Biomedical Scientist- Transplant Immunology in Leeds

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual to further develop their skills as a Biomedical Scientist within the Transplant and Cellular Immunology Laboratory at Leeds St James's Hospital. Working as part of a team, you will be expected to perform a wide range of specialist technical investigations across all sections of the laboratory. At times, you may be expected to work alone and independently, for example, when working on-call or participating in particular laboratory tasks.

To be considered for this Biomedical Scientist position, you must be registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist (or have a relevant IBMS accredited degree with completion of the IBMS registration portfolio and HCPC registration expected within 6 months). You must also have demonstrable laboratory experience, ideally in an H&I laboratory, along with a keen interest in this scientific field. Relevant training and support will be provided for the successful candidate, including (subject to an application process) support to complete an IBMS Specialist Portfolio.

Main duties of the job

Working in different sections of the department, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. The laboratory carries out HLA typing, crossmatching and HLA antibody screening in support of solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) programmes as well as disease association testing. The Cellular Immunology section performs immunophenotyping and functional assays to support the diagnosis and treatment of a range of clinical conditions. Assays include molecular HLA typing methods (including next generation sequencing, real-time PCR and PCR-SSP), HLA antibody testing using multiplex solid phase platform assays (Luminex) and flow cytometry assays; BMS staff are expected to train to be competent in all these techniques.

Candidates will be well organised and able to manage and prioritise their workload successfully. Excellent communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to cultivate and maintain good working relationships with service users, departmental colleagues and senior managers. Ability to use basic computer software and laboratory information systems is essential. Candidates will be expected, after a period of training, to participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota, supporting the renal transplantation service.

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY

As a State Registered Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will be a member of the departmental team and assist in the delivery of a quality driven, cost-effective, patient focused service consistent with LTHT Pathology objectives. To provide that service in a manner commensurate with the profession. The post holder's main role is to carry out the examination of pathological samples using various technologies and to report or present the results as appropriate.

Working in different sections of the department you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards the provision of an accurate and timely service for patients. You will be expected to apply professional judgments and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations, and how to work, often under pressure, either independently or as part of the team. You will be required to communicate information, often related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organisations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Carry out appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the post levels of knowledge, skills and experience.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation.
• Participate in the department roster as required.
• Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with line manager.
• Communicate complex, technical information to users of the service.
• Participate and ensure the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.

Leadership/Management

• Support and inspire staff to provide efficient, effective, safe, quality care to patients.
• Provide day to day supervision and coordination of staff.
• Promote the building of effective teams and collaboration between teams.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.

Quality/Training

• Support and participate in level 1 incident investigations.
• Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance (EQA) and Accreditation standards.
• Participate in audits and clinical governance.

The post holder will be expected to gain competence in techniques to enable participation in the delivery of 24 hour Pathology service. This entails contracted participation in a 24/7 rota and/or the out of hour rota. The post holder will be required to work cross site locations (LGI & SJUH) if the service requires it.

Communication & Working Relationships

As the job holder you will communicate and work directly or indirectly with a diverse range of other staff, including colleagues, supervisors and managers within the speciality, members of clinical teams, and administrative staff.

Special Working Conditions

As the job holder you will be required to work in a clinical laboratory environment. As such you will work under controlled conditions where chemical and biological hazards may be present.

Person Specification

• Ability to participate in a 24/7 on-call rota system.
• HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist (or expected to achieve within 6 months).
• Practical experience of working in a Pathology laboratory.
• Understanding and knowledge of pathology and disease processes.

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.