Job summary
An exiting opportunity for an experienced Biomedical Scientist to join a small team delivering Highly Specialised Ophthalmic Cellular Pathology, within the recently acquired Moorfields Department of Eye Pathology.
Part of the National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology Service (NSOPS), the laboratory in London serves the south of England for all qualifying NHS specimens, but also Private practice and research and charitable cases.
This challenging role would suit a dynamic, organised and confident individual whom is looking to expand their knowledge in this relatively niche fields, whilst bring suitable transferrable skills and new ideas with them.
We strongly advocate potential candidates arranging a visit to the department.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work with departmental and related teams to ensure the delivery of an effective eye pathology service.
Key duties include providing an efficient, high quality support service to the department, liaising with service users and other directorates.
As a Band 7 Senior Biomedical Scientist the post holder will be responsible for the delivery of diagnostic medical laboratory service which achieves the combined objectives of efficient and effective patient care.
Performing essential technical duties for the department, responsibility for data entry, specimen reception and processing, section cutting, staining, immunohistochemistry techniques, maintenance and QMS tasks and supporting pathologists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service.
Diagnostic specimens provide the bulk of the work, but human and animal research tissue represents an additional important source of activity. Attention to detail is important and the post holder must be able to work to high standards and follow defined protocols.
The post offers the opportunity to be fully involved member of a committed team who serve the needs of NHS and private patients, Institute of Ophthalmology research staff, the police, medical staff and patients abroad.
The successful candidate is expected to have the ability and commitment to expand the role as required in response to changing needs, supporting the Department of Eye Pathology in its delivery of an excellent service.
About us
This role is based at our City Road site.
At Moorfields, we provide more than just an excellent career and great colleagues to work with. We also offer:
- Salary including High-Cost Area Supplement
- Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
- Free 24/7 independent counselling service
- Learning and development opportunities
- Easy and quick transport links
- A range of attractive benefits and discounts
- Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
- Free Pilates classes
- Full support and training to develop your skills
- Flexible working friendly organisation
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please see our Moorfields benefits document.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure that documentation is maintained to the Unit standard (including electronic records).
- To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Moorfields policies, procedures, guidelines and standards. To work towards promoting this to others.
- Identify and report clinical and non-clinical risks so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the risk management policy.
- To plan and prioritise the scientific workload of the section on a day-to-day basis.
- To provide a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff.
- To possess highly developed, advanced specialist scientific skills, and use these to drive innovation and improvement of the unit.
- To ensure that the laboratory standard operational and health and safety policies are understood and carried out by all staff, always.
- Responsible for the maintenance, condition, quality control and record keeping of stains, instruments, solutions and equipment associated with the unit.
- Participation in, and facilitation of, all aspects of Quality Management and Audit within the Unit.
- To be proactive in the generation and updating of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and associated documentation.
- To assist in the implementation and development of new and existing techniques and the validation steps commensurate with those methodologies.
- Assist in the implementation, development and evaluation of new and existing techniques.
- Responsible for the maintenance and calibration of equipment, particularly when working autonomously.
- Adaptation of methodologies and working practices as required, in both foreseen and unforeseen circumstances.
- Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, at first under supervision, enabling standards to be monitored constantly and improved where necessary.
- Record and report incidents/complaints involving staff, specimens and visitors in accordance with local policies and may lead in any investigations as required.
- To provide scientific advice and act as a resource both internally and externally.
- To maintain an awareness of current developments especially with regard to any special areas of responsibility.
- Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills by participating in the Appraisal process and Objective setting.
- Be familiar with, and follow all, core policies such as sickness reporting, annual leave requesting, health and safety and so forth.
- Be familiar with the Health and Safety policies of Moorfields and the unit and ensure that they are followed to maintain a safe working environment for all employees and visitors.
- Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, including support staff to promote a cohesive laboratory team and the achievement of team objectives.
- Deputise for the line Manager as required.
- The supervision of all grades of scientific and support staff in the section.
- Undertake the appraisal of other members of staff through the Appraisal process as required.
