Job summary
Are you looking to advance your career and specialise in Clinical Biochemistry, would you like to improve you manual skills and gain some hand on experience in mass spectrometry?
We have a 12 month maternity cover post for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6 AfC equivalent). This offers an exciting opportunity for HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists wanting to further develop their knowledge and skills in a specialist area of clinical biochemistry.
You will be part of a team that provides a highly specialised laboratory service using the latest technologies in the Biochemical Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital.
The post is based in the Inherited Metabolic Disease and Newborn Screening Laboratory, which provide a variety of screening, diagnostic and monitoring assays on LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, ELISA and Real-Time PCR platforms. You will also work closely with our clinical scientist teams providing a unique insight into the management of patients diagnosed with various metabolic diseases.
The post holder will also be working in the Immunosuppressive Drug Monitoring Department based at Kings College Hospital. Providing therapeutic drug monitoring using LC-MS/MS platforms and will be required to participate in the Immunosuppressant weekend and bank holiday rota.
Please Note: Applicants must have HCPC registration and completed either the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Clinical Biochemistry or an equivalent qualification to be eligible for the Band 6 position.
Main duties of the job
As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, the post holder is responsible for performing a range of complex clinical and technical procedures; accountable for their own actions and for staff that they direct or supervise. Most frequently are regulated practitioners that have specialised or taken on more senior responsibilities. They will have a relevant undergraduate degree (i.e. BSc Hons Biomedical Science including HCPC registered) and have also completed a higher qualification (i.e. MSc in relevant subject or IBMS Specialist Portfolio). They will have advanced experience in Clinical Chemistry, including the performance of automated, semi-automated and complex manual assays. Will also undertake analytical, technical and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery where required.
The Biochemical Sciences Department is an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory comprised of a team of approximately 60 Scientists and Support Staff. Our laboratories are split between several rooms across two floors within St Thomas Hospital. Although the department is comprised of four laboratories the teams work closely together to ensure the highest quality of patient care.
About us
This post is based in the Biochemical Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital.Our Department focuses on not only maintaining excellent standards, but also striving to improve our standards and ways of working, all with the patient in mind; this might include introducing a new piece of cutting edge equipment, streamlining a current process with an innovative IT procedure or bringing sample testing to the patients home.
Your development and learning
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 and 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.
The Core Responsibilities of the role are summarised below:
1. Technical
- Use laboratory information system according to protocols.
- Assist in accurate and precise sample preparation of a complex nature and allocate testing procedures accordingly.
- Undertake accurate and precise data entry and technical validation of results on laboratory computer system.
- Analyse and make judgments on complex scientific issues on a range of options including anomalous test results which requires frequent periods of concentration.
- In accordance with Departmental protocol, authorise results, request additional testing and add appropriate clinical comments.
- Perform analytical tests to a high standard and maintain working knowledge of their scientific principles.
- Ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff.
2. Scientific
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the Operations Manager/Section Lead.
- To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department
3. Clinical
- To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures. E.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and approved pre-defined clinically relevant comments, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant results.
4. Laboratory Informatics
- Effectively communicate laboratory result which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature, to internal and external clients, as per departmental protocol.
- Ensure laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with accreditation standards.
- Input patient results onto laboratory computer system.
- To use information systems, specialist and general software, in data entry and the collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services.
5. General
- Work and operate effectively within the Biochemical Sciences Quality Management System.
- Must maintain HCPC registration and participate in Continued Professional Development.
- Prioritise workload to manage emergency and urgent work according to protocol
- Ensure standards as required by the ISO 15189 are maintained and where possible improved upon
- Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes
- Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork
- Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policy
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.
And one of the applicable options below:
GSTT
Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability.We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependant on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
All employees are entitled to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Ground breaking personal development opportunities
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.
The Core Responsibilities of the role are summarised below:
1. Technical
- Use laboratory information system according to protocols.
- Assist in accurate and precise sample preparation of a complex nature and allocate testing procedures accordingly.
- Undertake accurate and precise data entry and technical validation of results on laboratory computer system.
- Analyse and make judgments on complex scientific issues on a range of options including anomalous test results which requires frequent periods of concentration.
- In accordance with Departmental protocol, authorise results, request additional testing and add appropriate clinical comments.
- Perform analytical tests to a high standard and maintain working knowledge of their scientific principles.
- Ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any failures to a senior member of staff.
2. Scientific
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the Operations Manager/Section Lead.
- To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department
3. Clinical
- To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures. E.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and approved pre-defined clinically relevant comments, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant results.
4. Laboratory Informatics
- Effectively communicate laboratory result which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature, to internal and external clients, as per departmental protocol.
- Ensure laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with accreditation standards.
- Input patient results onto laboratory computer system.
- To use information systems, specialist and general software, in data entry and the collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services.
5. General
- Work and operate effectively within the Biochemical Sciences Quality Management System.
- Must maintain HCPC registration and participate in Continued Professional Development.
- Prioritise workload to manage emergency and urgent work according to protocol
- Ensure standards as required by the ISO 15189 are maintained and where possible improved upon
- Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes
- Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork
- Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policy
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.
And one of the applicable options below:
GSTT
Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability.We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependant on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
All employees are entitled to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Ground breaking personal development opportunities
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc degree in Biomedical Sciences.
- State registration (Health and Care Professions Council).
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
- Membership of Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)
- IBMS Specialist Portfolio or MSc or equivalent specialist qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Previous laboratory experience in a Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory.
- Experience of working with automated and semi-automated Biochemistry pre-analytical and analytical systems.
- Experience performing manual assays.
- Experience of laboratory troubleshooting (IQC, EQA, equipment).
- Experience using QMS (including documentation and error logging).
Desirable
- Experience with sample preparation techniques such as solvent extraction and protein precipitation.
- Experience in mass spectrometry and chromatography.
- Experience in molecular techniques such as RT-PCR.
- Working alone as part of out of hours service.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good level of knowledge of general clinical biochemistry laboratory tests and sample types.
- Basic use of Microsoft Office programs and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Ability to work as part of a team and work independently and autonomously.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, including communicating technical information and results with other healthcare professionals.
- Previous experience using QMS (e.g. QPulse)
- Aware of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures.
Desirable
- Knowledge of specialized biochemistry tests and sample types.
- Problem solving.
- Interest in working in Newborn Screening and Inherited Metabolic Diseases.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc degree in Biomedical Sciences.
- State registration (Health and Care Professions Council).
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
- Membership of Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS)
- IBMS Specialist Portfolio or MSc or equivalent specialist qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Previous laboratory experience in a Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory.
- Experience of working with automated and semi-automated Biochemistry pre-analytical and analytical systems.
- Experience performing manual assays.
- Experience of laboratory troubleshooting (IQC, EQA, equipment).
- Experience using QMS (including documentation and error logging).
Desirable
- Experience with sample preparation techniques such as solvent extraction and protein precipitation.
- Experience in mass spectrometry and chromatography.
- Experience in molecular techniques such as RT-PCR.
- Working alone as part of out of hours service.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good level of knowledge of general clinical biochemistry laboratory tests and sample types.
- Basic use of Microsoft Office programs and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Ability to work as part of a team and work independently and autonomously.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, including communicating technical information and results with other healthcare professionals.
- Previous experience using QMS (e.g. QPulse)
- Aware of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures.
Desirable
- Knowledge of specialized biochemistry tests and sample types.
- Problem solving.
- Interest in working in Newborn Screening and Inherited Metabolic Diseases.
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).
