Job summary
Principal Clinical Scientist (Clinical Biochemist) - Band 8a
The Clinical Biochemistry Department at Kettering General Hospital have a part time vacancy (0.8 WTE) for a Principal Clinical Biochemist (Band 8a)
We are seeking an HCPC registered Clinical Biochemist, to join our friendly team in the biochemistry department. Your role will include quality management, compliance with ISO standards and service development, as well as participating in the duty biochemist rota, clinical liaison, research and development, and audit activities.
The department currently holds full UKAS accreditation, and is equipped with Roche Cobas 8000 analysers, tracked to a C8100 pre-analytics system. Areas of specialist interest within the department include HPLC, point of care testing and fetal anomaly screening.
The biochemistry department has close connections with many of the clinical specialties within the Trust but particularly Endocrinology and Paediatrics. We have an excellent history of training Clinical Scientists to FRCPath level. Applicants should be HCPC registered Clinical Scientists, have an MSc or equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry, and have completed part 1 of FRCPath.
For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact Dr Richard Harris, Consultant Biochemist, on 01536 493385 or Richard.harris22@nhs.net.
Main duties of the job
To assist the Head of Department in the scientific management of the Biochemistry Service within Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
To be actively involved in the maintenance of accreditation under UKAS
To deliver on his/her own responsibility a range of complex scientific work demanding skilled performance.
About us
The department currently holds full UKAS accreditation, and is equipped with Roche Cobas 8000 analysers, tracked to a C8100 pre-analytics system. Areas of specialist interest within the department include HPLC, point of care testing and fetal anomaly screening.
The biochemistry department has close connections with many of the clinical specialties within the Trust but particularly Endocrinology and Paediatrics. We have an excellent history of training Clinical Scientists to FRCPath level. Applicants should be HCPC registered Clinical Scientists, have an MSc or equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry, and have completed part 1 of FRCPath.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Professional roles
- To assist the Consultant Clinical Biochemist in the scientific management of the Biochemistry Service.
- To provide clinical advice and deal with clinical enquiries on all aspects of Clinical Biochemistry, authorisation and interpretation of results and participate in the general clinical support rota.
- To communicate verbally and in written reports the results of scientific investigations to clinicians and other healthcare professionals.
- To be involved in the evaluation and implementation of recent developments in Clinical Biochemistry, as required by the Consultant Clinical Biochemist, to ensure that the department provides a service which maintains current good practice.
- To work independently in an organised manner, prioritising work in order to achieve objectives.
- To be involved in staff appraisals.
- To ensure clinical incidents and complaints are reported and investigated.
- To undertake other duties commensurate with the grade, as agreed with the Head of Department
Scientific Skills
- To deliver a range of complex scientific work demanding skilled performance.
- To be responsible for the provision of specialist tests
- To analyse and interpret biochemical tests and investigations and provide expert opinion in specialist areas.
- To contribute to the selection of methods and equipment.
- To take part in the rota for reviewing and interpreting patient results, authorising results and liaison with clinical staff.
Downs Syndrome Screening
- To participate in the provision of Downs screening service, providing advice to external Hospitals and practitioners.
Research and Development
- To participate in clinical research and development programmes across the Trust.
- To be involved in the evaluation of new methodologies and technologies and service developments, as required.
- To carry out relevant research and development activities.
Quality
- To be actively involved in maintaining the standards required for laboratory accreditation under UKAS ISO 15189.
- To be responsible for the creation and updating of Standard Operating procedures (SOPs).
- To be fully conversant with the use of the Quality Management System and have responsibility for the relevant areas of the Quality System.
- To ensure clinical incidents and complaints are properly investigated, reported via the Datix system and that learning outcomes are disseminated.
Communication
- To participate in clinical audit pertinent to Clinical Biochemistry within the Trust, regionally and nationally, and communicate the findings to Trust audiences and wider.
- To prepare and present research and development outcomes, scientific reviews and audit reports at scientific and clinical conferences at local, regional and national forums.
Information Technology
- To effectively use Microsoft office applications.
- To assist in the configuration, verification and implementation of Pathology IT systems.
