Job overview
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a motivated and collaborative Clinical Vascular Scientist (CVS) to join our Vascular Assessment Unit (VAU). The team consists of eight qualified vascular scientists, two trainee vascular scientists and a wonderful administration team.
The role assumes a high degree of autonomy and independence to undertake and report on a full range of specialist vascular science diagnostics in a range of settings: VAU, one stop clinics, the ward, theatre/recovery. The team also regularly provides on table assistance during foam sclerotherapy sessions, for which training is available if you are not already confident.
The team enjoy a close and friendly working relationship with the wider surgical, medical and nursing teams and CPD is actively supportedwith protected non-clinical time, opportunities to attend study days and conferences and opportunities to take part in the CSVS, for example the Lead CVS is the current Chair for Education and another team member is the Study Day Organiser for the CSVS.
The post involves cross-site working covering our hub site based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton (where you can be on the beach within a 5-10min walk of leaving work!), as well as hospitals in Worthing, Shoreham, Haywards Heath and Eastbourne. Travelling expenses are provided for all travel, excluding to and from your assigned ‘home’ site.
Main duties of the job
The role assumes a high degree of autonomy and independence to undertake and report on a full range of specialist vascular science diagnostics in a range of settings alongside various other duties as detailed in the full job description and person specification.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria
Clinical and Scientific:
1. Independently (unsupervised) perform, interpret and accurately report specialist diagnostic vascular ultrasound investigations in a range of environments (this may require concentration during busy environments with many distractions) to enable appropriate and timely clinical decision-making
2. Ensure reports are saved onto the appropriate information storage systems, such as PACS, adhering to appropriate information governance
3. Recognise when the test is sub-optimal, using alternative methods to obtain accurate results, and modify examinations depending on findings using skills and knowledge obtained through experience
4. Seek a second opinion from colleagues when necessary and provide a second opinion for other members of the team
5. Report urgently or routinely to the referring clinician depending on the findings
6. Analyse requests from clinicians, select appropriate tests and prioritise them according to clinical need and resources available
7. Assist in management of VAU on a daily basis by prioritising and allocating the site’s daily workload (including trainee requirements) according to daily pressures
8. Raise and report concerns and limitations which may affect patient management
9. Ensure that clinical work areas and diagnostic equipment are kept in a safe, clean and tidy condition
10. Communicate reasons for tests and results of tests, including their clinical significance, to patients as necessary in an empathetic and compassionate manner
11. Ensure patient confidentiality and dignity at all times, providing an appropriate environment to perform the diagnostic tests and discuss the results
12. Be responsible for all patients’ safety and well-being during tests and while in attendance in the department, respectfully assisting and supporting patients’ needs
13. Provide specialist expert advice on vascular pathology, ultrasound and diagnostic methods to patients, nurses, clinicians etc.
14. Attend MDT meetings to explain and discuss findings with surgeons, physicians, radiologists and nurses
Please see Job Description for more detailed information of further responsibilities.
Person specification
Person Specification
Essential criteria
15. Current holder of The College and Society for Clinical Vascular Science (CSVS) Accredited Vascular Scientist status
16. Relevant science undergraduate honours degree
17. Excellent communication and organisational skills
18. Excellent computer and administration skills
19. Willingness to teach and train others
20. Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, appropriate to their individual needs.
21. Ability to establish good working relationships with patients, carers, administrators, healthcare professionals, managers etc.
Desirable criteria
22. HCPC registration as Clinical Scientist (Vascular)
23. CASE accredited post graduate qualification in vascular ultrasound
Equality Diversity Inclusion
Essential criteria
24. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
25. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications