Job summary
Applications are invited for a substantive Consultant Healthcare Scientist within LCL. This is an excellent opportunity to join the National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology Service in Liverpool.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative advanced practitioner Biomedical or Clinical Scientist who possess excellent communication skills. The successful applicant will have considerable leadership experience within a laboratory setting and hold an IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histological Dissection or IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Ophthalmic Pathology.
Candidates who do not possess Diplomas are encouraged to apply and will be appointed on an Annex 21 contract.
This service is one of four nationally and closely aligned to the Liverpool Ocular Oncology Research Group and the University of Liverpool.
We're looking for people who see opportunities to innovate and lead, and who recognise that behind every sample is a patient. If you're someone who inspires those around you and is a true 'team player', we want to hear from you.
Whether you live in Liverpool already or are considering a move, there's never been a better time to joins us at LCL.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be part of the Cellular Pathology management, leadership and clinical teams, taking the lead role in the management and development of the Ophthalmic Pathology service together with the Cellular Pathology Clinical Director and Service Manager.
Additionally, the successful candidate will support the dissection of the main histopathology laboratory service as well as training and education across Ophthalmic Pathology and Histological Dissection.
The main responsibilities for the post holder include:
- Independent reporting of corneal specimens
- Responsible for the macroscopic description and tissue sampling together with timely composition of histology reports
- Dissection of the full range of specimens, including from the eye and ocular adnexa as required
- Undertake a wide range of complex scientific procedures which contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes
- Communicate using a wide range of complex scientific terminology
- Lead training and development of staff in the macroscopic description, dissection and sampling of Ophthalmic Pathology specimens
- Be responsible for the training and development of Healthcare Scientists and laboratory technical staff in all laboratory processes related to Ophthalmic Pathology specimens
Support the research and innovation activities of the Ophthalmic Pathology service.
The Ophthalmic Pathology service currently operates 0900-1730 Monday to Friday.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was created on 1 October 2019 following the merger of two adult acute Trusts, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The merger provides an opportunity to reconfigure services in a way that provides the best healthcare services to the city and improves the quality of care and health outcomes that patients experience.
The Trust runs Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool University Dental Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
It serves a core population of around 630,000 people across Merseyside as well as providing a range of highly specialist services to a catchment area of more than two million people in the North West region and beyond.
To hear more about our achievements click here https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/media/13089/1606-annual-report-booklet_final.pdf
Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook - Liverpool University Hospitals Careers
Instagram - @LUHFTcareers
Twitter - @LUHFTcareers
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Accountability1.1 Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of the Royal College of Pathologists, HCPC and The Trusts protocols and guidelines1.2 Participates in the relevant national EQA schemes as required to maintain professional practice.1.3 Works autonomously as a specialist with freedom to initiate action or as part of a team as required and appropriate.1.4 Maintains ongoing HCPC Registration status, taking responsibility for evidencing own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and performance.1.5 Is an author of, and is fully conversant with, departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and ensures the same for all grades of staff including junior medical staff under their supervision.1.6 Takes personal responsibility for risk management in their work and undertakes review and reflective practice to learn from errors.
