Job summary
About the role:An exciting opportunity for a full time Senior Biomedical Scientist has arisen within the Department of Clinical Parasitology in central London. This is a small, friendly specialist reference unit providing Microscopy, Serology and Molecular based diagnostic services for a wide range of parasitological infections. Based in the HSL flagship Halo building and with a hot lab in UCLH the department serves as a reference centre offering expert diagnosis, identification and advice on human parasites to both UK based and international clients.
Main duties of the job
Applications are invited from committed and enthusiastic individuals looking for a new learning opportunity who have an interest in Parasitology and are HCPC Registered with a Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent and a Post graduate qualification of MSc, FIBMS or equivalent. The candidate will have the opportunity to rotate around our serology, microscopy and molecular sections, gaining expertise, carrying out a diverse range of diagnostic techniques and directly observing parasites rarely seen outside of tropical locations. We work Monday to Friday, office hours and have a paid out of hours on call system which you can join after suitable training. The department also carries out extensive testing of new techniques and technologies for the detection of Parasite infections in order to develop our diagnostic portfolio. The laboratory is situated in central London, has full UKAS accreditation and offers a pleasant working environment with excellent staff facilities.
About us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:
Training and development opportunities including the funding of Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and IBMS Specialist Portfolios for Biomedical Scientists
Annual performance related salary review
Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
Cash healthcare plan
Sick Pay Entitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter
Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)
Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
Season Ticket Loan Scheme
Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with years of service
Competitive annual leave allowance -28 days annual leave
Flexible working hours 37.5 hours standard working week. With a variety of working patterns available, options to review working flexibly will always be considered.
Please read the job description and person specification carefully and ensure that your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
We respect and value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from diverse communities.
PLEASE NOTE: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THIS VACANCY AT ANY TIME EVEN IF A CLOSING DATE IS SHOWN HERE OR IN ANY OTHER MEDIA
Job description
Job responsibilities
Overall Job Purpose:
To manage staff and various sections within the Department of Clinical Parasitology as directed by the
Operational Lead or Deputy, working in collaboration with the other senior scientific staff in providing an
efficient and effective service within the resources available and to ensure the maintenance of scientific
standards of HSL.
The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core and unsocial
hours as required.
Main duties
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff
2. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating
procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
3. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
4. Techniques and testing that include:
a) Microscopy based diagnosis of parasites, parasite material, and parasite eggs, ova and cysts,
b) Rapid diagnostic tests and western blots to detect the presence of parasite antigens and anti-
parasite antibodies,
c) Serological diagnosis by ELISA, Western blot and IFAT to detect the presence of anti-parasite
antibodies,
d) Molecular diagnosis to detect the presence of parasite DNA,
e) Research and development as required to develop new assays or improve existing ones
f) On call malaria diagnosis by blood film microscopy
5. To communicate patients’ results and answer enquiries from health care professionals within the
hospital and in the community, providing information regarding appropriate investigations
required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and professional code of
conduct, recognising own boundaries.
6. To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for
appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
7. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
8. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the
department.
9. To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
10. To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using
appropriate quality control procedures.
11. To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system
12. To check reports for further action by the Clinicians, and to authorise reports as delegated within
HSL departmental policy. 13. To assist in the evaluation of new equipment and advise the head of service, senior scientific
colleagues on the need for new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment.
14. To ensure that the department meets all the standards required by CPA/UKAS and to participate
in the regular review of all the procedures performed in the laboratory including the establishment
and monitoring of effective internal and external Quality Control and Quality Assurance schemes.
Training And Education
1. To train new laboratory and clinical staff, this involves explaining and teaching complex
technical/analytical procedures and motivating staff by promoting healthcare sciences in an
interesting and positive manner.
2. To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in general as
reflected by CPD.
3. To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work independently
4. To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
5. To identify the training needs within the team.
6. To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of
competence to practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Overall Job Purpose:
To manage staff and various sections within the Department of Clinical Parasitology as directed by the
Operational Lead or Deputy, working in collaboration with the other senior scientific staff in providing an
efficient and effective service within the resources available and to ensure the maintenance of scientific
standards of HSL.
The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core and unsocial
hours as required.
Main duties
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff
2. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating
procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
3. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
4. Techniques and testing that include:
a) Microscopy based diagnosis of parasites, parasite material, and parasite eggs, ova and cysts,
b) Rapid diagnostic tests and western blots to detect the presence of parasite antigens and anti-
parasite antibodies,
c) Serological diagnosis by ELISA, Western blot and IFAT to detect the presence of anti-parasite
antibodies,
d) Molecular diagnosis to detect the presence of parasite DNA,
e) Research and development as required to develop new assays or improve existing ones
f) On call malaria diagnosis by blood film microscopy
5. To communicate patients’ results and answer enquiries from health care professionals within the
hospital and in the community, providing information regarding appropriate investigations
required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and professional code of
conduct, recognising own boundaries.
6. To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for
appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
7. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
8. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the
department.
9. To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
10. To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using
appropriate quality control procedures.
11. To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system
12. To check reports for further action by the Clinicians, and to authorise reports as delegated within
HSL departmental policy. 13. To assist in the evaluation of new equipment and advise the head of service, senior scientific
colleagues on the need for new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment.
14. To ensure that the department meets all the standards required by CPA/UKAS and to participate
in the regular review of all the procedures performed in the laboratory including the establishment
and monitoring of effective internal and external Quality Control and Quality Assurance schemes.
Training And Education
1. To train new laboratory and clinical staff, this involves explaining and teaching complex
technical/analytical procedures and motivating staff by promoting healthcare sciences in an
interesting and positive manner.
2. To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in general as
reflected by CPD.
3. To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work independently
4. To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
5. To identify the training needs within the team.
6. To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of
competence to practice.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role.
- Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in
- techniques appropriate to the discipline
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good organisational skills.
- Work accurately, neatly and efficiently.
- Attention to detail is very important.
- Work in a team.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- Work on own initiative
- Communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English both verbally and in writing.
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- AND MSc in appropriate discipline such as Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification e.g. IBMS HSD)
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme
- e.g. IBMS
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role.
- Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in
- techniques appropriate to the discipline
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good organisational skills.
- Work accurately, neatly and efficiently.
- Attention to detail is very important.
- Work in a team.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- Work on own initiative
- Communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English both verbally and in writing.
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- AND MSc in appropriate discipline such as Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification e.g. IBMS HSD)
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme
- e.g. IBMS
Additional information
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).
