Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
We are thrilled to recruit to this exciting new opportunity within UHSussex. We are looking to employ a candidate who meets the educational requirements and has Haematology laboratory experience to work within our teams within UHSussex.
The post is a fixed term training contract for 4 years. Your time will be split between the University of Portsmouth, and working in the laboratory. The Healthcare Science Practitioner (integrated degree) Apprenticeship programme combines, and integrates both academic and work-based learning. You will be required to continuously develop skills and knowledge as you progress through the degree- programme.
Main duties of the job
This role is a developmental role. The trainee/apprentice will work towards becoming a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist through the successful completion of the Applied Biomedical Science (ABS) Degree Apprenticeship Training programme which includes the attainment of the Batchelor of Healthcare Science. The Degree Apprenticeship Programme combines both academic and work-based learning through close collaboration of the employer and education provider. At the end of the programme, the Apprentice will become a Registered Biomedical Scientist, registered and accountable to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
To assist the workforce of Biomedical Scientists (BMS) under supervision, in providing a specialised, diagnostic service, contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To assist other team members in the receipt, registration preparation and analysis of pathological specimens for Blood Transfusion. To assist in the Administration of the Department – as directed.
Communications and Relationship skills
1. To deal with enquires from users, patients and other members of staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking scientific staff advice where required.
2. To liaise between laboratory staff, patients and users of the service
3. To attend departmental meetings including participation in laboratory safety huddles
4. To provide and receive routine information, to inform work colleagues, patients or clients
5. To relay test results to clinicians and other staff, answers queries according to laboratory protocols
6. To liaise with the departmental training officer with regard to the suitability and collection and compilation of evidence for the Registration portfolio
Planning and Organisational skills
7. To receive, sort and distribute as appropriate patient pathology specimens received from hospitals and GPs in the Worthing /Chichester area, in a safe and timely manner.
8. To prioritise urgent and emergency workload
9. To be self motivated in the collection of evidence for the registration portfolio and present the evidence for evaluation as required.
Patient/ Client Care
10. To enter request details on to the pathology computer system, including assays requested and patient information in an accurate and timely manner in compliance with relevant standard operation procedures.
11. To complete error logs and to ensure that approved appropriate action is taken to remedy any shortcomings
12. To relay test results to clinicians and other staff, answers queries according to laboratory protocols
Policy and Service Development Implementation
13. To perform the above duties with reference to Standard Operating Procedures and propose changes to SOPs when required
14. To comply with Departmental and Trust information governance standards at all times.
15. To be familiar with the laboratory’s Quality Policy and Quality Manual and to ensure that a high standard of work is maintained at all times.
16. To work to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) at all times and to participate in annual update training
17. To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery is safe, effective, cost effective and follows best practice.
18. To work within a team framework in order to provide a high quality and efficient service
For full details please refer to the attached Job description.
Person specification
Experience of Working in a Blood Transfusion Department
Essential criteria
19. 5 x GCSEs (or equivalent) grade A-C or 4-9 including Maths and English.
20. Evidence of Good Laboratory Practice
21. Minimum of a level 3 qualification – A levels, Access to HE Diploma, BTEC / apprenticeship level 3.
22. Previous experience of a Medical Laboratory Assistant in Blood Transfusion
23. Experience of Checkit
24. Evidence of recent study experience (within last 5 years).
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
25. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
26. 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