Job Description

We are looking for a Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist to work in the Biochemistry department, at William Harvey Hospital (WHH). The Biochemistry department operates 24/7 and processes acute urgent work, inpatient and outpatient work and also the GP work for the entire East Kent region. The post-holder will be part of a close team of Assistant Healthcare Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Clinical Scientists. This is a full-time 37.5 hours per week Band 3 role based at WHH in Ashford, Kent. It is an exciting opportunity to join the Biochemistry team in the Trust and to help shape future strategy and services for our local population.
You will be required to have experience of working within an NHS Hospital Trust accredited Pathology Department. You will also contribute to the ongoing high-level quality service in Biochemistry, as well as help maintain the UKAS ISO 15189: 2022 accreditation standards.
The hours will be 5 days worked over a 7 day week, with a combination of early, late and weekend shifts - flexibility is essential for this post.
Main duties of the job
After a period of training, the post-holder will support the HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist staff in performing various technical and scientific tasks within the laboratory. These tasks include maintenance and set up of analysers and equipment in both the automated and specials laboratories, running routine quality controls, daily routine stock control, and completion of computerised and manual records. You will need to have good computer and communication skills, and be highly organised with your own work load, as well as being a team player.
About us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
KMPN: Kent and Medway Pathology Network is a formal partnership of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. Our 1000 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly 2 million.
We are at an exciting point of our network development with a recommendation to form a joint venture across the four Trusts leading transformation. Our projects including single IT solutions, procurement and digital projects, to ensure our services are able to meet growing demand for our service users, patients and communities.
Details
Date posted
22 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
344-6105DCB
Job locations
William Harvey Hospital
Kennington Road
Ashford
TN24 0LZ
Job description
Job responsibilities
KMPN: You will have a fantastic opportunity to grow your career in KMPN. We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT. However, there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.
Please scroll down to access the full and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents. If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Kindly note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KMPN: You will have a fantastic opportunity to grow your career in KMPN. We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT. However, there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.
Please scroll down to access the full and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents. If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Kindly note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for roles Band 5 and above.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential

• Some experience of working within an NHS Hospital Trust accredited Pathology Department.
• Good level of general education.

Desirable

• Understanding of UKAS ISO 15189: 2022 accreditation standards.
• Experience of working in a sample reception/separating Blood Sciences or biochemistry department.

Skills and Experience
Essential

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Able to follow and adhere to standard operating procedures, and complete relevant log sheets as required.
• Good computer and keyboard skills, including LIMS.

Desirable

• Evidence of completing log sheets.
• Knowledge of conventional IT software.

Knowledge
Essential

• Sound knowledge across a range of laboratory work procedures and practices.
• Laboratory Health & Safety awareness.

Desirable

• Basic knowledge of Biochemistry.

Personal / professional attributes
Essential

• Well-developed analytical skills.
• Ability to organise own time effectively and work to schedules and deadlines.

Desirable

• Examples to demonstrate personal and professional attributes.

Person Specification
Qualifications and training
Essential

• Some experience of working within an NHS Hospital Trust accredited Pathology Department.
• Good level of general education.

Desirable

• Understanding of UKAS ISO 15189: 2022 accreditation standards.
• Experience of working in a sample reception/separating Blood Sciences or biochemistry department.

Skills and Experience
Essential

• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Able to follow and adhere to standard operating procedures, and complete relevant log sheets as required.
• Good computer and keyboard skills, including LIMS.

Desirable

• Evidence of completing log sheets.
• Knowledge of conventional IT software.

Knowledge
Essential

• Sound knowledge across a range of laboratory work procedures and practices.
• Laboratory Health & Safety awareness.

Desirable

• Basic knowledge of Biochemistry.

Personal / professional attributes
Essential

• Well-developed analytical skills.
• Ability to organise own time effectively and work to schedules and deadlines.

Desirable

• Examples to demonstrate personal and professional attributes.

Skills Required