Biomedical Support Worker (XR02)
Job summary
The Central Specimen Reception (CSR) at LTHT is looking to recruit Biomedical Support Workers (BSW) to join our busy Pathology team. The postholder will be part of a team who manage the initial receipt of specimens for essential hospital services such as AE and acute medicine, whilst also supporting primary care (GPs). You will be working alongside specialist scientific service such as Blood Sciences, Specialist Laboratory medicine and Microbiology. The successful candidate will work within a large hub laboratory utilising cutting edge technology, serving both Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the wider community. This includes the regional Oncology centre and the Leeds Children's Hospital. CSR operates a shift system covering the full 24 hour period for both the St James and Leeds General Infirmary sites. Our staffing is managed with a roster produced in advance with combinations of shifts. 7:30 16:00, 8:30 17:00. 12:30 21:00 and 20:30 -08:00. As reception is purely BSW staffed, there is not a provision for any portfolio training or direct links into disciplines for those wishing to begin their IBMS portfolios. This advert will close early if suitable applications are received.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a member of a large team responsible for the initial processing of patient samples. You will be required to communicate effectively with colleagues in CSR, wider pathology and other health care professionals. Operating the laboratory IT system (Winpath), to enter and retrieve patient demographics. Responding to telephone queries and occasionally meeting members of the public as they hand deliver samples. Preparation of chemical reagents. Processing of samples as per standard operating procedures. Rejecting samples following defined rules. To demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff Disposal of clinical waste and general housekeeping. Please see the attached job description for further information about this vacancy.
About us
The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality and safest treatment and care to every patient, every time. Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care. We will do this through delivery of our multi-year goals and strategic priorities, which you can read about on this page. Central to it all is The Leeds Way our values and behaviours that are at the heart of everything we do.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For questions about this job, contact:
Name: Lyndsey Hall Position: Team Leader Email: lyndseyhall@nhs.net Shortlisting Date: 24/08/2026 Interview Date: 04/09/2026
Job SummaryThe Central Specimen Reception (CSR) at LTHT is looking to recruit Biomedical Support Workers (BSW) to join our busy Pathology team.
The postholder will be part of a team who manage the initial receipt of specimens for essential hospital services such as AE and acute medicine, whilst also supporting primary care (GPs).
You will be working alongside specialist scientific service such as Blood Sciences, Specialist Laboratory medicine and Microbiology.
The successful candidate will work within a large hub laboratory utilising cutting edge technology, serving both Leeds Teaching Hospitals and the wider community. This includes the regional Oncology centre and the Leeds Children's Hospital.
CSR operates a shift system covering the full 24 hour period for both the St James and Leeds General Infirmary sites.
Our staffing is managed with a roster produced in advance with combinations of shifts. 7:30 – 16:00, 8:30 – 17:00. 12:30 – 21:00 and 20:30 -08:00.
As reception is purely BSW staffed, there is not a provision for any portfolio training or direct links into disciplines for those wishing to begin their IBMS portfolios.
This advert will close early if suitable applications are received.
Why you should join our TeamThis is an exciting time to join one of the largest Pathology departments in the country. Our new £30m Pathology building (on the St. James’s University Hospital site) and new Acute Hospital Laboratory (on the Leeds General Infirmary site) are now operational.
The Centre for Laboratory Medicine opened in 2025 with one of the largest and most comprehensive automated track systems in the UK.
Pathology at Leeds is a global reference site for our Managed Service provider. The department processes around 15,000 patient samples each day and is constantly seeking to innovate using new technologies, IT and diagnostic methods to improve patient outcomes. This role offers the successful candidate an excellent opportunity to be part of an exceptionally skilled and motivated workforce.
The successful candidate will be well supported by the management team and will gain an insight into how Pathology fits into the wider healthcare pathways.
Relevant training and support will be provided for the successful candidate.
We encourage all candidates to contact us to discuss the role(s) and we can offer informal visits to our laboratories for interested candidates
What you will bring to the roleThe post holder will be a member of a large team responsible for the initial processing of patient samples. You will be required to communicate effectively with colleagues in CSR, wider pathology and other health care professionals.
Operating the laboratory IT system (Winpath), to enter and retrieve patient demographics.
Responding to telephone queries and occasionally meeting members of the public as they hand deliver samples.
Preparation of chemical reagents.
Processing of samples as per standard operating procedures.
Rejecting samples following defined rules.
To demonstrate relevant job related tasks to new or more junior staff
Disposal of clinical waste and general housekeeping.
Please see the attached job description for further information about this vacancy.
About Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS TrustOur Trust values
The Leeds Way is working together to support each other and deliver the best possible care to patients.
We are....
Responsible Open and Honest One Team Kind
Our Trust priorities
Our purpose: Excellent, safe and sustainable care for every patient every time
Our priorities:
People Improvement and Innovation Partnerships Outcomes
Sponsorship EligibilityTo comply with UK Government regulations on Skilled Worker sponsorship, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold concessions set out under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please take this into consideration before submitting your application. Full guidance on these concessions, including details of who may qualify, can be found here.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.
Person Specification
Qualifications
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Experience
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Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Leeds Teaching Hospitals
Address
St James’s University Hospital
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS9 7TF
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/