Education, training and staff development
- To show evidence of participation in continuing education (CPD)
- To participate in and contribute to the departments scientific, technical, and clinical teaching and educational activities.
- To supervise trainee clinical biochemists on a day to day basis.
4. To be part of the team providing education and training on screening services across the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Professional roles
- To assist the Consultant Clinical Biochemist in the scientific management of the Biochemistry Service.
- To provide clinical advice and deal with clinical enquiries on all aspects of Clinical Biochemistry, authorisation and interpretation of results and participate in the general clinical support rota.
- To communicate verbally and in written reports the results of scientific investigations to clinicians and other healthcare professionals.
- To be involved in the evaluation and implementation of recent developments in Clinical Biochemistry, as required by the Consultant Clinical Biochemist, to ensure that the department provides a service which maintains current good practice.
- To work independently in an organised manner, prioritising work in order to achieve objectives.
- To be involved in staff appraisals.
- To ensure clinical incidents and complaints are reported and investigated.
- To undertake other duties commensurate with the grade, as agreed with the Head of Department
Scientific Skills
- To deliver a range of complex scientific work demanding skilled performance.
- To be responsible for the provision of specialist tests
- To analyse and interpret biochemical tests and investigations and provide expert opinion in specialist areas.
- To contribute to the selection of methods and equipment.
- To take part in the rota for reviewing and interpreting patient results, authorising results and liaison with clinical staff.
Downs Syndrome Screening
- To participate in the provision of Downs screening service, providing advice to external Hospitals and practitioners.
Research and Development
- To participate in clinical research and development programmes across the Trust.
- To be involved in the evaluation of new methodologies and technologies and service developments, as required.
- To carry out relevant research and development activities.
Quality
- To be actively involved in maintaining the standards required for laboratory accreditation under UKAS ISO 15189.
- To be responsible for the creation and updating of Standard Operating procedures (SOPs).
- To be fully conversant with the use of the Quality Management System and have responsibility for the relevant areas of the Quality System.
- To ensure clinical incidents and complaints are properly investigated, reported via the Datix system and that learning outcomes are disseminated.
Communication
- To participate in clinical audit pertinent to Clinical Biochemistry within the Trust, regionally and nationally, and communicate the findings to Trust audiences and wider.
- To prepare and present research and development outcomes, scientific reviews and audit reports at scientific and clinical conferences at local, regional and national forums.
Information Technology
- To effectively use Microsoft office applications.
- To assist in the configuration, verification and implementation of Pathology IT systems.
Education, training and staff development
- To show evidence of participation in continuing education (CPD)
- To participate in and contribute to the departments scientific, technical, and clinical teaching and educational activities.
- To supervise trainee clinical biochemists on a day to day basis.
4. To be part of the team providing education and training on screening services across the Trust.
Person Specification
Education, Training and Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration as Clinical Scientist
- Good Honours degree in biochemistry or equivalent
- MSC in Clinical Biochemistry
- FRCPath part 1
Desirable
- FRCPath part 2
- Higher Degree e.g. PhD
- Management Qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience in all aspects of Clinical Biochemistry in its routine service setting
- Specialist experience in a particular area of clinical biochemsitry
- Experience of clinical liason
- Knowledge of QC, QA and accreditation procedures
- Experience of research and development
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to deliver results to a deadline
- Ability to lead, motivate and work as part of a team
- Able to effectively use digital systems
Key competencies/ Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Good Interpersonal skills
- Innovation and self-motivation
- Good time management
Person Specification
Education, Training and Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration as Clinical Scientist
- Good Honours degree in biochemistry or equivalent
- MSC in Clinical Biochemistry
- FRCPath part 1
Desirable
- FRCPath part 2
- Higher Degree e.g. PhD
- Management Qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Experience in all aspects of Clinical Biochemistry in its routine service setting
- Specialist experience in a particular area of clinical biochemsitry
- Experience of clinical liason
- Knowledge of QC, QA and accreditation procedures
- Experience of research and development
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to deliver results to a deadline
- Ability to lead, motivate and work as part of a team
- Able to effectively use digital systems
Key competencies/ Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential
- Good Interpersonal skills
- Innovation and self-motivation
- Good time management
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).
