Are you interested in working in the field of newborn screening? Would you like to become part of a team screening over 55,000 newborn babies per year for inherited and congenital diseases? Do you want to make a difference to babies and their families?
A post is available for a experienced band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist in the Newborn Screening Department of Reference Chemistry, Synnovis. You will be joining a team 15 staff working together to provide the Newborn Screening service. You will also work along with over 70 scientists and support staff in the new hub building at Blackfriars, 5 mins walk from Southwark and Blackfriars station
The successful candidate will be a key member of the South East Thames Regional Newborn Screening Laboratory based at the Blackfriars Hub. Providing results for over 55,000 babies a year, the team works closely with other Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Clinical Scientists and is part of a network of 18 laboratories across the UK and Ireland providing this vital service.
The post is full time, fixed term (Until 31st March 2027), with 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday working. Please note that for a Biomedical Scientist to be paid at Band 6 it is essential that they have completed their specialist portfolio. We may consider applications from employees who have not completed a specialist portfolio, but if they are successful, they will be paid at Band 5.
Our laboratory provides screening for newborn babies using various technologies for the following conditions: congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria, glutaric aciduria type 1, isovaleric acidaemia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disorders, Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1, Severe combined immunodeficiency.
Techniques include PCR, HPLC MS/MS, immunoassay and enzymatic techniques. Use of pipettes, centrifuges, plate shakers, and analytical equipment will be part of the role.
Other responsibilities will be to receive, book, sort and archive specimens, maintain and operate analytical equipment, prepare reagents and patient batches. The post-holder will be expected to work in accordance with laboratory quality and health and safety policies and standard operating procedures.
The successful candidate will work closely with Clinical and Senior Biomedical Scientists and must be able to reliably and efficiently communicate with all grades of staff within and external to the department, as well as other external centers, being the point to call for external queries and referrals via telephone and email. Attention to detail and good communication skills are a must in this role. You will be expected to work under pressure as part of a team and independently, maintaining accuracy. You will be accountable to the senior BMS and ultimately the deputy and director of the newborn screening service.
Our department works to the guidance and Newborn blood spot screening standards and pathways laid out by NHS England and the national screening committee. The national screening committee is an evidence based programme which means tests offered are continuously evolving over time. Making this department a particularly dynamic.
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.
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Temitope Lawanson Job title: Operations Manager