Advanced Biomedical Scientist
Job overview
Job Title: Advanced Biomedical Scientist (Immunocytochemistry / Molecular)
Band: 7
Base: Your primary base will be Leicester Royal Infirmary; however travel between UHL’s hospital sites will be required.
Reports to: Deputy Service Manager; Accountable to: Clinical Head of Service / Operational Head of Service.
An exciting opportunity has arisen due to a newly created post, for a highly skilled and experienced HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and dedicated team based at the University Hospitals of Leicester.
The Specials Laboratory processes 50,000 Immunohistochemistry slides per annum, alongside a wide range of special stains, immunofluorescence of skin and renal specimens, and in situ hybridisation techniques including Her2 FISH. We perform testing for Hirschsprung's disease on rectal biopsies, handle muscle biopsies for transport to specialist centres and prepare molecular testing samples for sending to specialist centres also. Currently our platforms include Dako Omnis, Dako AS48, Roche Benchmark Ultra and Ultra Plus, and Dako Artisan.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual who is up for the challenge of our busy and quickly growing laboratory. This newly created post is pivotal for ongoing development of our IHC and molecular service to meet the requirements for faster diagnostics.
We are a referral centre for multiple specialisms and therefore have an ever-increasing repertoire of IHC markers. The ability to optimise antibodies is therefore advantageous. We also have a rapidly increasing workload for molecular testing and are due to merge with the Cytogenetics Laboratory at UHL imminently.
The successful candidate must have a passion for, and proven experience in, Special Stains and IHC. Essentially they must be a team player with a positive and confident attitude, able to motivate and inspire the team. This role will involve prioritising and balancing pressures, moving between technical and leadership skillsets. Demonstration of management/leadership experience is advantageous. Ideally this person will have experience of troubleshooting and quality control of IHC.
Completion of the IBMS Specialist Diploma is essential. An MSc or FIMBS is also required but those without this will still be considered. Candidates must then be willing to undertake the IBMS DEP in IHC (funded and supported by us) and remain on Annex 21 until complete. Training will also be made available where needed in‑house and through a related external course prior to undertaking Her2 FISH interpretation.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Provide expert technical advice and interpretation of laboratory investigations for your team and the wider department, with an emphasis on problem solving.
Optimise new antibodies and tests, and perform equipment/reagent validations.
Lead on IQA and EQA for all specialist techniques.
Microscopic QC of all IHC stains and interpretation of Her2 FISH.
Monitor workflow and support the team to ensure TATs are met.
Passionate about or able to engage a team in teaching, training and developing staff.
Deputise for the Deputy Service Manager as required and perform any other duties covered by the post holder’s competencies after consultation and agreement with the line manager.
Physical Skills
* Evidence of highly developed physical skills
* Evidence of ability to maintain concentration for prolonged periods
Training & Qualifications
* HCPC registered
* MSc or equivalent
* At least 5 years post registration experience
* Evidence of relevant specialised / expert knowledge
* Other relevant qualifications or knowledge gained through short courses, e.g. scientific symposia, internal (Trust based) training
Experience
* Must have up to date knowledge of the technical processes used within the discipline
* Ability to demonstrate team-building and leadership skills.
* Be responsive to problems and have ability to meet deadlines
* Significant post registration experience with demonstration of skill at specialist level
* Evidence of awareness of NHS finance
* Demonstrates knowledge of advanced techniques or instrumentation
* Evidence of ability to communicate at all levels and with different types of media
Planning and Organisational Skills
* Evidence of ability to self‑direct work
* Evidence of prioritisation of and working to deadlines (team)
* Evidence of staff planning in a team / section
Analytical and Judgement skills
* Ability to make judgements involving a range of complex facts or situations, which require analysis, and interpretation of a range of options. E.g. actions to be taken in case of technical failures, decisions regarding appropriate methodology, prioritisation of complex work, handling of complaints
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three‑month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre‑employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre‑employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid‑19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid‑19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
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