Job summary
Are you looking for a new challenge in a specialist-testing environment? Then this is an exciting opportunity to join the newly consolidated Reference Biochemistry & Immunology department, based across Synnovis laboratory sites in London. As an Operational Lead, you will be supporting respective Service Delivery Managers during transformation to a Hub and Spoke model of working.
This will involve the management of service transition and validation and verification (V&V) related activities in both the Hub (Friars Court, Blackfriars) and laboratories remaining on site at Denmark Hill and St Thomas' Hospital.
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
Main duties of the job
To support the Service Delivery Managers of KCH Reference Biochemistry & Integrated Toxicology, KCH Immunology and STH Biochemical Sciences & Nutristasis with the management of transition of services and validation and verification (V&V) related activities in both the Hub (Friars Court, Blackfriars) and laboratories remaining on site at Denmark Hill and St Thomas' Hospital.
To also support the delivery of specific managerial tasks for all respective laboratories, in order to provide a high quality service to patients.
These specific managerial tasks include (but are not limited to): Operational Performance Management System management, and supporting Performance Review Meetings
To liaise with Pathology IT on software and hardware issues affecting service delivery, especially Epic Beaker queries.
The post holder will have extensive operational experience, and is capable of administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery.
The post holder will contribute in regular reviews of working practices in the laboratory in conjunction with the senior clinical, scientific and operational teams within each lab.
When necessary, the post holder may be required to deputise for the Service Delivery Managers.
The post holder will have a large degree of individual responsibility and must be HCPC-registered as a Biomedical Scientist. For recruitment at band 8a, the post-holder should ideally have experience in the specialist-testing environment.
About us
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical
- To support relevant laboratories with operational duties as required.
- To support the investigation of delayed delivery / shortage of reagents
- To support highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations to ensure optimal service delivery.
- To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using the Operational Performance Management System.
- To ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.
- In conjunction with section leads, to support investigative actions when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods.
- To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure e.g. to liaise with clinical staff to ensure that priority work is identified and/or make alternative arrangements for an analysis to be done.
- To maintain a system that ensures maximal availability and flexibility in operation of departmental chromatography, mass spectrometers, immunoassay and associated equipment.
Scientific
- To support with operational management of method and laboratory instrument evaluations in both the Hub and Essential Service Laboratories and to validate SOPs and procedures (as directed by the relevant Service Delivery Manager).
- To manage the introduction of new equipment or methods into the department.
- To assist in the implementation of related assays in its broadest sense within the laboratories and to support the development and clinical use of analytical methods based upon immunoassay and separation science techniques in collaboration with junior and senior colleagues.
- To maintain awareness of current developments in separation science and immunoassay
Clinical
- Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out with their area of responsibility.
Quality Assurance
- The post holder will work with the relevant Service Delivery and Quality Managers to ensure the section remains UKAS ISO 15189 compliant at all times
- Maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the laboratories. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations in section using appropriate quality control procedures and through the monthly departmental quality meeting.
- Investigate adverse incidents and laboratory errors as necessary, communicate findings to the relevant Service Delivery Manager and Quality Manager, and implement any changes agreed in order to reduce the likelihood of repetition
- In conjunction with the relevant Quality Manager and Training Officer, educate staff in section of the function and practice of the quality management system
- The post holder will conduct and present audits to the relevant departmental Quality committee as required by the audit schedule
- The post holder will provide support for Health and Safety issues and audits in relevant laboratories and report to the designated H&S officer as required
- The post holder will support relevant document management (through the use of QPulse) and ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use within relevant laboratories.
- In conjunction with the relevant Service Delivery Manager, to monitor turnaround times of laboratory investigations and act on information to improve the service provided
- To deliver key performance indicators (as determined) through monthly reports, including metrics such as turnaround time, activity and resource availability.
- To attend Reference Chemistry & Immunology Governance Risk and Quality meetings as required.
