Band 8b - Specialist Healthcare Scientist in Blood Sciences
The closing date is 12 April 2026
Do you thrive in a fast‑paced, challenging environment? You can make an impact with us as our next Band 8b Clinical Scientist in Chemical Pathology.
We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced applicants, with significant experience of working in a busy Chemical Pathology Department.
The successful candidate will be an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry and must have successfully completed the Part 1 FRCPath examination. Those with Part 1 FRCPath who are actively working towards obtaining Part 2 FRCPath are encouraged to apply – this post will provide full support in preparing for Part 2.
Main duties of the job
Registration as a Clinical Scientist is essential.
* Lead the Proteins section of the laboratory and play a major role in the department’s Quality Management System.
* Develop and implement protocols, conduct clinical and scientific liaison within the network, and act as a duty biochemist.
* Work closely with IT as a data analyst and contribute to medical teaching and training trainee clinical scientists.
* Assist the Head of Department and consultant team in providing a comprehensive, cost‑effective and high‑quality Chemical Pathology service compliant with ISO15189:2012 (and working towards ISO15189:2022).
* Represent the department at Trust and Pathology meetings and contribute to service improvement and delivery across the department.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are empowerment, compassion, professionalism and inclusion.
We offer a variety of flexible working options. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and should you require support or guidance, please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net. If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving, please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job responsibilities
There is a full 24/7 acute/urgent analytical service at Watford General Hospital and a Monday to Friday, 08:00–20:00 pm, non‑urgent service at the Hemel Hempstead site. The successful candidate is expected to work across sites as required, participate in the on‑call roster for out‑of‑hours clinical advice (after appropriate training), and collaborate closely with Consultants, Team Leaders, Quality Leads, Chemical Pathology operation manager and Pathology Board Unit (PBU).
The laboratory uses Roche Cobas platforms for automated chemistry, immunochemistry, and Sebia system for protein electrophoresis. The Trust is committed to personal development of staff at all levels and has a new shared pathology network with partners across the local Integrated Care System.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
* First Degree or assessed equivalent of knowledge and expertise.
* Master’s Degree or assessed equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry.
* Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) – required for medical consultants.
* Demonstration of Continuing Professional Development at an agreed level of participation.
* Registration as a clinical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
* PhD (preferred).
Knowledge
* Comprehensive knowledge of human biochemistry, chemistry, metabolic processes, physiology, pharmacology and drug interference.
* Fundamental knowledge of other areas of Pathology.
* Extensive knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving.
* Ability to perform risk assessments on a variety of laboratory situations.
* Full understanding of COSHH regulations and their laboratory application.
* Knowledge of metabolic medicine across adults, children, neonates – including inherited disorders, endocrine disease and toxicology.
* Ability to conduct clinical risk assessments, resolve problems and investigate complaints as part of Clinical Governance.
* Extensive knowledge of national professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.
* Understanding of resource allocation and procurement.
* Expert knowledge in highly specialised areas such as Protein Electrophoresis, Chromatography, Endocrinology.
Experience
* Demonstrated experience as a Registered Clinical Scientist, including advanced practitioner level (8A).
* Attained status as a national or international expert or adviser.
* Developed expertise in one or more specialised analytical or clinical areas to an expert level within the Trust.
* Proven record of achievement in research, development and audit activities, including presentations at national or international conferences and publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Watford and Hemel Hempstead General Hospital
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