2. Knowledge, Training and Experience2.1 Advanced specialist knowledge of human physiology and medicine, plus managerial skills, as exemplified by passing the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Ophthalmic Pathology. This is in addition to the basic academic qualifications (BSc, MSc and/or PhD)2.2 Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists.2.3 Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).2.4 Advanced knowledge of a large range of testing procedures with associated knowledge of limitations of these procedures and possible interferences, which could give erroneous results.2.5 The post holder should have good knowledge of national professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.2.6 The post holder must participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with Royal College of Pathologists and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements
3. Communication and relationships 3.1 Communicates at an equivalent level as a Consultant Histopathologist to clinical colleagues and other healthcare professionals, providing and receiving highly complex and highly sensitive clinical information to professional colleagues throughout local and referring organisations and Trusts.3.2 Demonstrates a high level of specialist skill and professional knowledge acquired through academic and scientific development/training following HCPC registration and IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Ophthalmic Pathology.3.3 Communicates using highly developed skills obtained through specific training to large groups of disparate people such as MDMs or local conferences. Imparting highly complex specialist information informing decisions to treat patients in both verbal and written form.3.4 Accepts clinical samples into the department and assesses them for suitability, taking appropriate remedial action in cases of non-compliance. Advises all grades of staff including medics in similar situations.3.5 Responsible for ensuring that the referral sample dispatch complies with current guidelines and actions recorded appropriately. Advises other members of staff in similar situations
4. Planning and organisational4.1 Assists in developing strategy and implementing change with other medical, professional and managerial colleagues, both within and outside the specialty, to provide the highest quality healthcare to all patients in a timely and appropriate fashion. This includes being aware of current trends in Cellular Pathology, proposing changes of practice as identified.4.2 Assists in developing plans and organisation of ongoing operations of the department, taking responsibility for own workload scheduling, and assisting with that of all grades of staff contributing to the delivery of the pathology service.4.3 Exercises individual skills and judgement in examining, dissecting and sampling histological specimens based on their advanced clinical knowledge and training. Requests additional tests, where appropriate, to expedite the diagnostic process and provides clinically relevant scientific advice.4.4 Undertakes the independent microscopic reporting of corneal resections in a timely fashion.4.5 Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills, competently using the pathology Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), digital dictation and voice recognition software, quality management system and Microsoft applications. The post holder will be expected to maximise potential usage of all these systems, proposing, trialling and executing change of use and development.
5. Management responsibility5.1 Ensures that personal workload is reported in a high quality and timely and efficient manner through excellent time management, workflow coordination and work prioritisation according to clinical need and local protocol.5.2 Supervises and trains laboratory staff in the histology dissection area and provides dissection and basic histology training and advice to junior medical staff.5.3 Maintain awareness of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Trust Incident Reporting and Health and Safety Policies (Trust and local); reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanism.5.4 Prepares for and participates in annual appraisal and mid-year review with the responsible line manager. Furthermore, undertakes appraisal of junior grades of staff and agrees objectives and personal development plans.5.5 Responsible for managing, coordinating and monitoring the performance of scientific and technical staff within the Ophthalmic Pathology service.5.6 Prepares regular operational and quality reports for the Ophthalmic Pathology Service as required by overall departmental governance and that of the Highly Specialised Service team within NHS England.
6. Research and Audit6.1 Participates in research and development as required, complying with clinical trial requirements as indicated by enrolment across all hospital sites. This may be different on a case by case basis so a full awareness needs to be maintained to ensure appropriate participation in clinical trials.6.2 Leads the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department, managing the project from theoretical phase, through evaluation to implementation.6.3 Leads in improving and developing departmental quality by active participation in laboratory and audit activities and by questioning practices, contributing ideas and participating in departmental change management process. At least one vertical audit of entire department to take place each year conforming to UKAS requirements.6.4 Holds responsibility for ensuring all ophthalmic pathology audits, including examination, vertical and clinical, are completed in a timely fashion.6.5 Holds responsibility to ensure the timely provision of archived ophthalmic clinical material for clinical trials and medico-legal cases.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Accountability1.1 Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of the Royal College of Pathologists, HCPC and The Trusts protocols and guidelines1.2 Participates in the relevant national EQA schemes as required to maintain professional practice.1.3 Works autonomously as a specialist with freedom to initiate action or as part of a team as required and appropriate.1.4 Maintains ongoing HCPC Registration status, taking responsibility for evidencing own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and performance.1.5 Is an author of, and is fully conversant with, departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and ensures the same for all grades of staff including junior medical staff under their supervision.1.6 Takes personal responsibility for risk management in their work and undertakes review and reflective practice to learn from errors.
