Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The St George's Hospital Specialist Biochemistry Laboratory operates a centralised esoteric biochemistry service to all partner hospitals and other third-party laboratories. The laboratory is fully accredited to ISO 15189, equipped with gel electrophoresis for lipoproteins and alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes, FTIR, multiple HPLC and LCMSMS instruments supplemented by twin Tecan Freedom Evo sample preparation systems. Our LIMS is Clinisys WinPath Enterprise with Beckman Coulter Remisol acting as middleware. These allow us to provide a clinical service for a wide range of analytes in addition to the routine analyses assayed in the automated biochemistry laboratory.

This Specialist Biomedical Scientist role requires a motivated HCPC registered BMS seeking to gain experience in a busy specialist biochemistry laboratory. This post is based in Special Biochemistry at St George's Hospital Clinical Blood Sciences Laboratory (CBS); however, the post holder may be required to work temporarily in the automated biochemistry laboratory at St Georges or at any of the South West London Pathology sites as and when necessary. During the life of the contract, the post may transition to a purpose-built laboratory within the boundary of the SWLP network.

Main duties of the job:

• Provides specialist clinical technical services to patients that may include research and audit samples.
• Contributes to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department.
• Able to perform all core scientific and interpretive work, which corresponds to the training and qualifications of a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
• To assist in training and supervising staff and deputising for the Advanced Biomedical Scientist when necessary.

Job responsibilities:

• To be proficient in designated areas of diagnostic work within the department and to provide a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff.
• To undertake a range of diagnostic tests and screening procedures through to initial interpretation.
• To ensure that test procedures are carried out according to SOPs, assess that other junior staff are competent and participate in their regular review and update.
• To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
• To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
• To carry out corrective action when quality control and assurance procedures indicate loss of performance.
• To take part in duties without supervision at a level of autonomy requiring decision making but can refer to more senior or medical staff for support.
• Ensure documentation is maintained to UKAS standards.
• Identify and report clinical risks so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the Trust risk management policy.
• Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills.
• Participated in an annual appraisal process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.
• To participate as required in all rotas for the provision of the clinical service.
• Conduct audits as required.
• To work within the SWLP Quality Management Systems.

Person Specification:

Knowledge and experience:

• Essential: Able to follow written methodologies or protocols.
• Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Use of enhanced pathology computer systems and associated middleware.
• Evidence of preparation of laboratory processes and procedures.
• Excellent working knowledge of all aspects of manual biochemistry techniques.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Knowledge of health & safety legislation, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of quality management systems.
• Experience of training staff.
• Excellent pipetting skills.
• Good understanding of IQC.
• Experience of using manual techniques in a clinical biochemistry setting.

• Desirable: Previous HPLC experience other than HbA1c.
• Experience of clinical governance issues.
• Able to participate in out of hours working as required.

Qualifications and Training:

• Essential: HCPC registration.
• A minimum of 2 years experience at a band 5.
• Membership of a professional body.

• Desirable: Evidence of post graduate study.

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.

UK Registration:

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details:

Employer name: St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: St Georges University Hospital, Blackshaw road, London, SW17 0QT