Band 8a/8b - Specialist Healthcare Scientist in Blood Sciences in Watford

Grade: Band 8a/8b – Permanent contract. 37.5 hours per week. Full time, Flexible working available.

Salary £59,798 – £79,638 per annum (inc HCA salary).

Closing date: 03/05/ :59

Job Overview

Do you thrive in a fast‑paced, challenging environment? We offer a chance to make an impact as our next Band 8b Clinical Scientist in Chemical Pathology. We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced applicants, with significant experience of working in a busy Chemical Pathology Department. The successful candidate will be an experienced HCPC‑registered Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry and will have completed the Part 1 FRCPath examination. For a Band 8a scientist wishing to increase knowledge, skills and experience, this developmental post is supported to enable a Band 8b appointment. Training and supervision will be provided. Those holding Part 1 FRCPath who are working toward Part 2 are encouraged to apply as the post will provide full support for Part 2 preparation. Registration as a Clinical Scientist is essential.

Main Duties of the Job

The post holder leads the Proteins section of the laboratory and plays a major role in the department’s Quality Management System. Responsibilities include protocol development, clinical and scientific liaison within the network, and ‘duty’ biochemistry services. They will work closely with IT as a data analyst and will contribute to medical teaching and training of trainee clinical scientists. The appointee will assist the Head of Department and other members of the consultant team in providing a comprehensive, cost‑effective and high‑quality Chemical Pathology service in our laboratories in compliance with ISO 15189:2012. The department is working toward ISO 15189:2022. The appointee will represent the Chemical Pathology Department at relevant Trust and Pathology meetings, contributing to service improvement and delivery across the department. There is a full 24/7 acute/urgent analytical service at Watford General Hospital and a Monday‑to‑Friday, 08:00 am‑20:00 pm non‑urgent service at the Hemel Hempstead site. The successful candidate is expected to work across sites as required and participate in the on‑call roster for out‑of‑hours clinical advice after appropriate training. The laboratory uses Roche Cobas platforms for automated chemistry and immunochemistry, and a Sebia system for protein electrophoresis. The Trust is committed to the personal development of its staff and the hospital will integrate a new shared pathology network across the local Integrated Care System.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• First Degree or equivalent knowledge and expertise.
• Master’s Degree or equivalent expertise in Clinical Biochemistry.
• Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) as required for Medical Consultant.
• Demonstration of Continuing Professional Development at an agreed level.
• Registration as a clinical scientist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• PhD (desirable).

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of human biochemistry, pharmacology and drug interference.
• Basic knowledge in other areas of Pathology.
• Extensive knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods, quality assurance and problem‑solving.
• Ability to perform risk assessments on a variety of laboratory situations.
• Fully conversant with COSHH regulations.
• Knowledge of metabolic medicine in adults, children and neonates, including inherited disorders, endocrinology and toxicology.
• Ability to perform clinical risk assessments and resolve service-related complaints as part of Clinical Governance.
• Extensive knowledge of national professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.
• Knowledge of resource allocation and procurement.
• Expert knowledge in a highly specialised area such as Protein Electrophoresis, Chromatography, Endocrinology, or similar.
• Experience in national or international professional groups.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience as a Registered Clinical Scientist, including advanced practitioner level (8A).
• Attained status as a national or international expert or adviser.
• Developed expertise in one or more specialised analytical or clinical areas to an expert level within the Trust.
• Good record of research, development and audit activities, including presentations at national or international conferences and publications in peer‑reviewed journals.

Benefits

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, and flexible working options are available to support a good work‑life balance.

Legal and Register Information

This post requires appropriate UK professional registration. It is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales); a Disclosure and Barring Service submission is required.