- Responsible for the conduct of all staff being supervised in respect to their timekeeping, behaviour and safety. Report any problems to the line manager, should they arise.
- Must develop and improve scientific expertise, which may be via Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within an appraisal and/or competency programme.
- Maintain a portfolio of relevant developments achieved.
- To participate in the organisation of scientific teaching programmes.
- Design and deliver training to staff within the unit - both junior and research staff.
- Undertake suitable training and development programmes to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.
- Maintain your Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Responsibility- Information Resources
- Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place (and under development) and be familiar and proficient with the use of the information technology systems within the unit.
- To have an active e-mail account.
- To ensure that information technology is not used for nefarious activities, in line with Moorfields policies.
- Ensure the continued compliance with both National and International Information Governance requirements and legislation.
- Maintain patient records to the standard always demanded by the DEP and to ensure that RCPath guidance is adhered to always.
Responsibility- Patient / Client Care
- To enter patient information and test results onto the laboratory information system safely and reliably.
- To always maintain patient confidentiality, ensuring appropriate Governance is observed.
- To always handle and care for patient samples with the upmost respect and dignity.
- To deal with requests from Patients, Clinicians and others with courtesy and politeness, regardless of the situation.
Responsibility- Research and development
- Participate in the collection of audit and research data and undertake evaluation as required.
- To validate and verify equipment, methods and protocols within specialist section(s).
- To undertake a supervisory role and help to lead research projects within the unit.
- To deliver research histology to the standard demanded by the DEP.
- To deal with research staff with professionalism and courtesy, regardless of the situation.
- Work independently, as a lead specialist in any one area and may manage a team.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Be familiar with, and ensure compliance to, the Trusts Health & Safety and Infection Control policies.
- Maintain a safe working environment for self, all other staff members, patients, and their relatives.
- Keep areas clean and free from clutter.
- Report all adverse incidents via trust Safeguard reporting system.
- Keep up to date with all mandatory training.
- Attend regular staff meetings in the Pathology department.
- To be an active and engaged member of the team, helping wherever needed with good teamwork and bearing.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure that documentation is maintained to the Unit standard (including electronic records).
- To demonstrate awareness and compliance with Moorfields policies, procedures, guidelines and standards. To work towards promoting this to others.
- Identify and report clinical and non-clinical risks so that appropriate action can be taken in accordance with the risk management policy.
- To plan and prioritise the scientific workload of the section on a day-to-day basis.
- To provide a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff.
- To possess highly developed, advanced specialist scientific skills, and use these to drive innovation and improvement of the unit.
- To ensure that the laboratory standard operational and health and safety policies are understood and carried out by all staff, always.
- Responsible for the maintenance, condition, quality control and record keeping of stains, instruments, solutions and equipment associated with the unit.
- Participation in, and facilitation of, all aspects of Quality Management and Audit within the Unit.
- To be proactive in the generation and updating of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and associated documentation.
- To assist in the implementation and development of new and existing techniques and the validation steps commensurate with those methodologies.
- Assist in the implementation, development and evaluation of new and existing techniques.
- Responsible for the maintenance and calibration of equipment, particularly when working autonomously.
- Adaptation of methodologies and working practices as required, in both foreseen and unforeseen circumstances.
- Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills, at first under supervision, enabling standards to be monitored constantly and improved where necessary.
- Record and report incidents/complaints involving staff, specimens and visitors in accordance with local policies and may lead in any investigations as required.
- To provide scientific advice and act as a resource both internally and externally.
- To maintain an awareness of current developments especially with regard to any special areas of responsibility.
- Maintain, update and develop personal and professional knowledge and skills by participating in the Appraisal process and Objective setting.
- Be familiar with, and follow all, core policies such as sickness reporting, annual leave requesting, health and safety and so forth.
- Be familiar with the Health and Safety policies of Moorfields and the unit and ensure that they are followed to maintain a safe working environment for all employees and visitors.
- Participate fully as a team member, sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues, including support staff to promote a cohesive laboratory team and the achievement of team objectives.
- Deputise for the line Manager as required.
- The supervision of all grades of scientific and support staff in the section.