Risk Management/Health & Safety
- To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.
- Work within the relevant Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.
- To report adverse incidents as set out in the Synnoviss adverse Incident Policy.
- To ensure that the work within relevant laboratories is performed in accordance with current health and safety regulations and guidance and to take corrective action where necessary.
- To liaise with the relevant departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the section.
- To support regular risk assessments and appropriate corrective action when required.
- Liaise with the relevant department Safety Officer on issues around fire safety.
Continuing Professional Development
- Develop knowledge of the significance of medical laboratory work in order to offer the best possible service to the user.
- Understands own role and is aware of the management structure of the relevant departments.
- Contributes to service initiatives within the relevant laboratory settings.
Laboratory Informatics
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To use the Epic Beaker Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols.
- To support the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
Staff Training
- Together with the relevant Training Officer, to support and participate in staff training and development.
Managerial
- To support the relevant SDM with the ongoing operation of specific laboratories, especially tasks relating to Operational Performance Management System oversight and Performance Review Meeting preparation and attendance.
- To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.
- To monitor and control the efficient use of financial, material and staff resources in the relevant laboratories and to take corrective action in consultation with the responsible section manager.
- To support and review laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines.
- To support the organisation and delivery of effective stock control of reagents and consumables in the relevant sections and to arrange alternative means of obtaining reagents from other sources if necessary.
- To assist the relevant Service Delivery Manager in monitoring management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, in order to plan and take corrective action as required.
- To present an operational update to senior leadsership team for each laboratory when required.
- To participate in the selection and recruitment of Biomedical Scientists and support staff.
- The post holder must maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in workload, patterns and requirements, and will undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the relevant Service Delivery Manager.
Essential Criteria:
- BSC (Hons) in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- MSc or equivalent in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- State Registration (HCPC)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience of post HCPC registration (minimum 5 years)
- Well-developed interpersonal skills along with leadership skills
- Ability to communicate within the team to deliver effective service
- Able to communicate scientific and organisational information instructions in writing
- Numerate and able to undertake complex scientific calculations
Desirable Criteria:
- Knowledge / experience of evaluating immunoassay and separation science techniques for routine service delivery
- Ability to manage changes to workload and solve problems with the minimum of help
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals
- Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to undertake technical validation of results
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
KCH
Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical
- To support relevant laboratories with operational duties as required.
- To support the investigation of delayed delivery / shortage of reagents
- To support highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations to ensure optimal service delivery.
- To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using the Operational Performance Management System.
- To ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.
- In conjunction with section leads, to support investigative actions when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods.
- To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure e.g. to liaise with clinical staff to ensure that priority work is identified and/or make alternative arrangements for an analysis to be done.
- To maintain a system that ensures maximal availability and flexibility in operation of departmental chromatography, mass spectrometers, immunoassay and associated equipment.
Scientific
- To support with operational management of method and laboratory instrument evaluations in both the Hub and Essential Service Laboratories and to validate SOPs and procedures (as directed by the relevant Service Delivery Manager).
- To manage the introduction of new equipment or methods into the department.
- To assist in the implementation of related assays in its broadest sense within the laboratories and to support the development and clinical use of analytical methods based upon immunoassay and separation science techniques in collaboration with junior and senior colleagues.
- To maintain awareness of current developments in separation science and immunoassay
Clinical
- Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out with their area of responsibility.
Quality Assurance
- The post holder will work with the relevant Service Delivery and Quality Managers to ensure the section remains UKAS ISO 15189 compliant at all times
- Maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the laboratories. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations in section using appropriate quality control procedures and through the monthly departmental quality meeting.
