Specialist Biomedical Scientist HODS

Job description

Job responsibilities

HODS is well equipped with the latest clinical diagnostic technology, and processes around 6,000 samples per annum.

Main duties are to ensure the operational functionality of the laboratory areas. This will include calibrating, maintaining and operating complex analytical equipment and regularly reviewing internal quality control and external quality assurance data trends, taking action as appropriate. You will be responsible for the validation of analytical data prior to result reporting, or the preparation of such data for clinical review. You will be responsible for the selection and provision of suitable diagnostic tests, and the preparation and distribution of materials for the appropriate clinical tests, sometimes based on provisional results. You will have experience of LIMS, other IT systems and you will have experience of Quality Management Systems.

You should be able to demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills; you will be expected to train all other appropriate grades of staff and support the Senior Biomedical Scientists responsible for the day to day organisation of the laboratory.

The department currently operates Monday Friday 08:30 17:00; however there may be a requirement for weekend working as the service workload increases.

You will be expected to maintain the required professional standards and an up to date knowledge of Haemato-Oncology diagnostic testing guidelines and current working practices. Working as part of the team you will contribute to the provision and further development of a high quality diagnostic service.

The department is UKAS ISO 15189:2012 accredited. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a very busy department dedicated to providing the highest quality patient care.

Please note if you do not clearly meet the person specification for this role then you will not be shortlisted.

Key responsibilities

Provide timely and accurate test results using appropriate equipment both automated and manual.

Routine and Specialist Haematological Malignancy diagnosis, validation, interpretation and reporting of results

Maintain complex analytical equipment

Involved in the supervision, teaching, advising and informing off all grades of staff

Comply with Standards of Proficiency for State Registration

Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all aspects of Caldicott

Main Tasks:

Knowledge and Personal Development

1. Build upon the post holders acquired technical and analytical knowledge achieved through specialist training and experience.
2. Maintain specialist technical and analytical knowledge by participating in CPD
3. Maintain state registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) by complying with Standards of Proficiency and Conduct.
4. Ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice eg Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA)
5. Maintain the knowledge and expertise necessary to perform specialized procedures associated with a teaching hospital
6. Maintain the necessary specialist knowledge and skills sufficient to work independently, seeking advice only when deemed necessary.
7. Participate in Personnel Development Plans and Appraisals

Communication and Relationships

1. Assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received, liaising with medical staff as necessary.
2. Deal sympathetically during liaison with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and staff from external organisations
3. Use empathy and understanding to ensure that technical, clinical and linguistic barriers to understanding are overcome.
4. Negotiate with service users resolving contentious issues that conflict with laboratory service targets.
5. Report and explain results to clinicians and other service users
6. Provide specialist advice to clinicians and other service users regarding specimen types, investigations required, appropriateness of test, and timing of collection of specimen and turnaround times.
7. Provide advice and guidance to students, trainees and newly qualified Biomedical Scientists
8. Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of a conflict of priorities relating to concurrent demands placed upon the service

Scientific and Technical

1. Use specialist knowledge across a range of procedures, authorize test results integrating and initiating further tests as appropriate
2. Take responsibility for finishing, checking, validating and authorizing colleagues work as necessary.
3. Check validity and reliability of analytical processes, maintaining and monitoring satisfactory performance by internal quality control and external quality assessment.
4. Use acquired skills and experience for film reporting, malarial diagnosis and selection of complex molecular and immunological techniques for Haematological diagnosis.
5. Manipulation of materials and objects such as microscopes, pipettes, gels and columns for accurate and reliable determination of results and diagnosis of congenital disorders
6. Set up and check instrumentation for correct operation, troubleshooting and correcting minor faults, reporting major faults to senior staff. Maintain instrument, QC and reagent logs and utilise resources cost effectively

Resources

1. Ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system using specialised laboratory software
2. Liaise with IT support in resolving any computer system difficulties
3. Make suitable alternative arrangements in the case of equipment malfunction
4. Monitor and store consumables and reagents

Research and Development

1. Participate in the development and evaluation of new techniques, methodologies and equipment
2. Separate and analyse samples for research and clinical trials
3. Participate in service audits as and when required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Assume enhanced responsibility in the absence of supervisory and other staff
2. Participate in the review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures
3. Contribute to the review and implementation of Department policies
4. Train, supervise and co-ordinate the activities of support staff and trainee Biomedical Scientists
5. General mentoring and tutoring of trainee members of staff and students
6. Participate in the development and education of other members of staff.
7. Act as a Trainee BMS mentor

Weekend service

1. Take responsibility for the Haemato-Oncology service for this Trust and supply a support service to other hospitals / other organisations within the region.
2. Prioritise work to help ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
3. Inform the Department medical staff of unexpected results or inappropriate requests
4. Maintain the safety and security of the Department and follow fire evacuation procedures informing the appropriate authorities when necessary
5. Responsible for communications and monitoring internal and external alarm systems and take any remedial action to rectify any system failure.
6. Notify the Hospital Manager of any untoward incidents within the Department and Trust eg water leak, power cut.

Through the course of employment staff may become aware of information concerning patients or other staff. All such information must be treated as confidential.

All staff participate in an annual performance review program where Personal Development Plans are agreed.

Personal Specification

See full job description for personal specification.

Please note, if you do not clearly meet the person specification for this role then you will not be shortlisted. Applicants without an IBMS specialist portfolio (or equivalent experience at band 6 level) will not be considered.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
• HCPC registered

Desirable

• MSc In Biomedical Sciences

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable laboratory experience
• Experience of diagnosing haematological malignancy using one or more: morphology/ flow cytometry/histology/molecular techniques

Desirable

• Evidence of development of Flow Cytometric assays/Research experience in Flow cytomteric techniques/histology/molecular genetics

Knowledge

Essential

• Health & Safety awareness

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Numerate

Desirable

• IT skills
• Keyboard 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.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories

Liverpool

L7 8YE

Employer's website

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