Job overview
The Blood Sciences service is based on 4sites; Princes Royal Hospital, Royal Sussex County Hospital, St Richards Hospital & Worthing Hospital. UHSussex is part of the Sussex Pathology Network, along with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust . They will be involved in the drive to harmonise & centralise Pathology services across the network. The service is responsible for the provision of Blood Transfusion at the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH), Royal Alexander Children’s Hospital (RACH), Brighton General Hospital (BGH), Victoria Hospital Lewes (VHL), St Richards Hospital (SRH), Worthing General Hospital (WGH), Martlet’s hospice and General Practitioners through Primary Care Trust’s. To be responsible for the day-to-day technical management of the Blood Transfusion service across all sites, in conjunction with the Senior Lead BMS Blood Transfusion, liaising closely with Blood Sciences leads & supporting/deputising for the Senior Lead BMS Blood Transfusion when required in the delivery of the Blood Sciences service to the Trust and community. Communicating & working with other agencies as appropriate on behalf of the Department and Pathology as a whole. To provide a 24hr, 7 days a week service meeting all agreed Turn-Around Time (TAT) KPIs as a key component of the Blood Sciences Department.All staff will be expected to participate in the shift rota as the service needs require after satisfying competency assessment.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will manage all aspects of the Speciality, as agreed with the Senior Lead BMS Blood Transfusion. In addition the post holder supervises and undertakes a range of complex investigations using a variety of techniques, including manual and automated techniques on highly specialised analysers to assist in the diagnosis of disease, and monitoring of treatment. The post-holder will work with the Senior Lead BMS Blood Transfusion as a specialist leader and manager for a team of Biomedical Scientists and support staff, to provide an efficient, cost-effective and timely clinical service for patients, ensuring KPIs and TAT’s are met. To manage staff working within the Speciality including recruitment, appraisal, CPD and performance.
Please read full job description and person specification included with this advert
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
Please see the detailed job description and person specification that has been included as part of this vacancy advert
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.
Person specification
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
1. Registration with the Health professional Council as a Biomedical Scientist.
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
2. Accredited degree or equivalent resulting in state registration with the Health professional Council as a Biomedical Scientist. Up to date and in depth specialist knowledge in own Discipline (evidenced by Log book or specialist Portfolio) Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences / own Discipline or, equivalent e.g. Fellowship examination from Institute of Biomedical Sciences. At least 5 years post State Registration experience in a NHS laboratory with at least 3 years at a senior specialist level. High level of knowledge of pathology instrumentation Previous supervisory or management experience Experience of relevant laboratory instrumentation used within the Department. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development and a commitment to staff education and training Significant experience of managing quality systems including UKAS and MHRA Comprehensive understanding of Quality, Audit and Clinical Governance Detailed knowledge of Health & Safety requirements including COSHH regulations and evidence of experience of compliance with accreditation bodies
Desirable criteria
3. Further academic or professional qualification in specialist subject, e.g. Higher Specialist diploma, Diploma of Expert / Extended Practice Management Qualification Chartered Scientist Experience with procurement of new equipment & consumables
Skills
Essential criteria
4. High level of leadership skills. Team building, motivational, negotiation, co-operation, persuasion and counselling. Empathises with staff and patients issues in a compassionate, sympathetic and understanding manner. Can work to strict standards of quality and Safety Able to work on own initiative Ability to undertake and report on highly complex biomedical investigations analysing the outcome of tests or procedures and their clinical significance where a range of options may be involved. Ability to recognise and monitor parameters of quality, accuracy and imprecision according to laboratory standard operational procedures. Able to lead or participate in the production and interpretation of audit data. Understands and is able to plan the delivery of day-to-day complex procedures and processes including trouble shooting. Able to organise and manage their personal responsibilities with referral to Senior staff when required in a timely and efficient manner. Initiating, planning and organising service developments and service delivery for the Department of responsibility. Interprets changing local and national policies and guidelines for the provision of the service adapting and modelling the service in response to these changes. Participation with producing and delivering the Directorate and Departmental Business plans. Multitasking To be responsible for the initial management and investigation of any incidents in Blood Transfusion and for reporting these to the Head of Blood Sciences/Quality & Compliance Team and other appropriate laboratory staff.
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
5. Highly developed leadership and influencing skills with the ability to enthuse, motivate and engage individuals and teams. Able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of planning workload of other team members to ensure service delivery. Ability to delegate and support empowerment. Experience of change management Proven staff management skills. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals. Experience of managing a team of professionals, including recruitment, appraisal and development. Experience of developing the operational capability of others. Change management experience
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
6. Ability to lift laboratory consumables up to 15 Kg as required to maintain stocks and supplies. Must display attention to detail Willingness to contribute towards production and review of departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Understanding of the requirements of ISO 15189 Must be able to ensure personal continuing education and professional development Flexible approach to working practices
Desirable criteria
7. Evidence of involvement in business case development Evidence of Project Management skills
Freedom To Act
Essential criteria
8. Ability to work autonomously, liaise and co-ordinate specialty services on a day to day basis and to take appropriate action as necessary Identify and adhere to best practice Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of EDI within a Healthcare setting
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
10. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
11. 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