Overview
Join the Immunology Laboratory as a Senior Biomedical Scientist on a 12-month fixed term contract. The role supports a comprehensive clinical service to the NHS within Black Country Pathology Services.
Responsibilities
* Day-to-day operational management of the Immunology staff and laboratory functions.
* Manage and develop the Immunology service in collaboration with the Clinical Lead and senior team.
* Liaise with service users and oversee key contracts; maintain UKAS accreditation.
* Manage Biomedical Scientists, MLA and other staff within the section; ensure appropriate staff distribution and meet service needs and KPIs, including result turnaround times.
* Provide first-line approval for annual leave, manage sickness, and provide cover for the Operational Manager or other Section Leaders when required.
* Ensure high standards of technical and scientific performance; initiate improvements in working practices to meet required standards; maintain clear communication within and with other laboratory areas.
* Act as first point of contact for staff performance and competency issues within the section; support recruitment, selection and induction of staff; ensure adherence to Trust policies.
* Perform appraisals/personal development reviews; participate in clinical audits and research and development.
* Work across relevant sections to maintain skills and develop specialist services (e.g., TPMT molecular, vitamin D blood spot, LCMS/GCMS toxicology); deputise on other assays as required.
* Lead in development and routine provision of specialist services and participate in method and instrument evaluation; participate in introducing new equipment or methods.
* Monitor the section quality system, IQC/EQA, non-conformities, and measurement of uncertainty to ensure UKAS standards are met.
* Oversee training of staff, troubleshooting of assay performance, and ensure training portfolios are completed.
* Participate in recruitment/selection of staff and undertake departmental roles such as training, EQA, health and safety or audit officer as delegated.
* Maintain laboratory equipment, carry out first-line troubleshooting, and assist in resolving equipment failures; manage stock levels of reagents and consumables; ensure proper storage and usage of reagents.
* Ensure accurate reception and preparation of samples for analysis and perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated analyses; provide technical interpretation and validation of results.
* Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures and participate in internal and external quality assurance procedures.
* Update SOPs in line with senior staff guidance and National Accreditation Standards; ensure documentation and records are maintained.
* Ability to cover for senior colleagues for short periods when required.
Qualifications
* Minimum of 3 years post HCPC registration experience as a Biomedical Scientist in an Immunology laboratory.
* Masters degree in a relevant subject or the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Clinical Immunology.
* Excellent working knowledge of all aspects of Immunology; practical experience with indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassays, flow cytometry and immunoblots is desirable.
* Practical experience in method validation, research and development; strong knowledge of quality systems and GI standards.
Eligibility and Context
The role is based in the West Midlands, United Kingdom. The successful candidate will work within the Immunology Laboratory and contribute to service delivery for NHS patients, quality systems, and staff development.
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