Job summary
A vacancy has arisen for a Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in our Haematology & Blood Transfusion Department based at Watford and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals following implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board with services set to commence from 1st March 2025.As part of the commissioning of the Hertfordshire and West Essex (HWE) Pathology service HSL will establish a new hub laboratory based at 7 Croxley Park, Watford. This newly developed hub laboratory will provide pathology testing across a range of disciplines including Sample Reception, Biochemistry, Haematology, Routine Coagulation and Microbiology. It is an expectation that some staff based within the Watford and Hemel hospital sites may transfer across to the new hub when this becomes operational in 2026.
Main duties of the job
The laboratory at Watford ESL provides 24/7 haematology and blood transfusion testing for acute and urgent care areas of the hospital as well as some onsite testing for the local community via the Hemel blood sciences department. The successful candidate will join our team of dedicated biomedical scientists and associate practitioners in delivering a high-quality pathology service.
The ideal candidate will be committed to service excellence and have a genuine desire for continued personal and professional development. Candidates should have a suitable approved undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent) and be registered with the HCPC.
Previous laboratory experience would be helpful, however full training will be provided for all work performed.
The laboratory operates a 24/7 service so the successful candidate will be expected to participate in all shifts required to cover this timeframe.
About us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including
Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
Annual salary reviewNo banding restrictions As we are a private company we are not restricted by salary bandings and so are able to negotiate appropriate salaries based on experience. This also means that annual salary reviews do not hit a band ceiling.
Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians
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 interest free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket
Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with service
Competitive annual leave allowance 28 days
Flexible working hours we support and offer flexibility around shift patterns and working schedule
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties:
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties: -
1. Participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating
procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
2. Multidisciplinary working as required
3. Techniques and testing that include: routine haematological diagnostics and blood film
morphology using Sysmex CN3000, XN9100, Interrliner analysers, immunohaematology
diagnostic testing of blood groups and antibody investigations by Ortho Vision, manual
crossmatching, blood products and components management and manual methods.
4. Communicate patients results and answer enquiries from health care professionals providing
information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within
departmental guidelines and professional code of conduct.
5. Interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate
tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
6. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
7. Operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
8. Evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate
quality control procedures.
9. Interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system.
10. Check reports for further action by clinical staff.
11. Authorise reports as delegated within departmental policy.
12. Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the Section Leader if
back-up stocks are low.
13. To assist when required in the preparation of documentation for UKAS (ISO) accreditation.
14. Able to solve complex problems within work area, but advise both clinicians and senior staff of
any clinical and managerial issues
Training and Education
1. Multidisciplinary Training as required
2. To maintain own personal development and attend departmental meetings as required.
3. To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of
competence to practice.
4. To take an active interest in and keep abreast of developments in the discipline.
5. To further develop junior colleagues by assisting in the training of SpRs, trainee HCS and MLA staff, and
to undertake, complete, and sign off all competencies associated with these grades.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties:
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties: -
1. Participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating
procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
2. Multidisciplinary working as required
3. Techniques and testing that include: routine haematological diagnostics and blood film
morphology using Sysmex CN3000, XN9100, Interrliner analysers, immunohaematology
diagnostic testing of blood groups and antibody investigations by Ortho Vision, manual
crossmatching, blood products and components management and manual methods.
4. Communicate patients results and answer enquiries from health care professionals providing
information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within
departmental guidelines and professional code of conduct.
5. Interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate
tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
6. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
7. Operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
8. Evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate
quality control procedures.
9. Interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system.
10. Check reports for further action by clinical staff.
11. Authorise reports as delegated within departmental policy.
12. Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the Section Leader if
back-up stocks are low.
13. To assist when required in the preparation of documentation for UKAS (ISO) accreditation.
14. Able to solve complex problems within work area, but advise both clinicians and senior staff of
any clinical and managerial issues
Training and Education
1. Multidisciplinary Training as required
2. To maintain own personal development and attend departmental meetings as required.
3. To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of
competence to practice.
4. To take an active interest in and keep abreast of developments in the discipline.
5. To further develop junior colleagues by assisting in the training of SpRs, trainee HCS and MLA staff, and
to undertake, complete, and sign off all competencies associated with these grades.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Accredited BSc (hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme
- e.g. IBMS
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 as part of a team.
- Keyboard skills and 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
- Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Accredited BSc (hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme
- e.g. IBMS
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 as part of a team.
- Keyboard skills and 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
- Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System.
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).
