The post holder will be responsible for carrying out analytical work. The post holder will rotate through all sections of the department. The key working relationships will be with staff in Haematology, but the post holder will be expected to liaise with staff throughout pathology and the Trust. There will be frequent occasions when the postholder takes sole responsibility for work, for example when no senior is present.
* Sample reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with ward staff where there are doubts or errors, assigning High Risk samples to an appropriate containment area and dealing with leaking/damaged samples, centrifugation of specimens when necessary.
* Data entry: assignment of sequential numbers to samples and attaching bar code labels; logging incoming specimen requests onto the HIS.
* FBC analyser preparation: daily start up of analyser, check background counts within limits, run controls, check within limits, liaise with supervisor for remedial action if necessary. Monitor analyser continuously throughout the day, running control samples as necessary.
* Coagulation analyser preparation: daily reconstitution of reagents, run tri‑level controls, check results within limits, liaising with supervisor for remedial action if necessary. Monitor analyser continuously throughout the day, running additional control samples as necessary.
* Analyser processes: loading specimens into racks, selecting appropriate tests on analyser software and starting analyser processing.
About the Role
As a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist, you will be responsible for providing a safe, efficient and high‑quality analytical service across Haematology and Blood Transfusion. You will rotate through all sections of the department and will frequently work independently, including taking sole responsibility for laboratory duties when senior staff are not present. The role includes hands‑on analytical work, technical validation of results, blood film morphology, equipment maintenance, quality control, and support of trainee staff. Following appropriate training, you will be expected to participate in the on‑call rota, working alone and unsupervised to deliver a full investigative service.
Key Responsibilities
* Perform routine and specialist testing across Haematology, Coagulation and Blood Transfusion.
* Prepare, operate and monitor analysers, ensuring IQC is within acceptable limits.
* Validate and authorise results, comparing with historical data and clinical context.
* Examine and interpret blood films, identifying abnormal cellular morphology and escalating complex findings appropriately.
* Perform manual procedures including D dimers, sickle testing and antibody investigations.
Blood Transfusion
* Carry out ABO/RhD grouping, antibody screening and identification, DATs and phenotyping.
* Select, prepare and issue blood components in line with national and local policies.
* Manage urgent and complex transfusion requests, prioritising workload appropriately.
* Support stock control and minimise blood product wastage.
Quality & Governance
* Ensure compliance with SOPs, UKAS ISO 15189 standards, MHRA and Trust policies.
* Perform daily equipment maintenance and ensure documentation is completed accurately.
* Review SOPs and elevate discrepancies or proposed updates to senior staff.
* Participate in audits, incident reporting and corrective action processes.
Training & Service Development
* Support the training and supervision of trainee and junior staff.
* Participate in ongoing CPD, appraisal and competency assessments.
* Contribute to service improvement initiatives and validation of new equipment or methodologies.
Laboratory Environment & Equipment
Our laboratories operate routine services from 08:00 to midnight, Monday to Friday. Equipment includes:
* Sysmex XN3100
* CS2500
* Epic Beaker DHR
* BioRad IH 500 (Blood Transfusion)
* Haemonetics Safetrace LIMS
The department maintains full UKAS Accreditation.
Benefits
* A supportive, specialist oncology environment.
* Strong commitment to CPD, training and career development.
* Exposure to complex and varied diagnostic work.
* Opportunities to contribute to service innovation and improvement.
Health & Safety
Flu Vaccination – All patient‑facing staff are expected to receive an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Qualifications
* HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
* Degree level qualification (or equivalent) in Biomedical Science.
* Experience working across Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
* Sound understanding of IQC, EQA, quality systems and laboratory health & safety.
* Ability to work independently, manage workload and make technical decisions.
* Strong communication, organisational and team working skills.
Desirable
* Evidence of post‑registration or specialist study.
* Experience supporting training of junior staff.
* Experience working in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of under‑represented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential.
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