Job overview
Are you an established HCPC registered Clinical Scientist in H&I looking for a change?
Are you a Band 7 Clinical Scientist ready to take the next step in your career?
Or, are you an established Band 8 looking for a new challenge?
Do you have a passion for the intricacies HLA antibody testing and Crossmatching for solid organ transplantation?
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Clinical Scientist to join our team of 24 scientists, as the Head of the Serology section in the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory based at Guy’s Hospital in Central London.
Core duties will include the provision of highly specialised advice and laboratory services related to the care of transplant patients. This will include the interpretation and final verification of laboratory results before release to clinicians, in addition to the provision of clinical advice to our various clinical teams.
In addition to running the serology section, the post holder would form part of the senior Scientist Leadership team within the lab, working alongside the Consultant Clinical Scientists, Operations Manager and Head of DNA section.
The successful candidate would be expected to hold HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, hold (or be close to completing) RCPath Part 1 in H&I, and have proven in depth experience in serological methodologies and leading a team of scientists.
Main duties of the job
Accredited both to ISO 15189 and EFI standards, the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory is one of the busiest laboratories specialising in solid organ transplantation in the UK, supporting over 500 solid organ transplants last year. We provide a comprehensive H&I service for a number of adult and paediatric transplant centres for renal, pancreas, cardiothoracic, islet, liver and multi-visceral transplant programmes. Acting as a referral centre for both national and international cases, we work closely with the Guy’s Hospital Renal Transplant team to provide advice on a range of highly complex transplant scenarios, including through an active ABO and HLA antibody incompatible transplant programme.
Once fully trained the post holder will be expected to take part in the on-call service providing specialist H&I advice for the various transplant programmes supported by the laboratory. This support would be in the form of remote availability only, supporting junior staff attending site and providing virtual crossmatching assessment for the various clinical teams. No middle of the night dashes to the lab would be needed!
For the chosen candidate, Synnovis could also offer a generous relocation package to support a move to London if required.
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)
Working for our organisation
The department provides core and urgent working hours. The post holder would be expected to work a 37.5 hour week and participate in the on call service, currently a 1 in 7 commitment.
In return you would be joining a friendly, dynamic and committed team of scientists.
Your development and learning
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 department has benefitted from significant financial sponsorship through this scheme for multiple large scale projects, with support provided for a number of ongoing research areas, including around epitope modelling for improved patient outcomes, the clinical utility of non-HLA antibody testing and, most recently, development of a ddcfDNA testing protocol across the multiple organ groups.
Locally we are accredited as a training laboratory for a variety of schemes, and can support higher training for a suitable candidate.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will be expected to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of Serology section of the laboratory ensuring the effective delivery of results, the setting and monitoring of quality standards, maintenance of the quality management system, and the efficient management and economical use of the resources to support the provision of the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Service (H&I). In addition to providing support for the overarching management structure, they will be responsible for management of staff within the section, including, but not limited to, training and development, maintenance of competency, and, appraisal. The post holder will also be expected to plan, direct and carry out research and development work to introduce new and improved methods for both testing and analysis in H&I.
Professional/Clinical
• To participate at a senior level in all aspects of the work of the Laboratory, including receipt of samples, laboratory testing, interpretation of results, quality management, audit, staff training and supervision.
• To plan and supervise the work carried out in the Serology section of the Department, ensuring that an efficient, high quality service is maintained at all times.
• To be responsible for organising and allocating the workload for the BMS and Clinical Scientists, ensuring that adequate back up is always available for the services offered by the Laboratory.
• To take sole responsibility for, and ensure continuation of, HLA antibody identification, crossmatching and compatibility assessment for donor and recipient pairs.
• To check the analysis, accuracy, interpretation of results and the information on the database generated by colleagues in the laboratory, meet the national professional guidelines.
• To ensure that full, clear and accurate records of all work carried out in the section are maintained and kept safely.
• To validate the results produced by the section and enter on to computer database.
• To be responsible for timely reporting of the results, as appropriate for the clinical referral. Assist colleagues in the writing of final reports when required.
• To participate on the on-call rota as necessary. Responsibility will need to be taken for working unsupervised and reporting results out of normal working hours.
• To respond to written and verbal enquiries from users of the service. Offer advice on the available tests, type of samples required and interpretation of results.
• To communicate with other tissue typing laboratories when necessary, sharing data and samples when appropriate.
Scientific
• To provide a high level and wide range of laboratory skills, scientific knowledge and expertise in H&I.
• To assist with troubleshooting in the Laboratory.