2. Knowledge, Training and Experience2.1 Advanced specialist knowledge of human physiology and medicine, plus managerial skills, as exemplified by passing the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Ophthalmic Pathology. This is in addition to the basic academic qualifications (BSc, MSc and/or PhD)2.2 Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists.2.3 Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).2.4 Advanced knowledge of a large range of testing procedures with associated knowledge of limitations of these procedures and possible interferences, which could give erroneous results.2.5 The post holder should have good knowledge of national professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.2.6 The post holder must participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in line with Royal College of Pathologists and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements
3. Communication and relationships 3.1 Communicates at an equivalent level as a Consultant Histopathologist to clinical colleagues and other healthcare professionals, providing and receiving highly complex and highly sensitive clinical information to professional colleagues throughout local and referring organisations and Trusts.3.2 Demonstrates a high level of specialist skill and professional knowledge acquired through academic and scientific development/training following HCPC registration and IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Ophthalmic Pathology.3.3 Communicates using highly developed skills obtained through specific training to large groups of disparate people such as MDMs or local conferences. Imparting highly complex specialist information informing decisions to treat patients in both verbal and written form.3.4 Accepts clinical samples into the department and assesses them for suitability, taking appropriate remedial action in cases of non-compliance. Advises all grades of staff including medics in similar situations.3.5 Responsible for ensuring that the referral sample dispatch complies with current guidelines and actions recorded appropriately. Advises other members of staff in similar situations
4. Planning and organisational4.1 Assists in developing strategy and implementing change with other medical, professional and managerial colleagues, both within and outside the specialty, to provide the highest quality healthcare to all patients in a timely and appropriate fashion. This includes being aware of current trends in Cellular Pathology, proposing changes of practice as identified.4.2 Assists in developing plans and organisation of ongoing operations of the department, taking responsibility for own workload scheduling, and assisting with that of all grades of staff contributing to the delivery of the pathology service.4.3 Exercises individual skills and judgement in examining, dissecting and sampling histological specimens based on their advanced clinical knowledge and training. Requests additional tests, where appropriate, to expedite the diagnostic process and provides clinically relevant scientific advice.4.4 Undertakes the independent microscopic reporting of corneal resections in a timely fashion.4.5 Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills, competently using the pathology Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), digital dictation and voice recognition software, quality management system and Microsoft applications. The post holder will be expected to maximise potential usage of all these systems, proposing, trialling and executing change of use and development.
5. Management responsibility5.1 Ensures that personal workload is reported in a high quality and timely and efficient manner through excellent time management, workflow coordination and work prioritisation according to clinical need and local protocol.5.2 Supervises and trains laboratory staff in the histology dissection area and provides dissection and basic histology training and advice to junior medical staff.5.3 Maintain awareness of the requirements of Clinical Governance, Trust Incident Reporting and Health and Safety Policies (Trust and local); reporting problems, errors or breaches via the appropriate mechanism.5.4 Prepares for and participates in annual appraisal and mid-year review with the responsible line manager. Furthermore, undertakes appraisal of junior grades of staff and agrees objectives and personal development plans.5.5 Responsible for managing, coordinating and monitoring the performance of scientific and technical staff within the Ophthalmic Pathology service.5.6 Prepares regular operational and quality reports for the Ophthalmic Pathology Service as required by overall departmental governance and that of the Highly Specialised Service team within NHS England.
