Job overview
We are looking for highly motivated HCPC-registered Band 6 Biomedical Scientists to join the Specialist Services Team within the Laboratory Medicine Service at Swansea Bay University Health Board.
The Laboratory Medicine Team seeks to modernise our service by embracing new ways of working, committing to developing our knowledge and skills and actively seeking to develop a professional multidisciplinary team across the Service that provides a 24/7 365, year-round service for our patients.
In this role, you will be part of a rotational team that provides the specialised laboratory services using specialist analytical techniques such as flow cytometry, protein electrophoresis, spectrometry, immunofluorescence, mass spectrometry and specialist coagulation techniques. As part of future planning, this role will include out-of-hours working within Specialist Sections.
The Specialist laboratories are well equipped with equipment from suppliers such as Sebia, Werfen, Sysmex, BD, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Aesku and The Binding Site.
Ideally the post holder will have existing knowledge and skills in specialist analytical techniques such as those listed above, however we welcome applications from candidates who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills specialist analytical techniques.
Main duties of the job
As a Band 6 Specialist BMS you will provide a comprehensive Laboratory Medicine service to aid the effective screening, diagnosis, monitoring of patients. You will deputise for senior staff and assist in the training and supervision of junior members of the team.
The Laboratory Medicine Service is a 24/7/365 operation and a flexible approach to working hours is required. Once competency has been achieved you will be expected to participate in the out of hours rota and expected to work at any of the networked laboratory sites as required.
Candidates will be expected to have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio or have significant years of experience as a Band 6 - this is a requisite for employment at Band 6 Biomedical Scientist AfC grade.
If you have completed your IBMS Specialist Portfolio and are awaiting assessment please clearly indicate this in your application.
Consideration will be given to candidates who are already working towards completion of the IBMS Specialist Portfolio and will initially be paid on the Band 6 Biomedical Scientist AfC scale as per our Annex 21 framework. If you are part-way through your Specialist Portfolio, please indicate how much you have completed and a timescale for anticipated completion in your application.
We regret, at this time, we will not be accepting applications for Trainee Biomedical Scientists (i.e. those requiring completion of the IBMS Registration Portfolio and gaining HCPC registration).
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Laboratory Medicine Service comprises of Automation Services (Biochemistry, Haematology and Blood Transfusion), Point of Care Services and Specialist Services (Cellular Haematology, Immunology, Specialist Coagulation and Haemoglobinopathies, Toxicology and Specialist Analytical Techniques). We have full accreditation with UKAS, MHRA and IBMS training status for Registration and Specialist Portfolios.
As a hub and spoke network of laboratories, we have the hub laboratory based in Morriston Hospital and spoke laboratories at Singleton Hospital (7 miles from hub) and Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend (25 miles from hub). We also have a Reception Facility at Neath/Port Talbot Hospital (10 miles from hub). The Specialist Laboratories are located at Morriston, Singleton and Princess of Wales Hospitals.
The Specialist Services Teams currently comprise of small teams that work across all sites – we are looking to build on these teams to allow us to provide robust specialist services. These roles offer a unique chance to develop your skills in specialist techniques with a multi-disciplinary approach.
Person specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. BSc in Biomedical Sciences (must be IBMS accredited)
2. Registered with the Health Care Processionals Council (HCPC)
3. IBMS Specialist Diploma (or equivalent experience – only relevant if HCPC qualification achieved in or before 2012)
Desirable criteria
4. Master’s Degree BBTS specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice
Essential Experience
Essential criteria
5. Significant post registration experience
6. Knowledge and experience of working in Laboratory Medicine
7. Experience of working unsocial hours and night shifts.
8. Loan working experience.
9. IT skills, including good working knowledge of MS office programmes and virtual platforms
10. Experience of Laboratory information systems e.g., middleware IT
Desirable criteria
11. Some experience of complex specialist laboratory techniques
12. Multidisciplinary work experience
13. Leadership Skills
14. Good understanding of other Pathology disciplines
15. Background knowledge of hospital specialties
Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Welsh language skills are desirable