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern: Fixed Term, Full time

Base location - Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Key Responsibilities The specialist Biomedical Scientist will be expected to apply professional judgement and developed specialist knowledge and skills, and to work unsupervised often under pressure.

The Duties Of The Post Holder Are Managerial

• Participate in the monthly quality management meeting
• Perform audits within the SNSL as required.
• Prepare and update documentation and work with the Departmental Quality Manager to ensure that the Department maintains its full, unconditional UKAS accreditation.
• Use and ensure staff use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) according to the authorised protocols.

Clinical and Scientific

• Participation in the receipt, processing and analysis of specimens submitted for newborn screening. This will require the post holder to ascertain the suitability of specimens, select, prepare and prioritise specimens, and organise an appropriate work schedule.
• Advise referring Health Professionals on the submission of samples, their suitability for analysis and the appropriateness of the test(s) to be undertaken.
• Participate in the audit of affected and carrier babies which have been screened by the Newborn Screening Service
• Ensure that all patient samples are appropriately and expediently tested, data correctly analysed and reports issued according to best practice guidelines
• Maintain and continuously update own knowledge of the range of conditions appropriate for Newborn screening
• Maintain an accurate record of work undertaken, including both manual and computerised records and ensure that records are kept up to date.
• Prepare statistical updates on the work of the Screening Laboratory for quality control and other ad hoc purposes.
• The post holder will be expected to work autonomously and unsupervised and to use experience and discretion when making judgements and decisions when dealing with staff or scientific/technical matters.

Research and development

• Aim to improve the service for the benefit of users and patients by continuously updating own knowledge of relevant techniques and procedures and their applications in newborn screening through private study and attendance at appropriate seminars, courses and conferences as approved by the laboratory Director
• Implement modifications or changes to the technical/scientific aspects of the work as directed by the Laboratory Director which are aimed at development and improvement in the service
• Participate in on-going development, research and equipment testing and carry-out specialist research and development.

Teaching and training

• Assist in the day-to-day training of less experienced staff, students and visitors and provide teaching and supervision on the practical laboratory aspects of screening to Health professionals.

Enabling the employer to meet statutory requirements

• Comply at all times with Departmental and trust Health and Safety policies, security policies, departmental operating procedures and disciplinary codes.
• Report/ensure that any defect or occurrence which may affect safety at work is brought to the attention of the Safety Officer
• Maintain an awareness of the Data protection act and preserve the confidentiality of patient information.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• State registration with the Health Professions Council is mandatory.
• Must have an honours degree in Biomedical/Healthcare science or hold an equivalent honours degree that with additional modules/qualifications is acceptable for HCPC registration.
• Specialist knowledge and practical experience of newborn bloodspot screening
• Formal evidence of highly specialist knowledge of a range of scientific procedures.
• Evidence of continuing professional development, for example, attendance at specialist courses, training on new instrumentation, learning through reflective practice.
• Must have knowledge of laboratory standard operating procedures, including complex and specialist tests, and division and department policies and procedures.
• Good organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrate competence in problem solving and prioritising workloads.

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 Sarah Smith, Director of the Scottish Newborn Screening Lab - Sarah.smith34@nhs.scot - 0141 354 9277

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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• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

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From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part-time working hours will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged. 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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