Job overview
The Royal Marsden has a vital role in championing change and improvement in cancer care through research and innovation, education and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground-breaking work ensuring our patients receive the very best and latest in cancer treatment and care.
Applicants must have a relevant higher degree or equivalent, HCPC registration, evidence of post-registration study and basic management skills training. Experience of operational laboratory management is desirable.
The Trust encourages and supports continuing professional and personal development and Pathology runs a CPD Club. Staff benefits include child care facilities, car parking at Sutton and various sports and social activities
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for the day to day technical and operational management of the Medical Microbiology laboratory, ensuring appropriate and cost-effective purchasing arrangements for equipment and materials, and the delivery of training to BMS and other staff within the Department to ensure continuity of service at all times.
The post holder will lead in the development and validation of new techniques.
The post holder, working closely with the Laboratory Manager and the Laboratory Quality Lead will ensure ongoing compliance with ISO15189 and play a major role in UKAS inspections.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
• Supervise and, in the absence of the Laboratory Manager, take responsibility for the service provision of the Medical Microbiology Laboratory. This will include all aspects of the clinical scientific & technical work, staff, equipment and quality system.
• To work with the Laboratory Manager to ensure that working practices meet current professional standards and legislation, and are documented, accessible and regularly reviewed
• Data entry: Using the LIMS to receive and report sample requests
• In addition to the LIMS, to oversee all IT software and hardware in use in the laboratories (for example, analyser software, interfaces), to evaluate before installation, to be fully conversant with functionality and ensure staff are trained in its use
• To maintain up to date knowledge on all aspects of diagnostic laboratory microbiology
• Working closely with the Laboratory Manager, the Pathology Quality Manager and the Laboratory Quality Lead, will ensure ongoing compliance with ISO15189 and play a major role in UKAS inspections, including but not restricted to, directing staff in the completion of related tasks, preparing documentation and ensuring all evidence required for the inspection is compliant with the standards
• Undertake verification and validation of new equipment prior to service introduction, ensuring that it meets current requirements and ensure validation records are completed
Person specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
1. Ability to write clearly and concisely
2. Educational qualification in mathematics
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
3. Ability to express themselves clearly
4. Ability to use Microsoft software or equivalent
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
5. Evidence of personal development
6. Enthusiasm for job and profession
7. Ability to chair laboratory / departmental meetings
8. Confident liaising with other areas
9. Decision maker, can deal with unexpected situations
10. Ability to present concepts imaginatively and clearly
Specific Experience
Essential criteria
11. BMS degree
12. HCPC registration
13. Chartered Scientist status
14. Evidence of continuing post registration study
15. Higher degree or equivalent Qualification in specific area of laboratory service or expertise
16. Significant post registration experience in relevant field(s)
17. Evidence of understanding of relevant laboratory Health & Safety procedures and risk
18. Full understanding of ISO15189 standards
19. Ability to deal with incidents and plan follow up actions
Desirable criteria
20. Basic management skills training
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
21. Good interpersonal skills
22. Ability to perform complex scientific calculations and data analysis
23. Ability to perform statistical analysis of data & interpretation
24. Good judgement, analytical, perceptive, eye for detail
25. Understanding of relationship between laboratory investigations and clinical practice
26. Awareness of clinical significance of laboratory findings and implications for patients
27. Ability to review anomalous / unexpected findings and take further appropriate action
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented 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. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.