Senior Clinical Scientist/Biomedical Scientist
NHS AfC: Band 7
Main area Immunology Grade NHS AfC: Band 7 Contract Fixed term: 12 months (12 month secondment) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Take part in any shift work to cover the daily running of the service between 8am and 7pm) Job ref 321-CSS-7952184-B7
Site Department of Immunology - Churchill Hospital Town Oxford Salary £49,387 - £56,515 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 08/10/2026 23:59
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.
The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
Many of our recruitment programmes useValue Based Interviewingto identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit www.ouh.nhs.uk/about/vision-and-values
Job overview
We are keen to recruit an enthusiastic, flexible and self-motivated person to join our friendly team of staff. As a Healthcare scientist, you will play a key role in helping to deliver and develop our comprehensive, clinical immunology service.
The post holder will:
Work as part of the team providing a clinical diagnostic service in Immunology to the Trust, General Practice, other UK and overseas Trusts and laboratories and Clinical Trials.
Be a HCPC Registered Band 7 scientist in immunology, and in conjunction with senior management team, deliver this service to nationally accepted standards.
Contribute to the provision of specialist knowledge and expertise in Immunology relevant to their particular section.
At bench level, be responsible for the overall running of their particular section of the Immunology Laboratory.
At bench level, continuously develop the Oxford immunology service by managing the evaluation and implementation of new developments for the immunology service relevant to their particular section.
Contribute to laboratory-wide quality procedures such as audit, non-compliance and inspection by accreditation bodies.
To be a competent project manager of assigned platforms and assays, to manage and address all associated quality, scientific, training and operational needs.
To competently and proactively engage with Laboratory task management software, both existing structure and future development.
Main duties of the job
The Department of Immunology at Oxford University Hospitals Trust, are looking for an HCPC registered Healthcare Scientist with experience in an NHS diagnostic laboratory (preferably Immunology). The applicant must have an M level qualification in a relevant biomedical subject (preferably Immunology)
Applications to join our friendly team, are invited from enthusiastic, flexible and self-motivated scientists. The successful candidate will use their excellent communication skills, playing a role in delivering/development of our comprehensive, clinical service. You will help the Department meet the necessary standards for accreditation, ensuring protocols are followed and maintain Health, Safety and Security for individuals, the Department and the Trust.
The Department of Immunology, is a large and dynamic laboratory providing a regional diagnostic Immunology service. It offers a substantial, specialised and diverse repertoire of assays. The laboratory has UKAS 15189 accreditation and processes over 650,000 tests per year. Situated in a vibrant, historical city with a tradition of innovation we offer opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.
Please ensure you read the job description and your supportive statement reflects this, as your application will be judged against these criteria.
Working for our organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.
We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.
These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel .
In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles
Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.
If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder is expected to manage their own workload on a day-to-day basis without direct supervision and to:
Scientific/Technical
- Be familiar with the Health and Safety policies operating within the department and ensure that they are adhered to and updated when appropriate.
- Carry out laboratory tests in a safe and responsible manner according to approved departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Use and maintain equipment safely according to approved departmental procedures (SOPs).
- Have a thorough working knowledge of the specimen pathway for the laboratory, including specimen room protocols. Is experienced and effective in the use of EPR, LIMS, iPassport, Task management software and Microsoft Word/Excel.
- Verify and validate diagnostic test results against approved quality standards and report results onto the laboratory information system (LIMS computer). As required, telephone urgent or clinically important results to the requester.
- Understand the workload of their relevant section and engage in development of strategies for efficient, error-free delivery.
- Maintain the quality management requirements within the correct time frame for their particular section using available team members appropriately including IQC, EQA, document review, audit findings, non-conformities and quality meeting action points.
- Troubleshoot quality control problems, on own or with reference to other staff, and report all such problems to senior staff when appropriate.
