Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist Band 6

Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reference Measurement

1. Responsible for the preparation and measurement of client samples (body fluids), using reference measurement methods according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.

2. Provide reference measurement results in calibrator, QC and EQA material according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.

3. Responsible for timely delivery of reference measurement results on all client supplied study samples.

1. Liaise with clients for necessary requirements for transport of study samples.
2. Maintain the integrity of all study samples and ensure that they are stored in the correct manner prior to measurement
3. Perform and develop a wide range of complex scientific work. Employ a range of complex measurement techniques associated with Reference Measurement Methodology within Laboratory Medicine. This involves development of specialist methodologies to a high degree of measurement uncertainty associated with an International definition of reference methodology (ISO 15195, ISO 15193 and ISO 17025).
4. Understand the principles of uncertainty of measurement calculation.
5. Ensure that all measurements are within desired defined criteria.

Research and Development

9. Research, develop and validate reference measurement methods under the direction of the Senior Scientist / Section Head.

10. Evaluate and interpret (highly) complex results. Reference Measurement techniques are highly specialised requiring specialist skill.

Training

11. Train staff in methods and equipment used within the laboratory as appropriate.

Reference Material Production

12. Produce reference materials (body fluids) in accordance with ISO 17034

13. Provide associated traceable measurement results for reference materials, required for use in routine measurement methods. Such material is used as a QC performance check in routine methods used by other laboratories.

Maintenance

14. Maintain the calibration/maintenance records for all key equipment (required for traceability and quality system documentation).

15. Assist and perform the calibration of highly specialised measurement instrumentation, including: UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Atomic absorption spectrometer, Tandem Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

16. Maintenance of specialised equipment, as listed in section 15, including troubleshooting during routine usage and during instances of equipment failure. Use appropriate remedial action where identified. Where troubleshooting is insufficient, communication with senior staff or external equipment maintenance bodies will be necessary. A large degree of manual dexterity is required to maintain the equipment.

17. Maintain all consumables relating to the Reference Measurement Laboratory.

Quality Management

18. Maintain the Reference Measurement Laboratory Quality System to accreditation standards ISO 17025 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) & ISO 15195 (Laboratory Medicine Requirements for reference measurement laboratories).

19. Compile and manage the associated documentation as appropriate (Standard Operating Procedures, measurement work sheets, equipment control documentation, result reports).

20. Familiarise and adhere to the Quality System and documentation, incorporating current UKAS guidelines..

Weqas Promotion and Marketing

21. Promote Weqas services and research at scientific meetings through oral and poster presentations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc or equivalent in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry or Chemistry.

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable relevant laboratory experience. Broad knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques.
• Measurement troubleshooting and instrument maintenance.

Desirable

• Experience in Laboratory Medicine.
• Experience in developing Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometry techniques.

Skills

Essential

• Good Practical Laboratory Skills, Attention to detail.
• Good IT skills.

Desirable

• Presentation skills
• Teaching or training skills.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Chromatography, spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry

Desirable

• Quality Assurance, Reference measurement methods.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

• Good communicator with all grades of staff and members of the public.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work to deadlines.

OTHER

Essential

• Committed to providing a quality service.
• An understanding of the importance of Health & Safety at Work.

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

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Address

Weqas

UNit 6 Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen

Cardiff

CF14 5DU

Employer's website

https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)