Clinical Scientist in London

We are seeking an enthusiastic Clinical Scientist (Synnovis Pay Band 7) to join the Biochemical Sciences department at Synnovis. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work within an experienced and motivated team providing a comprehensive diagnostic service for inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs). Mass Spectrometry underpins much of the department’s work: diagnosis and monitoring of inherited metabolic diseases including purine metabolism; the delivery of newborn screening for the southeast Thames region; and selected therapeutic drug monitoring. The department is equipped with tandem mass spectrometers, gas chromatography-mass spectrometers and high-performance liquid chromatography analysers.

The successful candidate will be based in the inherited metabolic disease laboratory and potentially also the newborn screening laboratory, supporting the continued delivery and development of these specialist services. The post involves close collaboration with scientists, clinicians and other healthcare professionals providing valuable exposure to the clinical application of laboratory science and the management of patients with metabolic disorders. Clinical scientist candidates who will soon obtain registration are welcome to apply. Attainment of FRCPath part 1 is encouraged and supported by Synnovis.

Main duties of the job:

• Day-to-day responsibility for the provision of a range of clinical, technical and scientific diagnostic activities, including interpretation and clinical validation of results; communicating complex information and advice that will aid and determine clinical diagnosis.
• Supervise and provide specialised training to less experienced employees, students, trainees and other healthcare professionals.
• Undertake research in your own field under the direction of more senior clinical scientist colleagues, contributing to the development of specialist investigations, identifying better ways of working and finding efficiencies in service delivery.
• Participate in research activities and publications; attend and present at regional, national and international meetings.
• Spend a proportion of time focused on quality and UKAS orientated activities, service development and technical and clinical validation of results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain standards of conduct required by the HCPC to practice as a registered Clinical Scientist.
• Perform investigations in line with local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including but not limited to result authorisation, ordering follow-up laboratory procedures, initiating actions, escalating results when required.
• Perform necessary action on the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), ensuring all Information Governance (IG) requirements are met.
• Communicate complex results, including making clinical and differential judgements involving complicated facts or situations that impact on patients.
• Provide specialist expertise and technical advice to other laboratory and clinical colleagues as required and within limits of competency.
• Participate in the strategic development and service improvement of the analytical service, being responsible for the implementation of new techniques, equipment, and tests, including all verification and validation work.
• Keep up to date with new developments by regular literature reviews and attendance at relevant conferences.
• Undertake research projects in specialised area in collaboration or as requested by Principal or Consultant Clinical Scientists.
• 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 and take part in all Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activity in your area.
• Monitor, and report on EQA and IQC procedures and be responsible for corrective action on problems that have been identified.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management.
• Prepare statistical reports for use in meetings, quality assurance, and development events.
• Develop, prepare, write, and review relevant documents, including SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments in line with the ISO 15189 standard.
• Provide supervision for employees, including participating in the departmental clinical rota, potentially including out of hours cover.
• Ensure that all Synnovis policies and procedures are implemented and maintained.
• Encourage junior employees in their scientific expertise, knowledge and professional development, including the safe use of highly complex and sensitive equipment.
• Deliver training and supervision of less experienced colleagues in your area of specialism.
• Demonstrate professionalism, patience and empathy when explaining complex subjects, and in particular when communicating with people who do not share same level of knowledge or understanding.
• 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 Principal or Consultant Clinical Scientist 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 to your specific area.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location. For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package. All employees are entitled to: Contributory pension scheme, Generous annual leave entitlement, Ground breaking development opportunities.

All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.