Job summary
The Haematology department is seeking to recruit a Senior Biomedical Scientist and discipline Training Lead.
This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced Biomedical Scientist to join our team in a senior capacity, with a strong focus on delivering training to the team. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in Haematology and a strong interest in all aspects of training, as well as an understanding of the requirements for accreditation to ISO15189.
If you have the necessary skills, experience and qualities; and would like an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Joanne King, Haematology Laboratory Manager on 01284 713074 or email
Previous applicants do not need to reapply for this vacancy.
Staff Car Parking on the West Suffolk Hospital Site is eligible for individuals working outside of the core hours, 07:00 - 18:30.
For individuals working within the core hours, the Trust offers parking off site at the Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, which is serviced by a regular shuttle bus to and from the Hospital. Details of the bus timetable can be found in the on-line starter pack on the West Suffolk Hospital website.
This parking restriction does not apply if an individual is required to work on a weekend or if they are required to complete "on call" duties within their role.
The closing date for this vacancy may change if we receive a strong response. Please ensure that you apply for any post you are interested in as soon as possible.
Main duties of the job
1. Motivate, support and work collaboratively with colleagues in the development of departmental staff
2. On occasion, work with educational providers to excite interest in future careers in biomedical science
3. Adapt training to meet the needs of learners
4. Support staff through training processes
5. Act as part of the leadership team in Haematology within Pathology
6. Work effectively as part of a small team
7. Be able to work independently
8. Managing performance of technical processes within the laboratory and overseeing all associated tasks such as developing documentation
9. Supporting the department as it works towards ISO15189 compliance
10. Supervising and mentoring the team, providing constructive feedback to support staff development and learning
About us
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see job description for further details.
Technical and Scientific:
11. Manage the performance of manual, semi-automated, specialist and fully automated laboratory investigations within a defined service area accurately and efficiently.
12. Day to day management of stock control and usage.
13. Manage quality control procedures and the processing of quality control material as per established protocols.
14. Implement policies for service improvement and propose policy changes that may impact beyond own area.
15. Ensure the validation of test results which may be highly specialised, and escalate where appropriate in line with established protocols.
16. Responsible for ensuring equipment, including highly specialist equipment, is set up and maintained for others to use, to achieve the optimum instrument performance and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
17. Perform advanced troubleshooting in line with established protocols by using judgement on how to proceed during technical failures.
18. Participate in Research and Development, clinical trials and equipment testing.
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
19. HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
20. Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
21. Appropriate post registration IBMS Specialist Diploma or demonstrable equivalence to the learning outcomes of the Specialist Diploma
22. Appropriate postgraduate qualification / evidence of significant progress towards such a qualification or demonstrate equivalence to the learning outcomes of an IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or an MSc accredited by the IBMS
23. Evidence of CPD
Desirable
24. Quality Management Qualification
25. Training Qualification
26. Health and Safety Qualification
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
27. Highly specialist knowledge and experience across a range of work procedures and practices underpinned by theory and practice relevant to post
28. Extensive practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory
29. Experience of Pathology IT systems
30. Practical experience of Quality Management Systems
31. Experience of performing and evaluating Risk Assessments
32. Experience of performing audits and addressing non-conformances identified
33. Experience of training and mentoring
34. Experience of incident reporting and investigation
35. IT competent, able to effectively use, Microsoft Word and Excel
Desirable
36. Relevant experience of working in the NHS
37. Experience of managing people
Skills & Abilities
Essential
38. Excellent interpretation and analytical skills
39. Able to prioritise own workload and that of others to meet needs of the service
40. Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
41. High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques
42. Self-motivated and proactive
43. Professional, friendly and approachable
44. Demonstrable mentoring skills
45. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
46. Excellent organisational skills
47. Excellent written and verbal communications skills
48. Ability to work independently as well as being a strong team player
49. Ability to respond flexibly to problems and issues raised and respond appropriately
50. Excellent time management skills with the ability to work to tight and often challenging timescales
Personal Qualities
Essential
51. High level of accuracy and attention to detail
52. Strives for excellence
53. Self-motivated and able to motivate others
54. Ability to meet targets and deadlines
55. Flexibility to respond to the needs of the service
56. Ability to learn and assimilate new information
57. Organised but able to cope with interruptions
58. Ability to work with minimal supervision
59. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines where there are competing demands
60. Awareness of self and impact on others
61. Flexible approach to working hours/duties
Desirable
62. Credible and effective leadership qualities