Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

NCA Point of Care Testing Technical Lead

The closing date is 01 September 2025

Job summary

Are you a dynamic and innovative Biomedical Scientist ready to take the lead in Point of Care Testing?

We're on the lookout for a passionate individual to join our professional and friendly department as a Band 7 Biomedical Scientist, serving as our Point of Care Technical Lead.

The POCT department offers a comprehensive POCT service (including biochemistry, haematology, microbiology and molecular disciplines) to Northern Care Alliance and WWL hospitals, as well as providing some community services. The POCT department provides support for analytical testing at or near the site of patient care.

You will be based primarily at Salford initially, as we continue to develop our POCT service in an area that offers affordable, vibrant city night life and stunning locations. You will be expected to visit all sites regularly and we are able to offer the flexibility of some home working.

POCT service is an ever changing landscape and requires dynamic technical lead.

Main duties of the job

You will coordinate and lead the Point of Care Testing (POCT) service at Salford and WWL sites.

You will be the lead for technical verification / validation, implementation, maintenance and troubleshooting of POCT devices, while being responsible for delivery of training and maintaining competency of the device users.

You will assist the POCT manager in the implementation of the Trust wide POCT Policy.

About us

The Diagnostics and Pharmacy Group is part of the Northern Care Alliance (NCA), one of the largest NHS organisations in the country. A place of science, innovation and transformational thinking, the Diagnostic and Pharmacy Group unites Radiology, Pathology and Pharmacy services across the NCA to create a cooperative group committed to delivering safe, consistent, and high-quality care.

Details

Date posted

19 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

236-DPG-P400-25

Job locations

Salford

Stott Lane

Salford

M6 8HD


Job description

Job responsibilities

To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk

Job description

Job responsibilities

To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk

Person Specification

Registration and qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC registration
  • Relevant MSc, Post Graduate qualification or FIBMS or Equivalent experience
  • Relevant Degree

Desirable

  • IT / Quality / Training qualifications
  • Evidence of CPD

Knowledge, Training & Experience

Essential

  • Supervisory experience at an appropriate level with a track record of achievement.
  • Experience of developing practice
  • Experience of training and developing others.
  • Experience of Accreditation process.
  • Experience of working in a Pathology Discipline at a specialist level.
  • Evidence of participation in projects and writing SOPs and guidelines.
  • Understanding of Point of Care issues including current guidelines and regulations.
  • Knowledge of Point of Care devices / tests from all Pathology disciplines.

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and virology
  • Working knowledge of clinical areas
  • Use of POCT middleware

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Problem solving, negotiation and facilitation skills.
  • Well developed computer skills and experience of software packages.
  • Analytical judgement, and technical skills with attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritise own workload and that of the team.
  • Flexible approach to working hours.
  • Ability to work in demanding circumstances and to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to travel between Trust sites.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality and deal with situations in a sensitive manner.
Person Specification

Registration and qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC registration
  • Relevant MSc, Post Graduate qualification or FIBMS or Equivalent experience
  • Relevant Degree

Desirable

  • IT / Quality / Training qualifications
  • Evidence of CPD

Knowledge, Training & Experience

Essential

  • Supervisory experience at an appropriate level with a track record of achievement.
  • Experience of developing practice
  • Experience of training and developing others.
  • Experience of Accreditation process.
  • Experience of working in a Pathology Discipline at a specialist level.
  • Evidence of participation in projects and writing SOPs and guidelines.
  • Understanding of Point of Care issues including current guidelines and regulations.
  • Knowledge of Point of Care devices / tests from all Pathology disciplines.

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and virology
  • Working knowledge of clinical areas
  • Use of POCT middleware

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Problem solving, negotiation and facilitation skills.
  • Well developed computer skills and experience of software packages.
  • Analytical judgement, and technical skills with attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritise own workload and that of the team.
  • Flexible approach to working hours.
  • Ability to work in demanding circumstances and to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to travel between Trust sites.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality and deal with situations in a sensitive manner.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Salford

Stott Lane

Salford

M6 8HD


Employer's website

https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Salford

Stott Lane

Salford

M6 8HD


Employer's website

https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

POCT Manager

Patrick Howorth

patrick.howorth@nca.nhs.uk

07955434747

Details

Date posted

19 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

236-DPG-P400-25

Job locations

Salford

Stott Lane

Salford

M6 8HD


Supporting documents

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