Job description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced HCPC registered scientist to join the Nutristasis laboratory at St Thomas’ Hospital. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Biomedical Scientist to support service management, delivery and innovation.
The successful candidate would be expected to hold HCPC Registration and will need to have a degree of technical and scientific skills, in order to perform, develop and troubleshoot specialist assays.
The successful applicant would join a team of clinical, scientific and support staff dedicated to providing an excellent service for our customers. Our current work patterns are 37.5 hours/week Monday – Friday.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward thinking and growing service that is looking to invest in its staff, innovation and development.
The Nutristasis unit is internationally recognized for some of its services related to the assessment of vitamin status. Scientists working in this unit have the opportunity to present at international and national meetings. The laboratory is continuously developing new methodologies aimed to expand the services provided, as well as to improve the existing methodologies. The unit is equipped with state of the art UPC²-MS, LC-MS equipment, HPLC’s and Abbott Architects.The department is an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory.
As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, the post holder is responsible for performing a range of complex clinical and technical procedures; accountable for their own actions and for staff that they direct or supervise. Most frequently are regulated practitioners that have specialised or taken on more senior responsibilities. They will have a relevant undergraduate degree (i.e. BSc Hons Biomedical Science including HCPC registered) and have also completed a higher qualification (i.e. MSc in relevant subject or IBMS Specialist Portfolio). They will have advanced experience in Clinical Chemistry, including the performance of automated, semi-automated and complex manual assays.
The post holder will undertake analytical, technical and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery where required. The post holder will be required to undertake their responsibilities to meet all required national standards e.g. UKAS. When necessary, the post holder may be required to deputise for a more senior colleague.
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Technical
- Use laboratory information system according to protocols
- Advise service users on sample preservation and transportation to laboratory
- Assist in accurate and precise sample preparation of a complex nature and allocate testing procedures accordingly.
- Undertake accurate and precise data entry and technical validation of results on laboratory computer system
- Analyse and make judgments on complex scientific issues on a range of options including anomalous test results which requires frequent periods of concentration
- In accordance with Departmental protocol, authorise results, request additional testing and add appropriate clinical comments
- Work within the scope of practice and code of conduct and maintain the required standard of proficiency.
- Discuss with service users complex scientific, medical and sensitive information relating to patient care in accordance with departmental protocols
- Perform Nutristasis Assays with in-depth knowledge of their scientific principles. The post holder will also participate in transfer of this knowledge to junior staff
- Process samples for clinical trials and research and development projects as and when required
- Ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff
- Undertake preventative maintenance of automated analysers as and when required
- Troubleshooting of instruments and automated analyser. Report any failures to a senior member of staff.
- To file samples following appropriate protocols and keep records as required
- Dispose of excess and tested samples according to departmental protocols
- Effectively communicate laboratory results which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature, to internal and external clients, as per departmental protocol
- Ensure laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with accreditation standards
- Supervise work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time
- Effective communication with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion
- Input patient results onto laboratory computer system
- Handle telephone enquiries from service users
- Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Pathology
- To use information systems, specialist and general software, in data entry and the collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services
- Work and operate effectively within the Haemostasis & Thrombosis Quality Management System
- Must maintain HCPC registration and participate in Continued Professional Development
- Compliance with local and national policies for the safe secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information
- Maintain integrity and accuracy of laboratory database where appropriate
- Be proactive in escalating any possible issues that may impact on service delivery to senior colleagues
- Propose changes to Standard Operating Procedures to senior staff as and when required
- Responsible for the planning and organisation of own workload
- Prioritise workload to manage emergency and urgent work according to protocol
- As appropriate within the discipline and role, assist senior staff in maintaining high scientific and quality standards
- Ensure standards as required by ISO 15189 are maintained and where possible improved upon
- Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes
- Participate in audits of laboratory process and procedures
- Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept at laboratory standards
- Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork
- Undertake mandatory training as required by the employer and Synnovis
- To maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis
- Train staff new to department and provide advice to less experienced MLA, BMS and clerical staff
- Work within remits of confidentiality when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature
- Undertake a period of laboratory training and competence assessment
- To participate in an annual appraisal cycle, and be assessed against competences of the role.
- Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by the appraisal cycle
- Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
GSTT
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!