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Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
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Applications are invited from suitably experienced and motivated individuals to apply for the position of Team Manager (Advanced Practice) in this busy, dynamic, and well-equipped department. These posts have involve expanded clinical advanced practice responsibilities, working closely with and supporting Clinical Scientists and Consultant Pathologists. Molecular Pathology provides a south-east regional service, which may include samples from other regions when necessary. Examples of Department approved roles/tasks work are described below.
NHS Lothian’s Molecular Pathology service has significant results authorisation responsibilities, currently performed by Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists and Consultant Pathologists. Clinical areas that may be authorised by Team Managers with advanced practice, following training, include: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), Solid Tumour and Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (HMDS). A wide range of assay type is used within the department including real-time PCR, Pyrosequencing, NGS, HRM, MLPA, Fragment length analysis and COBAS. Training on the interpretation and reporting of results across all platforms will be provided.
In addition, the role includes acting as Duty Scientist, prioritising samples for testing, organising laboratory workload and responding to internal or external enquiries. Successful candidates will learn laboratory processes as part of background to the analysis they perform but the roles are not laboratory based.
The post holders will also support the Genomics Operational Manager with quality management processes, including audit, method verification, SOP development, and preparation for UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation. NHS Lothian is also preparing to implement a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and successful candidates will contribute to its clinical implementation and integration within the department. In addition, the successful candidates will provide support to existing Band 7 Team Managers in team leadership and staff training responsibilities.
Post holders will receive formal training (competences and in-house portfolio) and will widen their Clinical Genomics and Pathology knowledge through engagement with senior Clinical Scientists, Consultant Pathologists, attendance at departmental meetings and lunchtime seminars, and participation in case discussions. Depending on background and training requirements the successful candidate may need to complete a Post Graduate qualification in Molecular Pathology and Genomic Medicine. There is an expectation that candidates will demonstrate initiative and motivation for self-directed study with support from senior Principal Clinical Scientists, to support their ongoing clinical development.
As a Band 7 Team Manager this post is suited to an individual confident in their decision-making, organisation, communication, management and leadership skills, and evidence of this at band 6 is acceptable.
The line management for the role will be provided by the Genomics Operational Manager; however, certain aspects may be delegated to Principal Clinical Scientists e.g. Operational duties and TURAS/ PDP. The successful candidates will be supported by Clinical Scientists and other Team Managers with assigned mentors as they rotate and learn new tasks. The successful post holders will work closely with Clinical Scientists, Consultant Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists and Health Care Support Workers.
Applicants must be HCPC registered, be educated to Masters Level (or equivalent) and have significant, current experience working in a diagnostic laboratory at Band 6 level or above.
Candidates must participate in CPD.
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions, please contact Louise Gilroy, Principal Clinical Scientist - email louise.gilroy@nhs.scot