Specialist Healthcare Scientist (Band 6) – Point of Care Testing (PoCT)

NHS Forth Valley is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Biomedical Scientist to join their expanding Point of Care Testing (PoCT) service based in Larbert. PoCT is a high-growth area of diagnostics that brings the laboratory to the patient’s side, facilitating rapid clinical decisions in both acute and community settings. You will be a vital link between the laboratory and clinical teams, ensuring that every “bedside” test is accurate, governed, and safely delivered by competent staff.

Core Requirements and Skills

Professional Registration: Must be HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist (consideration given to those working toward registration under Annex 21).
Clinical Expertise: Strong background in laboratory sciences with an interest in expanding diagnostic pathways outside traditional lab walls.
Governance & Quality: Knowledge of Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assessment (EQA) frameworks.
Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills to provide expert advice to clinical staff and liaise with technical teams.
Education & Training: Ability to deliver and assess competency-based training for non-laboratory staff (nurses, doctors, etc.).
Integrity: Applicants must provide authentic, non-AI-generated responses to reflect their own skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Support: Provide scientific expertise and troubleshooting for clinical staff using PoCT devices across the Trust.
Quality Assurance: Lead on device verification, validation, and regular audits to maintain high diagnostic standards.
Training Leadership: Develop and deliver training programmes to ensure all device operators are competent and compliant.
Documentation: Maintain and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments.
Supervision: Support the PoCT Lead by supervising support staff and acting as a deputy when required.
Service Expansion: Contribute to accreditation preparation (ISO 15189/22870) and projects aimed at expanding PoCT reach.

Why Join the NHS Forth Valley PoCT Team?

This role offers a unique hybrid of laboratory science and frontline clinical interaction. It is an ideal post for a scientist who enjoys variety and wants to be at the forefront of digital healthcare transformation.

Salary: Band 6 (Agenda for Change).
- Note: Candidates training toward registration will be paid under Annex 21 until completion.
Work-Life Balance: NHS Scotland is reducing the full-time working week from 37 to 36 hours on 1/4/26, with no loss of pay.
Professional Growth: Stability and clear career progression pathways within an expanding service.
Diversity & Inclusion: NHS Forth Valley is a Disability Confident employer and committed to equality across all sections of society.

Vital Information

Location: Larbert, United Kingdom (NHS Forth Valley).
Vetting: Membership in the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is required.
Sponsorship: Assessed on a case-by-case basis; applicants should review Health and Care Worker visa eligibility.
Correspondence: Primarily via email/Jobtrain; ensure your contact details are accurate and checked regularly.
Contact: Joanne Lyon, POCT Service Manager (joanne.lyon@nhs.scot / 01324 567021).

To apply for Company Website apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk.