Job overview
We are offering a rare opportunity to join our team as a trainee Clinical Scientist in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. This position is aimed to support proactive, motivated and enthusiastic scientists through a three-year training period to achieve HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in H&I. During this time you will complete the British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI) diploma in H&I and gather a portfolio of evidence to submit for HCPC state registration.
For applicants without a suitable MSc there will also be the opportunity to apply for funding, via the Synnovis Learning and Development Fund, to complete a suitable two-year, part time, MSc course as additional training. The successful candidate will, once registered, progress to a permanent Band 7 Clinical Scientist position within the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory.
During the training period the successful candidate will be expected, once trained, to participate in all areas of the laboratory work, including out of hours on-call activity, in addition to maintaining study deadlines.
Accredited both to ISO 15189 and EFI standards, the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory at Guys Hospital is one of the busiest laboratories specialising solid organ transplantation in the UK, supporting over 500 solid organ transplants a year and currently expanding.
We provide a comprehensive H&I service for a number of adult and paediatric transplant centres across the South East for a variety of renal, pancreas, heart, lung, islet, liver and multi-visceral transplant programmes. Acting as a referral centre for both national and international cases, we work closely with the Guys Hospital Renal Transplant team and the Harefield Cardiothoracic Transplant team to provide advice on a range of highly complex transplant scenarios, including through an active ABO and/or HLA antibody incompatible transplant programme. In addition we carry out HLA and disease association testing and provide support for a number of research groups.
Main duties of the job
You will be joining a small, friendly, dynamic and committed team of scientists, embedded with the Clinical Team, working in a fascinating and specialised area of pathology.
The laboratory carries out HLA typing using a range of PCR based methods, including NGS, SSOP, qPCR and SSP. Luminex and Flow cytometric based methods are employed for antibody analysis and patient crossmatching. We utilise a specialist LIMS, Manzen, and use Q-pulse as our QMS.
The department runs across two main sections – DNA and Serology. As a trainee Clinical Scientist the post holder will rotate between the sections training to perform duties including sample testing, analysis, authorisation and reporting, in addition to time spent liaising with the clinical teams and patient management on the transplant waiting list. Dedicated study time will be provided, along with a training manager.
During the training period the candidate will also be required to complete a research project under the direction of the training manager.
The department has core opening hours of 9 – 5 Monday - Friday, and provides a 24/7 on-call service. The post holder would be expected to work a 37.5 hour week and, once trained, participate in the out of hours on call service, which currently has a 1 in 7 commitment across three rotas.
Working for our organisation
Staff development is important to us. Locally we are accredited as a training laboratory for a variety of schemes, with a proven track record of successful candidates in a variety of qualifications. The lab also runs regular whole lab learning sessions alongside other in-house training opportunities for specific qualifications.
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The ACCE competencies programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
The Future Leaders programme is also a unique and attractive group to join, giving participants experience in developing, leading and managing a number of innovative activities across pathology.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to undertake the duties of a trainee Clinical Scientist, performing a comprehensive range of tests, and carrying out analysis and reporting to support the provision of the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Service (H&I). These include HLA genotyping, HLA antibody screening and identification, flow cytometric crossmatching of living and deceased donors and recipients, and patient registration and maintenance on the waiting list. They will be expected, with training, to develop the competence and confidence in order to perform these procedures with a minimum of supervision, working autonomously or as part of the team, rotating through the various sections of the department.
The post holder would also be expected to take part in service development activities, directed research, training of junior staff and ensure the maintenance of service quality. Once fully trained and competency assessed the post holder will be expected to take part in the on-call service providing specialist H&I testing in support of the various transplant programmes supported by the laboratory.
If you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal visit please contact Dr Olivia Shaw (olivia.shaw@synnovis.co.uk) or Corinna Freeman (corinna.freeman@synnovis.co.uk)
Purpose of the Job
In this role you will be a developing Clinical Scientist, undertaking training to develop skills around investigations and patient pathways as part of the laboratory team in Synnovis. Reporting to the Principal or Consultant Clinical Scientist you will hold a variety of responsibilities to ensure the successful delivery of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives.
What you will do
• You will hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. These include, but are not limited to:
• Responsible for your own progression, supported by a designated training officer, through a training programme such as AHCS STP Equivalence, ACS Route 1/2 or similar.
• Accumulate practical skills and theoretical knowledge through work-based learning and hands on experience to meet learning outcomes outlined in the relevant curriculum and attain HCPC registration.
• Develop current skills around laboratory investigations to the highest standard possible and within specific turnaround times.
• Deliver work under supervision, until ready to work autonomously, within all regulations and legislative requirements.
• Prepare reagents, process samples and utilise a variety of laboratory equipment to carry out investigations.
• Rotate around the laboratory to ensure a broad range of understanding and knowledge is cultivated.
• Operate complex laboratory equipment within all safety standards relevant to your area.
• Use cost effective methods in your practice and maintain levels of consumable goods and supplies in your area, and report shortages accordingly.
• To participate in an on-call rota and liaise effectively with the renal transplant teams and ODT as necessary, providing appropriate clinical advice based on the results when required.
Key Responsibilities
• Maintain your own portfolio of learning, ensuring sufficient exposure to learning opportunities that will enable you to grow and develop.
• Maintain your knowledge of current best practice and undertake relevant supplementary training to remain current.
• Undertake a relevant Masters Level qualification to meet the academic requirements of the training.
• Deliver work under supervision, until ready to work autonomously, including interpretation and validation of test results within all regulations and legislative requirements, knowing when reaching the limits of your practice.
• Make judgements, including clinical and differential judgements, involving complicated facts or situations that impact on patients, reporting back to Senior Scientist.
• Operate and maintain complex laboratory equipment within all safety standards relevant to your area, including troubleshooting.
• Day to day supervision of support workers providing training and mentoring to ensure performance is in line with laboratory standards.
• Rotate around the laboratory and other departments to ensure a broad range of understanding and knowledge is cultivated.
• Deliver patient care by providing support to specialist clinic and specialised treatment interventions. This could include performing, reporting, and interpreting a range of investigations within a range of healthcare settings.
• Ensure patient safety is always maximised and ensure that the patient experience is always a positive one.
• Under supervision, participate in development of new tests, including alignment with accreditation bodies and local management processes. Where necessary this will include analysing clinical trial samples.
• Observe all safety regulations, including raising concerns around safety in the laboratory to the appropriate level.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including:
• Care Quality Commission
• UKAS
• Synnovis policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Any other body in area of responsibility
• Utilise the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Q-Pulse quality management database and other relevant software to ensure high quality reliable data capture and entry.
• Complete data entry accurately to record sensitive patient information, requiring frequent, long period of concentration whilst maintaining patient confidentiality and following Information Governance (IG) guidelines.
• Report all incidents and adverse events to management and under supervision enter the information in the CAPA module of Q-Pulse in a timely manner.
• Participate in quality management activities including inspections and audits, as required.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services. The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Guy's Hospital
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site. You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. First or 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a pure or applied scientific subject or Healthcare Science
2. Demonstrate a commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable criteria
3. Willing to work towards higher levels of educatio
4. MSc in Immunological related subject. HCPC registered
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Working in a discipline specific pathology laboratory environment
6. Working accurately with attention to detail
7. Broad-based laboratory practical experience
8. Using Laboratory Information Management Systems
9. Analysing, interpreting and technical validation of routine results
10. Maintaining quality systems
11. Working with computer applications such as Microsoft Office / Google docs, data entry
12. Working as a team
Desirable criteria
13. Experience in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
14. Evidence of involvement in Research and Development Projects
15. Experience working out of hours/lone working on call
16. Experience of audit
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
17. Understanding of the basic physiology, pathology, and scientific principles relevant to your specialism
18. High level of accuracy, numeracy and interpretation skills
19. Well-developed physical skills, demonstrable ability to use precision equipment and consumables
20. Competent at problem solving and prioritising; know when to escalate
21. Competent at communicating verbally and in writing with colleagues, clinical staff and external parties
22. Competent at following instructions
23. Ability to effectively manage own time, able to prioritise work for self and study
24. Ability to maintain focus and concentration for extended periods of time
25. Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
26. Understanding of quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
27. Understanding of health and safety legislation and procedures
Desirable criteria
28. Competent in techniques such as NGS set up and flow cytometry.
Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.
Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location.
For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.
All employees are entitled to:
29. Contributory pension scheme
30. Generous annual leave entitlement
31. Ground breaking development
opportunities
Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.