- Undertake the appraisal of other members of staff through the Appraisal process as required.
- Responsible for the conduct of all staff being supervised in respect to their timekeeping, behaviour and safety. Report any problems to the line manager, should they arise.
- Must develop and improve scientific expertise, which may be via Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within an appraisal and/or competency programme.
- Maintain a portfolio of relevant developments achieved.
- To participate in the organisation of scientific teaching programmes.
- Design and deliver training to staff within the unit - both junior and research staff.
- Undertake suitable training and development programmes to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.
- Maintain your Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Responsibility- Information Resources
- Undertake relevant training for electronic information systems in place (and under development) and be familiar and proficient with the use of the information technology systems within the unit.
- To have an active e-mail account.
- To ensure that information technology is not used for nefarious activities, in line with Moorfields policies.
- Ensure the continued compliance with both National and International Information Governance requirements and legislation.
- Maintain patient records to the standard always demanded by the DEP and to ensure that RCPath guidance is adhered to always.
Responsibility- Patient / Client Care
- To enter patient information and test results onto the laboratory information system safely and reliably.
- To always maintain patient confidentiality, ensuring appropriate Governance is observed.
- To always handle and care for patient samples with the upmost respect and dignity.
- To deal with requests from Patients, Clinicians and others with courtesy and politeness, regardless of the situation.
Responsibility- Research and development
- Participate in the collection of audit and research data and undertake evaluation as required.
- To validate and verify equipment, methods and protocols within specialist section(s).
- To undertake a supervisory role and help to lead research projects within the unit.
- To deliver research histology to the standard demanded by the DEP.
- To deal with research staff with professionalism and courtesy, regardless of the situation.
- Work independently, as a lead specialist in any one area and may manage a team.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Be familiar with, and ensure compliance to, the Trusts Health & Safety and Infection Control policies.
- Maintain a safe working environment for self, all other staff members, patients, and their relatives.
- Keep areas clean and free from clutter.
- Report all adverse incidents via trust Safeguard reporting system.
- Keep up to date with all mandatory training.
- Attend regular staff meetings in the Pathology department.
- To be an active and engaged member of the team, helping wherever needed with good teamwork and bearing.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration
- Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent in relevant discipline And/or Demonstrable extensive relevant experience post HCPC registration in current Cellular Pathology methodologies
Desirable
- Progression towards Higher Specialist
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working independently and managing priorities whilst also being an active member of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to the effective operation of the team
- Experience of designing, developing, maintaining, reviewing and improving administrative, management processes and information systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in a busy and demanding department
Knowledge
Essential
- In depth knowledge and experience of all aspects of Histopathology.
- Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work.
Desirable
- Excellent IT skills, including email, the internet, software, and particular strength in Excel, Word and using databases
Skills/abilities
Essential
- Ability to organise own workload and meet deadlines
- Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with colleagues and other parties
- The ability to assess a situation and take appropriate follow-up action including being able to prioritise under pressure, work accurately and meet tight deadlines, exercising initiative and working independently as appropriate
- Ability to be discrete and maintain confidentiality in accordance with current Data Protection legislation
Desirable
- Good problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration
- Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent in relevant discipline And/or Demonstrable extensive relevant experience post HCPC registration in current Cellular Pathology methodologies
Desirable
- Progression towards Higher Specialist
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working independently and managing priorities whilst also being an active member of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to the effective operation of the team
- Experience of designing, developing, maintaining, reviewing and improving administrative, management processes and information systems
Desirable
- Experience of working in a busy and demanding department
Knowledge
Essential
- In depth knowledge and experience of all aspects of Histopathology.
- Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work.
Desirable
- Excellent IT skills, including email, the internet, software, and particular strength in Excel, Word and using databases
Skills/abilities
Essential
- Ability to organise own workload and meet deadlines
- Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with colleagues and other parties
- The ability to assess a situation and take appropriate follow-up action including being able to prioritise under pressure, work accurately and meet tight deadlines, exercising initiative and working independently as appropriate
- Ability to be discrete and maintain confidentiality in accordance with current Data Protection legislation
Desirable
- Good problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
