The post holder will assist with the provision of advanced and highly specialised analytical Clinical Biochemistry services, particularly those relating to Inherited Metabolic Diseases. The post holder will also be required to have a good working knowledge on General Clinical Chemistry and will be expected to participate in the Duty Biochemist Rota, clinically validating results and providing general laboratory advice. The post holder will gain further training in the field of clinical biochemistry and participate in the audit, research and development activities of the Department. The post-holder will be expected to participate in cross-site working at both City and QMC campuses. Main duties of the job • Discuss and advise clinical staff on the interpretation of biochemistry tests. • Under direction, advise clinical staff how to investigate patients, including the selection of tests, patient preparation, sample collection etc. • To participate in the Departments results reporting service. (Please note the post-holder will, once HCPC registered, be expected to authorise one day per week regardless of part-time/full-time working arrangement and will also participate in the Saturday morning authorising rota (1 in 12 weeks)). • To assist in supervising the quality assurance procedures within their area of activity. • To undertake service development including the evaluation and implementation of new methods and technologies. • To participate in appropriate scientific and clinical meetings within the Department and at local, regional and national level. • To participate in the monitoring of internal and external quality control results. To liaise with other senior staff to maintain and improve the quality of the clinical biochemistry service, ensuring compliance with UKAS standards. • The post holder is expected to hold or be studying to complete STP training and HCPC Registration. The post holder will be supported to complete professional qualifications from the Royal College of Pathologists in the Clinical Biochemistry discipline (FRCPath). • Mentor trainee BMS and clinical scientists as appropriate. To train others in specialised techniques and participate in departmental seminars. Working for our organisation With over 17,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation. Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH. Detailed job description and main responsibilities Clinical and Scientific 1. Discuss and advise all grades of clinical staff (from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, other hospitals and Primary Care) on the complex interpretation of the biochemistry tests used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases, particularly inherited metabolic disease. In addition, to supervise, train and direct other members of staff within this specialist area. 2. Work under the direction of the Consultant and Principal Clinical Scientists and the rest of the medical and biomedical scientists to deliver and develop the service as set out above. 3. Participate in the development and maintenance of Clinical Guidelines related to their specialist area within Clinical Pathology. 4. Under direction, advise clinical staff how to investigate patients, including the selection of tests, patient preparation, sample collection etc. 5. To participate in the Departments results reporting service. Abnormal or infrequently requested tests are held on the pathology computer system and are reviewed by a member of the duty biochemist rota. In response to a particular patient result or set of results the duty biochemist may add interpretative comments, further tests or phone the results with accompanying advice to the appropriate ward, requesting clinician, medical secretary or GP surgery. (Please note the post-holder will, once HCPC registered, be expected to authorise one day per week regardless of part-time/full-time working arrangement and will also participate in the Saturday morning authorising rota (1 in 12 weeks)). 1. To interpret and act upon results in accordance with the requirements of the Department. 1. To attend IEM MDT and Paediatric Endocrine meetings. 8. To undertake research & development and audit projects as directed by the Consultant Clinical Scientist. To present the findings at formal meetings and conferences to fellow scientists and other health professionals, and publish work in appropriate peer-reviewed publications. 9. To acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out. 10. To assist in the planning, introduction and supervision of new techniques, methods and technologies within the laboratory, and particularly in their area of activity. 11. To assist in supervising the quality assurance procedures within their area of activity, ensuring that the high quality of results provided by the department is maintained. Professional 1. To undertake service development and improvement in line with the Department’s strategy, including the evaluation and implementation of new methods, making recommendations on laboratory protocols and evaluating published research, developments and innovations. 2. When acting as Duty Biochemist assess the technical and clinical validity of reports and request rechecking of results when considered appropriate and then decide on the most appropriate course of action for abnormal results. The decisions made involve gathering information from technical and medical staff within the Department as well as nursing and medical staff caring for the patient. 3. To disseminate knowledge gained through private study and research through presentations at local and national meetings. 4. To perform the more complex analytical work of their assigned laboratory section as required, in accordance with Health and Safety policy. 5. To participate in appropriate scientific and clinical meetings within the Department and at local, regional and national level as required. 6. To be competent in using the Department’s computer system for inputting data and checking, amending and commenting upon data provided by others. To be competent in the use of spreadsheets, databases, ward processing and statistics packages. Managerial 1. To participate in the monitoring of internal and external quality control results. To participate in Quality Assurance meetings within the Department and liaise with other senior staff to maintain and improve the quality, efficiency and value of the clinical biochemistry service, ensuring compliance with nationally accepted standards (UKAS) Research and Development 1. To undertake Department-approved Research and Development activity as part of the Trusts’ Research and Development program. To participate in the departmental Research and Development meetings. 2. To present research results and audit findings both within and outside the department orally and in poster form, and where appropriate publish them in peer-reviewed publications. Training 1. The post holder is expected to hold or be studying to complete STP training and HCPC Registration. The post holder will be supported to complete professional qualifications from the Royal College of Pathologists in the Clinical Biochemistry discipline (FRCPath). 2. To participate in the Duty Biochemist rota for interpretation and validation of the test results of the Department in order to achieve independent practitioner status. 3. Mentor trainee BMS and clinical scientists as appropriate. To train others in specialised techniques and participate in departmental seminars spreading knowledge acquired through study or research. Training and Qualifications Essential criteria • First Degree and working towards Masters Degree and full HCPC registration Experience Essential criteria • To have thorough laboratory and diagnostic knowledge in a specific area of the laboratory such as the autocore/routine laboratory or inherited metabolic diseases. Desirable criteria • To have experience of assay validation and assay verification. Experience Essential criteria • To have a good knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving. • To be fully conversant with COSHH regulations their application to laboratories. • To have a thorough knowledge of PC packages for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets and databases. • Experience of involvement of service planning and development and knowledge of quality management and accreditation systems. