Overview
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is seeking a Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist Band 6. The closing date is 07 October 2025.
Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist (HSPS) is responsible for providing technical support for the day-to-day functions of the Reference Measurement Laboratory under the direction of the Section Head. This involves operation and troubleshooting of highly complex measurement systems such as Mass Spectrometers and Spectrophotometers. The methodology used is more complex than routine biochemistry laboratory work.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.
Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person\'s chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Reference Measurement
o Responsible for the preparation and measurement of client samples (body fluids), using reference measurement methods according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
o Provide reference measurement results in calibrator, QC and EQA material according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
o Responsible for timely delivery of reference measurement results on all client supplied study samples.
o Liaise with clients for necessary requirements for transport of study samples.
o Maintain the integrity of all study samples and ensure that they are stored in the correct manner prior to measurement
o Perform and develop a wide range of complex scientific work. Employ a range of complex measurement techniques associated with Reference Measurement Methodology within Laboratory Medicine. This involves development of specialist methodologies to a high degree of measurement uncertainty associated with an International definition of reference methodology (ISO 15195, ISO 15193 and ISO 17025).
o Understand the principles of uncertainty of measurement calculation.
o Ensure that all measurements are within desired defined criteria.
Research and Development
* Research, develop and validate reference measurement methods under the direction of the Senior Scientist / Section Head.
* Evaluate and interpret (highly) complex results. Reference Measurement techniques are highly specialised requiring specialist skill.
Training
* Train staff in methods and equipment used within the laboratory as appropriate.
Reference Material Production
* Produce reference materials (body fluids) in accordance with ISO 17034
* Provide associated traceable measurement results for reference materials, required for use in routine measurement methods. Such material is used as a QC performance check in routine methods used by other laboratories.
Maintenance
* Maintain the calibration/maintenance records for all key equipment (required for traceability and quality system documentation).
* Assist and perform the calibration of highly specialised measurement instrumentation, including: UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, GC-MS, HPLC, Atomic absorption spectrometer, Tandem LC-MS/MS.
* Maintenance of specialised equipment, including troubleshooting during routine usage and during failures. Communicate with senior staff or external maintenance bodies as needed. A large degree of manual dexterity is required.
* Maintain all consumables relating to the Reference Measurement Laboratory.
Quality Management
* Maintain the Reference Measurement Laboratory Quality System to accreditation standards ISO 17025 and ISO 15195.
* Compile and manage associated documentation (SOPs, measurement work sheets, equipment control documentation, result reports).
* Familiarise and adhere to the Quality System and documentation, incorporating current UKAS guidelines.
Weqas Promotion and Marketing
* Promote Weqas services and research at scientific meetings through oral and poster presentations.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc or equivalent in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry or Chemistry.
Experience
* Demonstrable relevant laboratory experience. Broad knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques.
* Measurement troubleshooting and instrument maintenance.
* Experience in Laboratory Medicine.
* Experience in developing Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometry techniques.
Skills
* Good Practical Laboratory Skills, Attention to detail.
* Teaching or training skills.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
* Chromatography, spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry
* Quality Assurance, Reference measurement methods.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
* Good communicator with all grades of staff and members of the public.
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Ability to work to deadlines.
OTHER
* Committed to providing a quality service.
* An understanding of the importance of Health & Safety at Work.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
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