Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist in London

We are seeking an experienced, HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS) with leadership skills to join our team at a senior level as the departmental lead for the Muscle service. Applications are invited for this exciting post within the Department of Clinical Neuropathology at King's College Hospital Denmark Hill Campus in London. Working full time, your existing skillsets will be stretched as you apply advanced techniques in Neuropathology, playing a key role in this specialist service and leading in the muscle service. The applicant should have evidence of extensive experience in processing muscle samples, muscle histochemistry/ICC staining and overall quality control.

This UKAS accredited department delivers comprehensive diagnostic neuropathology services for King's College Hospital, external referring institutions and is involved in research investigations for the London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank. The department handles a wide range of CNS and PNS specimens including muscle, nerve, pituitary and skin (for IENFD intra-epidermal nerve fibre density analysis), and conducts whole brain examinations. The techniques employed include standard formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sectioning and staining as well as advanced histological procedures including fresh frozen sections for enzyme histochemistry, automated and manual immunohistochemistry and resin processing for semi-thin. Experience in these techniques will be highly advantageous.

Main duties of the job

• Perform a range of specialised diagnostic histological tests and laboratory analysis on tissue specimens for the diagnosis of disease.
• Organise and supervise the laboratory team on a rotational basis within the department to ensure timely and high-quality laboratory processes.
• Participate in and promote an effective Quality Management System in collaboration with the Quality Officers & Quality Manager.
• Train laboratory staff and promote personal development planning.
• Liaise with pathologists, clinicians and laboratory staff in other areas of the department and wider Trust to ensure a professional and efficient service.
• Continue with personal development through academic or practical experience.

About us

Clinical Neuropathology is one of the ultra-specialist laboratories within the Synnovis analytics core service. The laboratory is ISO 15189: accredited (No. 8620) and is approved by the IBMS to provide training for both registration and specialist (cellular pathology) portfolios.

Your development and learning

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.

Job responsibilities

The department of Clinical Neuropathology provides high-quality UKAS accredited diagnostic services and conducts research into disease of the nervous system. A wide range of CNS and PNS specimens are handled. Services include diagnosis of tumours as well as other pathologies on Pituitary biopsies, Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), Muscle and Nerve biopsy, Intra-Epidermal Nerve Fibre Density analysis (IENFD), Epilepsy surgery and supporting comprehensive Neuro Molecular Genetic testing. The department provides autopsy examinations and forensic neuropathology, particularly for head injury and coordinates research projects and teaching courses in traumatic neuropathology. The department also provides clinical diagnosis for the Centre for Nervous Tissue Bio-Resource (Brain Bank) for neurodegenerative disease.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for a specialist area, providing specialised technical scientific services and communicating complex information that will aid and determine clinical diagnosis.
• Contribute to the development of specialist investigations, identifying better ways of working and finding efficiencies in service delivery.
• Manage day-to-day staffing with the Operations Manager to ensure all resourcing needs are met, manage workflow and relevant training to meet turnaround times, cover bench work and where required supervise others as part of early or late or weekend shifts.
• Take part in other activities such as audits, training, and potentially clinical trials as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse samples in line with local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including but not limited to recording results and necessary action on the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), ensuring all Information Governance (IG) requirements are met.
• Maintain standards of conduct required by the HCPC to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Provide technical advice to clinical colleagues as required and within limits of competency.
• Participate in the strategic development and service improvement of the analytical service, be responsible for the implementation of new techniques, equipment, and tests, as directed including all verification and validation work.
• Ensure all incidents and events are correctly reported by junior staff in Q-Pulse quality management database and other relevant software and support them in learning quality procedures and investigations.
• In conjunction with the Quality team, monitor, report and action errors, hazards, and incidents logged in the CAPA module of Q-Pulse.
• Participate in appropriate clinical audits as required and directed.
• Monitor, and report on EQA and IQC procedures and be responsible for correcting problems that have been identified.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management.
• Provide supervision for all employees, including participating in early, late and weekend shifts if necessary and as required.
• Line manage employees, as required, including delivering all aspects of people management.
• Encourage junior employees in their scientific expertise, knowledge and professional development.
• Develop, prepare, write, and review relevant documents, including SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments in line with the ISO 15189 standard.
• Demonstrate ongoing laboratory-based competency against training plans.
• Educate, train and involve the laboratory's staff in quality principles and practice.
• Demonstrate professionalism, patience and empathy when explaining complex subjects.
• Attend, and where required, chair regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
• Work closely with Operations Manager to ensure stock inventory compliance.
• Deputise for the Operations Manager including attendance at meetings, as required.
• Take part in CPD activities to ensure that your practices and knowledge are always relevant and up to date.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) IBMS accredited degree or equivalent
• HCPC State registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Specialist portfolio in relevant discipline or equivalent experience
• MSc, FIBMS or equivalent experience in a similar role
• Evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Experience

• Leadership qualities with experience of coaching, co-ordinating and managing a team
• Experience of supervising junior employees
• Significant demonstrable discipline specific practical experience
• Experience in the education of physiology, pathology, and scientific principles relevant to specialism
• Lead in area of special interest and expertise in one or more areas of the laboratory.

Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced working knowledge of histological, immunocytochemical and cryotomy techniques.
• Advanced working knowledge of processing muscle samples and muscle histochemistry/ICC staining.
• Well-developed physical skills, demonstrable ability to use precision equipment and consumables.
• Ability to manage effectively in a changing dynamic environment with multiple conflicting priorities.
• Knowledge of the correct policies and procedures to implement in relation to quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS.

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.