We are seeking a motivated individual to join our enthusiastic and friendly team in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at Southmead Hospital, The post holder will be a key member of the Clinical biochemistry team providing specialist support for Postmortem Toxicology, Metabolic Biochemistry and Newborn Screening in addition to a regular commitment to the clinical validation rota for general and endocrine biochemistry. Previous experience in any of these specialist areas is desirable, but full training will be provided. The post offers excellent training and career development opportunities and the department has extensive experience in supporting trainees. You will have completed extensive pre-registration training in general Clinical Biochemistry and be HCPC state registered. You will also be required to show progression towards FRCPath. Main duties of the job As a clinical scientist acting as a registered practitioner: - • To participate with other clinical scientists/medically qualified staff in the day-to-day clinical validation rota, which provides interpretation of general biochemistry results and advice to a wide range of medical staff. • To provide scientific input to the Special and Manual Techniques section of Clinical Biochemistry, which includes Toxicology, Metabolic Biochemistry and Newborn Screening. This may include clinical interpretation of specialist tests. • To participate in the reporting of postmortem Toxicology results. • To participate in the specialist Metabolic Biochemistry and Newborn Screening clinical validation rota. • To play an active role in the quality assurance of the various assays and services offered within the general and specialist clinical biochemistry areas. • To undertake complex laboratory analysis. • To undertake method development, research and audit About us You will be working for the largest NHS Trust in the SW Region that provides medical, surgical and maternity care for a population of approximately half a million people in North Bristol and the surrounding community. In 2014 the Trust relocated the majority of its acute services to the Brunel Building, one of the most advanced hospitals in Europe offering exemplary care in a beautiful and purpose built environment. There has been significant investment in redeveloping laboratory services with a new state of the art Pathology Sciences Laboratory accommodating an integrated multidisciplinary laboratory service. Job responsibilities Senior Clinical Biochemist • To provide a clinical advisory service on routine biochemistry as a registered practitioner, to hospital and primary care clinicians, nursing staff and other health professionals. This will include guidance in the selection of tests, the interpretation of results and the selection of further tests to aid the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. • To participate in a clinical validation rota with responsibility for the final interpretation of results leaving the laboratory. This will include generation of additional tests and provision of interpretative comments as appropriate, covering the fields of general biochemistry and endocrinology. • To participate in the provision of postmortem toxicology interpretation and support the general toxicology service. This involves interpretation of analytical data and compilation of toxicology reports under the supervision of the Consultant Clinical Scientist • To participate in a specialist clinical validation rota and clinical advisory service in the fields of metabolic biochemistry and newborn screening, with responsibility for the final interpretation of results leaving the laboratory. • To develop and troubleshoot methods using specialist techniques and equipment, both for use in research projects and for incorporation into the clinical service. • To evaluate new tests and technologies prior to introduction into the laboratory. • To play an active role in the quality assurance of the various assays and services offered within the general and specialist clinical biochemistry areas. • To liaise with other laboratories providing specialist services and Coroners Officers and Pathologists involved in postmortem cases. • To attend and contribute to the Duty Clinical Biochemist meetings and other relevant departmental meetings. • To participate in teaching and training of laboratory staff within Clinical Biochemistry. Analytical Work • To initiate and undertake agreed research and development projects under the direction of the Head of Department or other lead Clinical Scientists as appropriate. • To perform analysis using specialist laboratory techniques and specialist equipment in the Toxicology, Metabolic Biochemistry and Newborn Screening sections of the department to generate laboratory results which will be used for diagnosis and management of patients. Professional • To be personally responsible for maintaining state registration, which is a requirement of employment at this grade. • To abide by all Codes of practice, Safety Regulations, Protocols and Operational Policies of the department and Trust. • To take all necessary measures to update personal knowledge in the full range of the discipline. This will include the reading of medical and scientific journals and attendance and participation in courses, seminars and scientific meetings (local, regional and national) as required. • To continue working towards the attainment of FRCPath Part 1 (if not yet achieved) and/or to work towards the attainment of Part 2 including undertaking a research project. • Work according to the regulations and codes of practice governing aspects of Health and Safety relevant to the department and within professional guidelines. Person Specification Knowledge/skills Essential • A thorough understanding of the basic science that underpins the speciality of Clinical Biochemistry and its application to clinical practice • To have a good knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving/troubleshooting Desirable • To have developed technical ability in specialist techniques such as tandem mass spectrometry. Education/training/qualifications Essential • Masters Degree (or assessed equivalent level of knowledge) in the specialty of Clinical Biochemistry. • Completion of pre- registration clinical scientist training • State Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health Professions Council (or likely to be achieved within 6 months of completing pre-registration training period) Desirable • Evidence of Progression towards Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (e.g Attainment of Part 1 FRCPath Work experience Essential • To have completed post graduate training approved as appropriate for registration together with supervised in-service experience totalling a minimum of 3 years Desirable • To have undertaken training and gained experience in a range of clinical biochemistry specialties, for example metabolic biochemistry, antenatal or newborn screening, toxicology.