- Investigate adverse incidents and laboratory errors as necessary, communicate findings to the relevant Service Delivery Manager and Quality Manager, and implement any changes agreed in order to reduce the likelihood of repetition
- In conjunction with the relevant Quality Manager and Training Officer, educate staff in section of the function and practice of the quality management system
- The post holder will conduct and present audits to the relevant departmental Quality committee as required by the audit schedule
- The post holder will provide support for Health and Safety issues and audits in relevant laboratories and report to the designated H&S officer as required
- The post holder will support relevant document management (through the use of QPulse) and ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use within relevant laboratories.
- In conjunction with the relevant Service Delivery Manager, to monitor turnaround times of laboratory investigations and act on information to improve the service provided
- To deliver key performance indicators (as determined) through monthly reports, including metrics such as turnaround time, activity and resource availability.
- To attend Reference Chemistry & Immunology Governance Risk and Quality meetings as required.
Risk Management/Health & Safety
- To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.
- Work within the relevant Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.
- To report adverse incidents as set out in the Synnoviss adverse Incident Policy.
- To ensure that the work within relevant laboratories is performed in accordance with current health and safety regulations and guidance and to take corrective action where necessary.
- To liaise with the relevant departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the section.
- To support regular risk assessments and appropriate corrective action when required.
- Liaise with the relevant department Safety Officer on issues around fire safety.
Continuing Professional Development
- Develop knowledge of the significance of medical laboratory work in order to offer the best possible service to the user.
- Understands own role and is aware of the management structure of the relevant departments.
- Contributes to service initiatives within the relevant laboratory settings.
Laboratory Informatics
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To use the Epic Beaker Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols.
- To support the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
Staff Training
- Together with the relevant Training Officer, to support and participate in staff training and development.
Managerial
- To support the relevant SDM with the ongoing operation of specific laboratories, especially tasks relating to Operational Performance Management System oversight and Performance Review Meeting preparation and attendance.
- To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.
- To monitor and control the efficient use of financial, material and staff resources in the relevant laboratories and to take corrective action in consultation with the responsible section manager.
- To support and review laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines.
- To support the organisation and delivery of effective stock control of reagents and consumables in the relevant sections and to arrange alternative means of obtaining reagents from other sources if necessary.
- To assist the relevant Service Delivery Manager in monitoring management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, in order to plan and take corrective action as required.
- To present an operational update to senior leadsership team for each laboratory when required.
- To participate in the selection and recruitment of Biomedical Scientists and support staff.
- The post holder must maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in workload, patterns and requirements, and will undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the relevant Service Delivery Manager.
Essential Criteria:
- BSC (Hons) in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- MSc or equivalent in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- State Registration (HCPC)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience of post HCPC registration (minimum 5 years)
- Well-developed interpersonal skills along with leadership skills
- Ability to communicate within the team to deliver effective service
- Able to communicate scientific and organisational information instructions in writing
- Numerate and able to undertake complex scientific calculations
Desirable Criteria:
- Knowledge / experience of evaluating immunoassay and separation science techniques for routine service delivery
- Ability to manage changes to workload and solve problems with the minimum of help
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals
- Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to undertake technical validation of results
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
KCH
Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSC (Hons) in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- MSc or equivalent in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- State Registration (HCPC)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience of post HCPC registration (minimum 5 years)
Experience
Essential
- Working as a member of a team
- Extensive operational experience
Desirable
- Knowledge / experience of evaluating immunoassay and separation science techniques for routine service delivery
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Numerate and able to undertake complex scientific calculations
Desirable
- Ability to manage changes to workload and solve problems with the minimum of help
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals
- Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to undertake technical validation of results
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSC (Hons) in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- MSc or equivalent in subject relevant to Healthcare Science
- State Registration (HCPC)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience of post HCPC registration (minimum 5 years)
Experience
Essential
- Working as a member of a team
- Extensive operational experience
Desirable
- Knowledge / experience of evaluating immunoassay and separation science techniques for routine service delivery
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Numerate and able to undertake complex scientific calculations
Desirable
- Ability to manage changes to workload and solve problems with the minimum of help
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals
- Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to undertake technical validation of results
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).
