Job summary
We are looking for experienced, enthusiastic and motivated applicants for this new, full-time post, based in the Immunology laboratory at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford. You should possess an MSc and/or PhD in Immunology and have completed, or be close to completion of the STP (or equivalent) training programme in clinical immunology. Ideally you will have registration as a clinical scientist with the HCPC, or be close to registration.
Current analytical platforms include Siemens BNII, Capilarys, Hydrasys, ImmunoCAPs and Helios slide processors with image recognition software. We provide autoimmune serology, allergy, protein electrophoresis, and specific protein investigations and advice. The flow-cytometry service is with Haematology, and gives us access to lymphocyte subset testing but there is potential for further development in support of our clinical immunodeficiency work. The laboratory works closely with our consultant Immunologist, supporting the running and development of the allergy and immunology clinics, and in planning the delivery and development of laboratory services. Collaborative working with a wide range of clinical specialties is strongly supported, highlights being the award-winning HLH MDT and a regional renal unit, active vasculitis and SECARD: southeast, complex and rare rheumatic disease MDTs. We have been successful in our application to host an STP trainee, starting in September 2025.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will be expected to undertake method development, quality management, clinical liaison and protocol development. They will contribute to clinical liaison, teaching and the training of both trainee clinical scientists and biomedical scientists, as well as medical personnel and medical students. The Kent and Medway Medical School received its first students in autumn 2020 and is the first medical school in the county, offering 100 medical school places per year. It is a significant development for healthcare provision and one which the two local universities (Canterbury Christchurch and University of Kent) and Kent and Medway trusts have worked towards for several years- the Immunology laboratory will be providing rotations and project opportunities.
The Trust, medical school and local universities have a strong teaching and research base. We expect and encourage engagement and innovation in the development of collaborative research and teaching.
The Department will provide support for FRCPath examinations, and future HSST training. There are regular Kent and Medway journal clubs and clinical meetings which all clinical scientists are encouraged attend.
About us
We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.
Our laboratories provide a wide range of diagnostic tests with some specialised services provided on one or more of our sites. The laboratory processes approximately 9 million biochemistry and immunology tests annually. The Department of Pathology employs 330 WTE staff and has an annual budget of approximately £25 million. All primary care work from East Kent is processed at the Ashford laboratory. The laboratory has UKAS ISO15189 accreditation, and is accredited for clinical scientist and biomedical scientist training.
Kent and Medway Pathology Network (KMPN) is a formal partnership of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. Our 1000 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly 2 million.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KMPN are at an exciting point of our network development with a recommendation to form a joint venture across the four Trusts leading transformation. Our projects including single IT solutions, procurement and digital projects, to ensure our services are able to meet growing demand for our service users, patients and communities.
You will have a fantastic opportunity to grow your career in KMPN. We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT. However, there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.
Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents. If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KMPN are at an exciting point of our network development with a recommendation to form a joint venture across the four Trusts leading transformation. Our projects including single IT solutions, procurement and digital projects, to ensure our services are able to meet growing demand for our service users, patients and communities.
You will have a fantastic opportunity to grow your career in KMPN. We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT. However, there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.
Please scroll down to access the full Job Description and Person Specification located in 'supporting documents. If you have further queries please dont hesitate to contact the line manager using the contact details below.
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training and Experience
Essential
- oTo have completed post graduate training approved as appropriate for HCPC registration as a clinical scientist in Clinical Immunology, together with supervised in-service experience totalling a minimum of 3 years.
- oGood honours degree in a subject relevant to immunology (1st or 2nd class).
- oMSc with predominantly Immunology focussed content.
- oRegistration with the HCPC as a clinical scientist (or within 3 months of obtaining).
Desirable
- oPhD
- oPart one FRCPath (or working towards)
- oTo have undertaken training and gained experience in a wider range of immunology specialties, for example neuroimmunology, specialist immunodeficiency or complex autoimmunity.
Skills
Essential
- oGood oral and written communication skills.
- oGood interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
- oResearch and development skills, able to initiate and carry out research and development projects.
- oAbility to conduct clinical audits.
Desirable
- oPeer-reviewed publication record. GCP for research training.
Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of interpreting and providing clinical advice on wide range of routine, and specialist immunology results.
- Wide knowledge of immunology: a thorough understanding of the basic science that underpins the speciality of immunology and its application to clinical practice.
- Understanding of quality management systems, accreditation and knowledge of quality standards.
- Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards and UKAS accreditation process.
Desirable
- In-depth knowledge of specific complex areas, e.g. neuroimmunology, specialist immunodeficiency or complex autoimmunity.
Other requirements
Essential
- Disposition: mature, confident, flexible, calm under pressure, reliable, responsible and organised, able to work under pressure, able to accept and respond to constructive criticism, respects confidentiality.
- Evidence of on-going personal and professional development.
Desirable
- To be aware of and adhere to the Trust's Vision, Mission and Values.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training and Experience
Essential
- oTo have completed post graduate training approved as appropriate for HCPC registration as a clinical scientist in Clinical Immunology, together with supervised in-service experience totalling a minimum of 3 years.
- oGood honours degree in a subject relevant to immunology (1st or 2nd class).
- oMSc with predominantly Immunology focussed content.
- oRegistration with the HCPC as a clinical scientist (or within 3 months of obtaining).
Desirable
- oPhD
- oPart one FRCPath (or working towards)
- oTo have undertaken training and gained experience in a wider range of immunology specialties, for example neuroimmunology, specialist immunodeficiency or complex autoimmunity.
Skills
Essential
- oGood oral and written communication skills.
- oGood interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
- oResearch and development skills, able to initiate and carry out research and development projects.
- oAbility to conduct clinical audits.
Desirable
- oPeer-reviewed publication record. GCP for research training.
Knowledge
Essential
- Experience of interpreting and providing clinical advice on wide range of routine, and specialist immunology results.
- Wide knowledge of immunology: a thorough understanding of the basic science that underpins the speciality of immunology and its application to clinical practice.
- Understanding of quality management systems, accreditation and knowledge of quality standards.
- Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards and UKAS accreditation process.
Desirable
- In-depth knowledge of specific complex areas, e.g. neuroimmunology, specialist immunodeficiency or complex autoimmunity.
Other requirements
Essential
- Disposition: mature, confident, flexible, calm under pressure, reliable, responsible and organised, able to work under pressure, able to accept and respond to constructive criticism, respects confidentiality.
- Evidence of on-going personal and professional development.
Desirable
- To be aware of and adhere to the Trust's Vision, Mission and Values.
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).
