Principal Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry in Bristol

To take a leading role in managing clinical and scientific aspects of the toxicology and antenatal screening services. The toxicology service includes clinical and coronial drug testing, immunosuppressants, trace metals, iohexol clearance and cholinesterase phenotyping. To interpret and report postmortem toxicology results and liaise with pathologists, coroners officers and staff from other toxicology laboratories. To provide clinical and scientific input in the automated biochemistry laboratory service and contribute to the general clinical biochemistry validation rota (duty biochemist). This post also includes participation in the out-of-hours on-call rota for clinical advice., As a Principal Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry the postholder will

• be responsible for the day-to-day management of scientific aspects of the toxicology and antenatal screeningservices (incorporating clinical and coronial toxicology, cholinesterase and antenatal screening for trisomies), ultimately responsible to theConsultant Clinical Scientist.
• Contribute to the clinical and scientific leadership of the automated clinical biochemistry service
• Participate in the general biochemistry clinical validation rota, providing interpretation and clinical advice in general biochemistry and endocrinology, and participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota for clinical advice.
• Interpret and report toxicology results and, in conjunction with the Consultant Clinical Scientist, produce postmortem toxicology reports for pathologists and coroners.
• Take a lead role in the laboratory provision of the antenatal screening service (fetal anomaly screening program, FASP)
  We are looking for a highly motivated Clinical Scientist to join the Clinical Biochemistry team at Southmead Hospital, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This post offers the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in the areas of toxicology and antenatal screening within the Specialist and Manual Techniques section of the Clinical Biochemistry department. The post holder will also participate in the department's general clinical validation rota and contribute to the clinical and scientific leadership of the biochemistry automated laboratory.

Applicants must beHCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist, have an MSc or PhD in an area relevant to the discipline and have completed part 1 FRCPath. A broad range of experience in Clinical Biochemistry is essential, along with good team working and leadership skills. Previous experience in Toxicology is desirable.

• First or second-class honours degree in biochemistry, chemistry or a related subject.
• Master's degree (or assessed equivalent level of knowledge) in the specialty of Clinical Biochemistry
• Satisfactory completion of a formal pre-registration scientist training programme in Clinical Biochemistry
• State Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist (Clinical Biochemistry)., To have completed post graduate training approved as appropriate for registration together with supervised in-service experience totalling a minimum of 3 years
• Experience of undertaking research and development and audit
• Extensive IT experience and knowledge of laboratory computer information systems, common software packages (Word, Excel and Sharepoint) and specialist software packages (e.g. statistical packages), The post holder must be able to accurately record, analyse and interpret the results of investigations undertaken within Clinical Biochemistry
• The post holder must be able to process very complex scientific information, as is required in the specialist areas of Toxicology and antenatal screening
• The ability to lead and direct a team of staff, to ensure smooth running of the Department and achievement of goals and targets in the designated section.
• To have developed analytical (technical) skills in general and specialist clinical biochemistry techniques
• To have a good knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving/troubleshooting, Highly developed expertise and knowledge of theoretical, clinical and laboratory analytical aspects of the specialist field of Toxicology
• Highly developed expertise and knowledge of theoretical, clinical and laboratory aspects of antenatal screening for trisomies
• To have developed technical ability in specialist techniques such as tandem mass spectrometry, To have experience as a registered clinical scientist acting at a senior level in a range of clinical biochemistry specialties
• Experience of the analysis and interpretation of all aspects of General and Endocrine Biochemistry and its application to clinical practice, such that the post holder can act as an expert within the Trust
• Experience of developing and troubleshooting new methods, for use in research projects or routine clinical biochemistry service, Clinical and laboratory experience within the specialist field of Toxicology, A thorough understanding of the basic science that underpins the speciality of Clinical Biochemistry and its application to clinical practice
• An appreciation of other pathology disciplines and diagnostic imaging to view findings in the appropriate clinical context
• Able to advise medical and nursing staff on appropriate investigations and interpretation of biochemical and metabolic processes
• Expert knowledge in a specialist area of work relevant to the role (for example toxicology or antenatal screening)
• Able to initiate and conduct Research and Development activities
• Able to conduct audits of both the laboratory and clinical service
• The ability to critically appraise new information published in the literature
• An up to date awareness of national policies affecting the NHS, Laboratory Medicine, Blood Sciences and Clinical Biochemistry in particular
• Ability to communicate complex information and interpret the significance of results back to requestors
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Able to prepare and present scientific and clinical information at meetings and provide teaching and training for laboratory staff, Ability to work independently, managing own workload and that of others within the department
• Ability to work under pressure to deadlines
• Able and confident to challenge established views
• Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations
• Able to maintain intense concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions
• Good interpersonal skills
• The Clinical Biochemistry department is part of Severn Pathology, located at Southmead Hospital in purpose-built Pathology buildings and incorporating Blood Sciences, Genetics, Infection Sciences and Cellular Pathology. Following the formation of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust we will be working closely with colleagues across the City centre and Weston to develop fully integrated pathology services within a single organisation.
• Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
• With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that theSouth Westhas to offer.