Senior Biomedical Scientist - IHC Lead

Work Environment:

• This position is Laboratory Based; Kidlington, Oxford, UK.
• Travel may be very rarely required on an ad hoc basis.

Shift Work

• You will work on a shift basis between the hours of 7.00am to 8.00pm.
• Shift Times will be scheduled each week on a rota and communicated by your Line Manager

Step into a cutting-edge digital pathology environment where innovation meets purpose.

Working for us means taking a step into a forward-thinking, digitally-driven diagnostic laboratory at the forefront of diagnostic innovation.

At the heart of our laboratory is a passionate team dedicated to advancing healthcare. For you this means working alongside open, skilled colleagues who inspire growth and learning every day.

You\’re part of a vibrant team, where your ideas matter and your contributions make a real difference to healthcare.

We\’ll provide unmatched opportunities for ongoing personal and professional career development.

You\’ll take on new and exciting challenges. And your professional journey will be fuelled by continual learning, amazing collaboration, and working together to make a real difference.

If you\’re ready to shape the future of pathology, and grow personally and professionally, we invite you to join us on our exciting mission.

Role Summary

As a Senior Biomedical Scientist (IHC Lead) at Diagnexia, you will play a pivotal role in spearheading our fully digitised pathology laboratory, establishing yourself as a beacon of technical expertise. Your responsibilities will not only encompass the preparation of samples but will also focus on developing and leading specialised techniques and methodologies.

As an IHC Lead, you will be required to supervise other staff members and deputise for the Laboratory Director as appropriate, whilst being the driving force behind the development and maintenance of the IHC service

The ideal candidate for this role will have one or more of:

• MSc in biomedical science,
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Immunocytochemistry (IHC)
• Biomedical Scientist with 5+years relevant experience within Histology. A proven track record of excellence in histopathology, expertise in delivering IHC services, and orchestrating related laboratory activities are also ideally demonstrated.

Responsibilities:

Key tasks:

• Take responsibility for the IHC laboratory ensuring delivery of a high quality service that meets clinical needs.
• Overseeing technical and scientific operations of the IHC laboratory including validation of new antibodies and staining protocols
• Provide specialist advice to service users
• Supervise the performance of more junior staff within the laboratory to ensure timely delivery of laboratory targets
• Develop and maintain the standard operating procedures for use within the IHC laboratory in accordance with relevant regulatory standards
• Develop and maintain competency training documents for use within the laboratory in accordance with relevant regulatory standards
• Perform and evaluate staff training and competencies, and facilitate CPD for staff
• Take responsibility for own training and development and maintain expertise at the forefront of all areas of histopathology (both practical and theoretical)
• Participate in staff interviews, selection process and appraisals
• Contribute to the laboratory quality management system and work with the quality manager and laboratory manager to ensure all staff within the Laboratory are working in accordance with relevant quality and laboratory protocols
• Develop and present reports at relevant meetings as well as facilitate and/or chair laboratory section or departmental meetings
• As part of the laboratory management team, take responsibility for ensuring that all activities within the laboratory sections are carried out in line with relevant laboratory code of practice, laboratory protocols including CoSHH/Health & Safety, and UKAS requirements

Sample Collection and Handling:

• Collect and receive biological samples, while ensuring proper labelling and storage.
• Maintain accurate records of sample collection, transportation, and storage conditions.
• Competently handle all steps of the specimen workflow including but not limited to; Accessioning, basic grossing, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining and digitisation of cases as required.

Quality Control and Quality assurance:

• Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to maintain the integrity of the testing process.
• Adhere to UKAS standards and participate in internal and external quality assurance programs and audits.
• Ensure staff are following relevant quality control and quality assurance procedures and follow up on any issues including escalation to the laboratory and/or quality manager as required.

Method Development and Validation:

• Develop and validate new laboratory methods and procedures as needed, following industry best practices and standards in accordance with UKAS 15189:2022 and NEQAS.

Research and Development:

• Engage in research activities to develop and improve advanced tissue labelling techniques, including digitisation and analysis..

Safety and Compliance:

• Adhere to strict safety protocols to protect both laboratory personnel and patients.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory guidelines, including GDPR and UKAS

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all testing activities, including sample tracking, procedures, and results.
• Generate clear and concise reports for clients, clinical trials managers, pathologists, data scientists, and other stakeholders.

Patient and Data Privacy:

• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and laboratory data, adhering to privacy laws and regulations.

Other:

• Collaborate with pathologists, clinical trial managers, and clients to discuss test results and provide meaningful insights.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the field through ongoing education, training, and professional development.
• Regularly calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Monitor and manage inventory of reagents, supplies, and consumables to ensure uninterrupted testing operations.
• Identify and resolve technical issues or anomalies in test results, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Training required for the role, may include ISMS, GLP, DocuSign and GDPR awareness.
• Appropriately deal with unexpected situations, incidents etc. and plan follow-up actions
• Undertake any other duties as required and appropriate to the nature and grade of the post.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Currently HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Completed IBMS Higher Specialist Portfolio or Masters Degree (preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years experience in Histology, Immunohistochemistry, Special stains, Embedding, Microtome, cutting sections.
• Ability to mentor and supervise members of staff, as well as assist in the management of the provision of a high quality laboratory service
• Proof of CPD and competency
• Experience in preparation for UKAS audits and working in a UKAS accredited laboratory.
• Awareness of clinical significance of laboratory finding and implications for research projects.
• Ability to provide technical and scientific advice as appropriate, and take further actions if test findings are anomalous or unexpected.
• Familiarity with and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments, including carrying out advanced troubleshooting in all laboratory sections.
• Strong data analysis skills, including the ability to use statistical software, data visualisation tools, and databases to interpret and report research or diagnostic findings. Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles, and the ability to implement and maintain quality control and quality assurance measures in the laboratory.
• Capability to develop, validate, and optimise laboratory methods and procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex scientific concepts to colleagues, healthcare providers, and non-specialists.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with colleagues, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Diagnexia is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to the principle of equality. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, religious beliefs, political views, gender identity, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, family or marital status (including pregnancy), disability, membership of the travelling community or any other classification protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr