We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Biochemist to take on a key leadership position within our expanding team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Biochemist ready to contribute to the continued development of a modern, high performing service.
As a Principal Clinical Biochemist, based in the Biochemistry Department at Taunton Laboratories, within NHS Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, you'll play a central role in developing and delivering complex scientific and diagnostic services. You'll provide high level clinical advice, support service improvement initiatives, and act as a vital link between the laboratory and clinical teams. Working alongside senior departmental colleagues, you will also ensure robust Clinical Governance, including quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and audit activity.
In collaboration with Consultant Biochemists, you'll contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive and responsive service, participate in the departmental Duty Officer rota, and work towards Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. This role demands strong professional autonomy, initiative, and excellent communication skills, with responsibilities spanning all SPS locations across Somerset.
Main duties of the job
* Work with colleagues to develop and deliver a wide range of complex and specialised scientific and diagnostic procedures, including the provision of clinical advice.
* Collaborate with the Consultant and Principal Biochemists to provide a high quality Clinical Biochemistry service and maintain standards in line with UKAS requirements.
* Alongside senior staff, ensure effective Clinical Governance, including quality assurance and audit
* Deputise for the Consultant Clinical Biochemist, taking responsibility for departmental performance in their absence
* Act as Clinical Lead for the Point of Care Testing (POCT) service, working closely with the Laboratory POCT Lead, contributing to Trust POCT Committee meetings, and ensuring governance and quality compliance across Somerset FT.
* Advise on POCT in Community and Primary Care settings, supporting adherence to the SouthWest POCT Evaluation Framework, and representing the Trust at Pathology Network and regional POCT meetings.
* Participate in the Duty Biochemist rota, serving as a key link between the laboratory, clinicians, and service users, and will join the out of hours on call rota to provide clinical advice.
To be considered for this role you will need to have achieved, or be close to achieving, Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists and must demonstrate a high degree of responsibility, initiative, and self motivation.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job responsibilities
The post holder will work with colleagues to develop and deliver a wide range of complex and specialised scientific and diagnostic procedures, including the provision of clinical advice. They will collaborate with the Consultant and Principal Biochemists to provide a highquality Clinical Biochemistry service and maintain standards in line with UKAS requirements.
Alongside senior staff, the post holder will ensure effective Clinical Governance, including quality assurance and audit, and will deputise for the Consultant Clinical Biochemist, taking responsibility for departmental performance in their absence.
They will act as Clinical Lead for the Point of Care Testing (POCT) service, working closely with the Laboratory POCT Lead, contributing to Trust POCT Committee meetings, and ensuring governance and quality compliance across Somerset FT. The role includes advising on POCT in Community and Primary Care settings, supporting adherence to the SouthWest POCT Evaluation Framework, and representing the Trust at Pathology Network and regional POCT meetings.
The post holder will participate in the Duty Biochemist rota, serving as a key link between the laboratory, clinicians, and service users, and will join the outofhours oncall rota to provide clinical advice. They will be expected to have achieved, or be close to achieving, Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists and must demonstrate a high degree of responsibility, initiative, and selfmotivation.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist
* First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree in Biochemistry or allied subject
* MSc in Clinical Biochemistry.
Experience
* Depth and breadth of clinical experience in Clinical Biochemistry.
* Experience in the field of Point of Care Testing.
* Experience of carrying out clinical audit and evidence of direct involvement in a specific audit in the last 2 years.
Additional Criteria
* Please see the attached JD
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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