Job summary
Exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and motivated HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join our dedicated team in a state-of-the-art department, delivering top-tier Blood Sciences services.
Our departmental goals include establishing a comprehensive multidisciplinary Blood Sciences workforce at the Hinchingbrooke site and achieving full ISO15189:2022/UKAS accreditation.
This role provides a chance to be part of a welcoming and forward-thinking laboratory environment that prioritises excellent training and professional development. We actively encourage all staff to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of our services and their personal growth. As accredited training centers by the IBMS, all Pathology laboratories within NWAFT, including Hinchingbrooke, have a track record of supporting staff in achieving various qualifications to advance their careers and meet their development goals.
The ideal candidate will possess multidisciplinary expertise in Blood Sciences. However, individuals with specialised backgrounds in Haematology and Blood Transfusion are particularly encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from graduates pending their IBMS registration portfolio verification or final year BSc Biomedical Sciences students who have completed their portfolio within a Haematology/Blood Transfusion setting.
In-person interviews will be conducted, so applicants should apply only if they are available to attend the site for the interview.
Main duties of the job
- Collaborate closely with the Blood Sciences management team and Consultant Pathologists to deliver a quality-focused, cost-effective, and customer-centric service, encompassing routine Haematology, Biochemistry, and Blood Transfusion specialties.
- Practice as an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS) and contribute to the scientific advancement of the service, aligning with the professional experience of the role.
- Participate in training and development programs to ensure all staff are adequately skilled and progressed.
- Assist in realigning service provisions, working closely with Consultant Pathologists, Departmental Management teams, and the Blood Sciences Manager.
- Conduct test procedures, often of a complex nature, ensuring accurate recording and reporting of results.
- Engage fully in a multi-skilled 24/7 Blood Sciences rota after completing appropriate training and competency assessments.
- Act as a deputy for a Senior BMS when required, assuming responsibility for an additional role within the laboratory, such as supporting training, maintaining quality standards, ensuring health and safety compliance, or enhancing service provision.
About us
We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.
As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff);
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme:
- Flexible working opportunities;
- Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours e.g. night shifts, weekends, bank holidays;
- Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role;
- Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment;
- Access to our in-house physiotherapy service;
- On-site canteens offering subsidised meals;
- Subsidised staff parking (currently free);
- Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.
Job description
Job responsibilities
See attached job description.
The 24/7 Blood Science service is delivered using Sysmex Haematology and Coagulation, Roche Cobas Chemistry and Grifols Transfusion instrumentation. All staff are expected to participate in 24/7 working once fully competent.
The Trust offers pay progression from band 5 to 6 upon successful completion of an appropriate IBMS Specialist Portfolio or 2 years post-registration experience with an M-Level qualification in a relevant field.
Job description
Job responsibilities
See attached job description.
The 24/7 Blood Science service is delivered using Sysmex Haematology and Coagulation, Roche Cobas Chemistry and Grifols Transfusion instrumentation. All staff are expected to participate in 24/7 working once fully competent.
The Trust offers pay progression from band 5 to 6 upon successful completion of an appropriate IBMS Specialist Portfolio or 2 years post-registration experience with an M-Level qualification in a relevant field.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Accredited BSc honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent professional qualification
- Evidence of on-going CPD
Desirable
- Evidence of training/qualification in other areas related to Laboratory work e.g. NEBOSH, Certificate of Expert Practice
Experience
Essential
- Broad level of specialist experience in Haem / BT and or Biochem
- Familiarity / experience of ISO 15189 systems and standards
- Competency and problem solving at a specialist level
Desirable
- Investigation of non-conformance through root cause analysis and corrective and preventative actions with awareness of risk management to patient and service
- Completion of high quality, specialist audits identifying non-conformances and supporting teams to develop remedial actions
- Experience in a NHS IBMS training laboratory
- Working in a busy environment
- Awareness of current professional issues
Knowledge
Essential
- Specialist understanding of QC and Quality Management
- Good practical knowledge of H&S issues including COSHH, fire, risk assessments
- Comprehensive specialist theory of Haem/BT and/or Biochemistry
- Knowledge and understanding of the data protection act
Desirable
- Knowledge of Winpath LIMS
- Use of medical terminology
Key Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Competent in a broad range of specialist haem / BT and or Biochemistry practical techniques
- Competent in the interpretation and technical validation of haem / BT and/or Biochemistry
- Able to complete specialist technical problem solving
- Ability to work to and develop SOPs with good attention to detail
- Good standard of written communication and ability to share complex information
- Supervisory / training skills
- Able to participate in nights and 7 day rota committments
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Accredited BSc honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent professional qualification
- Evidence of on-going CPD
Desirable
- Evidence of training/qualification in other areas related to Laboratory work e.g. NEBOSH, Certificate of Expert Practice
Experience
Essential
- Broad level of specialist experience in Haem / BT and or Biochem
- Familiarity / experience of ISO 15189 systems and standards
- Competency and problem solving at a specialist level
Desirable
- Investigation of non-conformance through root cause analysis and corrective and preventative actions with awareness of risk management to patient and service
- Completion of high quality, specialist audits identifying non-conformances and supporting teams to develop remedial actions
- Experience in a NHS IBMS training laboratory
- Working in a busy environment
- Awareness of current professional issues
Knowledge
Essential
- Specialist understanding of QC and Quality Management
- Good practical knowledge of H&S issues including COSHH, fire, risk assessments
- Comprehensive specialist theory of Haem/BT and/or Biochemistry
- Knowledge and understanding of the data protection act
Desirable
- Knowledge of Winpath LIMS
- Use of medical terminology
Key Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Competent in a broad range of specialist haem / BT and or Biochemistry practical techniques
- Competent in the interpretation and technical validation of haem / BT and/or Biochemistry
- Able to complete specialist technical problem solving
- Ability to work to and develop SOPs with good attention to detail
- Good standard of written communication and ability to share complex information
- Supervisory / training skills
- Able to participate in nights and 7 day rota committments
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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