- Troubleshoot equipment problems, on own or with reference to other staff, and report all such problems to senior staff. Liaise with equipment supplier representatives and engineers to rectify equipment problems.
- Provide expert scientific and technical advice on their particular section to other healthcare professionals outside of the immunology department.
- To participate in the development of their section with regards to new equipment and new assays and to coordinate all required change processes for implementation of a new test to the service.
- Advise on appropriate technology for the efficient provision of the service.
- Provide and participate in clinical audit initiatives.
- Supervise training for biomedical scientists, clinical scientists and junior medical staff and assist in the supervision of research projects relevant to their section.
- Help to deliver aspects of departmental staff’s continuing professional development.
- Day-to-day supervision and coordination of junior team members contributing to workflows, which they have ownership of.
- To manage staff on the section, with line management responsibilities for appraisal, performance management, career development and pastoral care in conjunction with the senior management team.
Resource
- To assist the laboratory manager and the department in the efficient and effective use of material resources, consumables and diagnostic kits
- To perform stock inventory and stock control duties.
- To order stock as required and perform stock rotation as required.
Professional
- As a Registered Clinical or Biomedical scientist, maintain high professional and technical standards and maintain a portfolio to demonstrate active participation in Continuous Professional Development in line with the requirements for the HCPC.
- Behave responsibly and courteously at all times and maintain good, professional working relationships with other members of staff.
Key Responsibilities
- To participate in the Trust’s annual values based appraisal process.
- To attend all relevant mandatory training as and when required to do so.
- Take responsibility for own development and engage in appropriate learning interventions and opportunities.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
- Holds HCPC registrations as Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist
- Masters in Immunology or Clinical Immunology
- Other relevant M-level qualification in Immunology
Experience and Knowledge
- Extensive current knowledge and understanding of the range of techniques and assays used within Immunology and their application to clinical diagnosis.
- Experience of supervising personnel.
- Experience in training staff.
- Experience in using Quality Management document control software
- Have relevant managerial experience
- Experience of assay verification to UKAS standard.
- Experience of Task management software
Skills and Abilities
- Good IT skills including experience using Excel, Word and diagnostic laboratory specific software.
- Good organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritise and deal with multiple tasks and demands.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written, verbal and presentation.
- Good manual dexterity and practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic lab work.
- Ability to work in a methodical and precise manner
Personal Qualities
- Able to work as team member.
- Reliable and trustworthy and demonstrate behaviours in line with the OUH Trust values.
- Able to deal with complex problems (technical and personnel) arising within section as appropriate
- Able to perform light physical work
- Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and maintenance of CPD.
Other Requirements
- Flexible approach to hours of work
- Prepared to work with biological materials and a variety of sample types.
Sexual Safety Charter : In 2023NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit tothe ten core principles
Oxford University Hospitalspromotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.
If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.
Visa and Immigration: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process. Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers / Work in the UK - GOV.UK
COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.
Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.
Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.
To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as this document is crucial for assessment. This does not prevent you from seeking support via AI with applications for the purposes of any disability and/or long-term health conditions.
When using AI to help write your application, it is important to personalise it, especially your supporting statement. While AI can simplify the process, it will not fully understand the job's requirements and/or be able to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. Write your statement to show why you are interested in the role and how you would be a valued member of the team/OUH employee.
No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 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.
Application numbers
Please note that this job advertisement will close automatically once the application limit is reached, regardless of whether this occurs before the advertised closing date.
Band 5 NurseandBand 2 Healthcare Support Workerrecruitment iscentralised, meaning when you apply you will be considered fora number of rolesacross the Trust. If you have any questions please email: nursing.careers@ouh.nhs.uk .
Vacancies with our PFI partners
Domestic / catering / porteringservices at theJohn Radcliffe Hospitalare provided byMitie.
Domestic / catering / portering / maintenance engineerservices at theChurchill HospitalandNuffield Orthopaedic Centreare provided byG4S.
Maintenance engineer services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Equans.
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