Biomedical Scientist

We are excited to invite applications from enthusiastic and dedicated HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists to become part of our highly skilled and friendly Immunology team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build or advance their career in diagnostic immunology. As a Biomedical Scientist in our Immunology department, you will play a key role in delivering a high-quality laboratory service that directly supports patient care and diagnosis. You’ll be involved in both routine and specialist analytical testing of biological samples, contributing to accurate and timely diagnostic reporting.

Main duties of the job:

• To process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, cerebral spinal fluid and other tissues, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.
• The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi-automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council, understand the pathology of disease in relationship to the results produced whilst being aware of their significance in the authorisation of patients' results with reference to the normal ranges.
• Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.
• To prioritise work and perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.
• Following protocols, request additional tests or samples to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease.
• To understand the principles underlying the analytical processes used in your area of work so as to maintain their operation and quality of results.
• To receive requests forms and accompanying samples, to book those into the Path Computer system, to prepare the samples (including centrifugation) for analysis, to load and unload samples from analysers, to sort into racks and transfer for storage on completion.
• Answer telephone enquiries regarding results and other general laboratory issues e.g. giving advice on the correct conditions and sample type for a particular test request.
• To operate analytical equipment within your section, within your discipline and within the department, some of which will be highly complex and require specialist training.
• To perform front line troubleshooting and repairs of analysers of highly complex, expensive automated equipment e.g. multichannel analysers, used in the day-to-day function of the laboratory.
• To participate in and understand the quality assurance programs of the department, both internal and external i.e. NEQAS (National External Quality Assurance Schemes).
• To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update.
• To continually update their knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in their Continual Professional Development folder.
• To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.
• To communicate with other health care professionals in transmission and in response to telephone enquiries relating to results and the service.
• To assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis.
• To assist senior colleagues in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure continuous service provision.
• To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times and as directed by senior staff and contribute to their formulation.
• Propose any changes to these SOPs in order to maintain the quality of the service and maximise efficiency.
• To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
• To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
• To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
• To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
• To assist in the process of continual quality improvement. This will include audit, corrective action, preventative action and improvement processes.
• To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time.
• To participate in the training of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and new staff.
• To assist senior staff in the supervision of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Assistant Technical Officers.
• To assist in audit carried out by internal and external agencies.
• To rotate through sections of the Combined Laboratory as required.
• Subject to the principle statement of employment, or within the local agreements pertaining to 24/7 provision, participate in this service.
• Participate in clinical trials or any research & development undertaken by the department, including sample preparation, analysis and collating data as necessary.
• At the direction of senior departmental staff undertake work from any source commensurate with the knowledge and skills of a state registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Ensure issues and problems are resolved satisfactorily and referred through your line management structure as appropriate.
• Cover for senior staff and be prepared to work on your own when necessary.
• To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.
• To work in other specialties within Pathology, where appropriate and as directed.

Person specification:

• Knowledge & Experience:
• Ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease in Immunology.
• Ability to perform all assays relevant to Immunology.
• An understanding of the meaning of results to enable authorisation and appropriate action in dealing with abnormal or unusual results.
• Demonstrable experience with specialist techniques within the discipline the post holder is expected to work.

• Qualifications:
• Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health Professions Council. The latter will require a Post Graduate Certificate, a Post Graduate Diploma or an MSc in Biomedical Sciences.
• State registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Associate of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.
• A willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement.
• Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy.
• Accuracy/precision, whilst working within a busy environment.
• Ability to work well within a busy environment.
• Ability to work well within a team.