6. Research and Audit6.1 Participates in research and development as required, complying with clinical trial requirements as indicated by enrolment across all hospital sites. This may be different on a case by case basis so a full awareness needs to be maintained to ensure appropriate participation in clinical trials.6.2 Leads the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department, managing the project from theoretical phase, through evaluation to implementation.6.3 Leads in improving and developing departmental quality by active participation in laboratory and audit activities and by questioning practices, contributing ideas and participating in departmental change management process. At least one vertical audit of entire department to take place each year conforming to UKAS requirements.6.4 Holds responsibility for ensuring all ophthalmic pathology audits, including examination, vertical and clinical, are completed in a timely fashion.6.5 Holds responsibility to ensure the timely provision of archived ophthalmic clinical material for clinical trials and medico-legal cases.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Advanced Specialist Diploma in Ophthalmic Pathology
- IBMS Diploma of Expert practice in Histological Dissection
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histological Dissection
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
- MSc or PhD in relevant specialty
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science
Desirable
- Post graduate leadership or management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 36 months dissection experience and competent to dissect all RCPath specimen types (Cat A-E) as required
- Expert technical skills in all relevant histological and cytological processes
- Evidence of training Biomedical Scientists and junior medical staff
- Experience of leadership and management within a Pathology setting
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of comprehensive CPD portfolio in relevant specialty
- Up to date knowledge of IBMS and Royal College of Pathologists guidelines for specimen dissection and reporting
- Up to date knowledge of evidence based national and international patient care pathways within relevant specialty
- Understanding and experience of managing health and safety in a cellular pathology in laboratory
- Extensive understanding UKAS and ISO15189:2012 standards for laboratory accreditation
Skills
Essential
- Macroscopic and microscopic tissue recognition and diagnosis of normal and diseased tissues
- Evidence of ability to order appropriate ancillary tests (e.g. special stains and immunohistochemistry) and of adding technical and approved clinically relevant comments to clinical reports where appropriate
- Able to produce high quality macroscopic descriptions and microscopy reports for clinicians in all Trusts in a timely fashion meeting departmental KPI's
- Autonomy in dissection of all surgical specimens, particularly those related to the eye and ocular adnexa
- Able to manage and prioritise the workload for self and others and do so under pressure
- Assessment of the suitability of set procedures for any given specimen, and using judgement to carry out alternatives
- Able to obtain appropriate biological control material, use of other specific control measures where appropriate and complete the validation of such material
Other
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrates a high level of resilience and ability to deal with distressing and stressful circumstances
- Able to maintain concentration for long periods in order to produce timely, accurate clinical reports
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills at all levels of organisation
- Able to write complex documents with clarity and precision
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Advanced Specialist Diploma in Ophthalmic Pathology
- IBMS Diploma of Expert practice in Histological Dissection
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Histological Dissection
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
- MSc or PhD in relevant specialty
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science
Desirable
- Post graduate leadership or management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 36 months dissection experience and competent to dissect all RCPath specimen types (Cat A-E) as required
- Expert technical skills in all relevant histological and cytological processes
- Evidence of training Biomedical Scientists and junior medical staff
- Experience of leadership and management within a Pathology setting
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of comprehensive CPD portfolio in relevant specialty
- Up to date knowledge of IBMS and Royal College of Pathologists guidelines for specimen dissection and reporting
- Up to date knowledge of evidence based national and international patient care pathways within relevant specialty
- Understanding and experience of managing health and safety in a cellular pathology in laboratory
- Extensive understanding UKAS and ISO15189:2012 standards for laboratory accreditation
Skills
Essential
- Macroscopic and microscopic tissue recognition and diagnosis of normal and diseased tissues
- Evidence of ability to order appropriate ancillary tests (e.g. special stains and immunohistochemistry) and of adding technical and approved clinically relevant comments to clinical reports where appropriate
- Able to produce high quality macroscopic descriptions and microscopy reports for clinicians in all Trusts in a timely fashion meeting departmental KPI's
- Autonomy in dissection of all surgical specimens, particularly those related to the eye and ocular adnexa
- Able to manage and prioritise the workload for self and others and do so under pressure
- Assessment of the suitability of set procedures for any given specimen, and using judgement to carry out alternatives
- Able to obtain appropriate biological control material, use of other specific control measures where appropriate and complete the validation of such material
Other
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrates a high level of resilience and ability to deal with distressing and stressful circumstances
- Able to maintain concentration for long periods in order to produce timely, accurate clinical reports
- Demonstrates excellent communication skills at all levels of organisation
- Able to write complex documents with clarity and precision
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).
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).
