They are not explicitly listed on the list of acceptable professional referees, but would the following titles/professions be accepted? I'm under the impression that the list is not exhaustive.
Biomedical scientist (HCPC state registered)
Clinical scientist (HCPC state registered)
HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) is a regulator to protect the public. They keep a register of health and care professionals that meet their standards of proficiency. To use a protected title (such as Biomedical scientist), one must be registered with the HCPC. It is against the law to use a protected title without being registered.
IMO, that sounds like it would be sufficient as a professional referee.