• To maintain up to date Standard Operating Procedures for the duties assigned and ensuring that all members of the laboratory follow the standard operating procedures at all times.
• To undertake audit, organising and monitoring internal and external quality control exercises both as supervisor or participant to improve the accuracy, effectiveness and efficiency of existing molecular tests.
• To be familiar with the current literature, be aware of recent developments in the field and introduce/supervise/evaluate the introduction of new technical developments and equipment in the relevant area.
• To participate in both internal and external meetings, seminars and courses as appropriate, and represent the laboratory at local, regional, national and international levels.
• To ensure the laboratory service is kept up to date with published research and present laboratory findings at appropriate meetings seminars and through publications.
Management and Administration
• To participate in, and establish policies for, the development of new methodologies and evaluation of new equipment.
• To assist the Director with the implementation of Laboratory objectives, strategies and policies.
• To assist the Director with staff recruitment and retention.
• To assist the Director in managing funding activities for the Laboratory, including data provision to Synnovis and procurement authorisation.
• To advise with regard to purchase of capital equipment and be responsible for their maintenance contracts, selection of suppliers etc.
• To obtain and maintain supplies of appropriate reagents, consumables and equipment as required.
• To assist in the enforcement of Health and Safety issues in accordance with local, Trust and national guidelines, in collaboration with the departmental Safety Officer and Quality manager.
• To collaborate with the other senior members of staff in allocating and monitoring the workload for staff in the laboratory, to ensure cover and productivity, and that a high quality service is maintained at all times.
Research and Development
• To initiate and maintain their own research interests. The post holder will be expected to take an active part in on-going research projects.
• To promote and carry out research in the HLA area.
• To promote collaborative studies with other Departments in Synnovis and outside Institutions.
• To give oral presentations on studies performed within the Serology section.
• To collate data for use for a variety of audit purposes, including ongoing internal audit, and submission to the UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS).
• To assist in the supervision of research and development projects undertaken by other members of staff.
Teaching and Training
• To provide training in serological methods for members of the laboratory or other departments and visiting researchers.
• To assist the Director and Training Officer of the Laboratory in providing teaching services to clinicians, scientist trainees and other students.
• To ensure that all staff in the serology section attain and maintain the level of training, knowledge and competence required to fulfil their respective duties.
• To provide advice on, and participate in, regional, national and international educational courses.
• To assist with and deliver lectures at regional, national and international scientific conferences as appropriate.
• To participate in Continuing Professional Development.
• Ensure that professional knowledge is continuously updated and training undertaken if appropriate.
• Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.
Additional Duties And Responsibilities
• To manage the day to day running of the serology service.
• To perform basic laboratory duties if necessary.
• To ensure that high standards of scientific and technical practice and documentation are maintained within the Department.
• To ensure the equipment is regularly serviced and maintained on a service contract, as appropriate.
• To adhere strictly to the Departmental Health and Safety regulations and codes of practice.
• To ensure that economic and efficient use is made of the Department resources.
• To carry out any further tasks relating to the changing requirements of the Department, as required.
• To ensure that there is a good level of stock control within the department and assist procurement in sourcing and purchasing appropriate equipment, reagents and general laboratory supplies.
• Ensure that all suppliers and providers of goods for CTL are effectively monitored for performance including, but not limited to, timely delivery, condition of received goods, function of reagents and equipment within acceptable limits.
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.
GSTT
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 second-class honours degree in relevant scientific subject or Healthcare Science
2. MSc in relevant scientific subject
3. HCPC State registration as a Clinical Scientist
4. PhD or equivalent in relevant subject or FRCPath Part 1 in relevant subject
5. Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable criteria
6. Quality or Management qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
7. Experience as a registered clinical scientist with a detailed working knowledge of the specific discipline
8. Using Laboratory Information Management Systems
9. Using Laboratory Information Management Systems
10. Coaching, co-ordinating and managing a team
11. Research and development in relevant field and evidence of publications and presentations
12. Significant experience in and ability to cascade training in analysis, interpretation and technical validation of routine, complex and specialist results
Desirable criteria
13. Project management experience
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
14. Day-to-day management of scientific team
15. Ability to translate complex information to colleagues at all levels including colleagues, clinicians and external parties
16. Knowledge of the correct policies and procedures to implement in relation to quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS/EFI
17. Awareness and understanding of current trends in field of expertise
18. Good awareness of current issues within pathology locally and nationally
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:
19. Contributory pension scheme
20. Generous annual leave entitlement
21. 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.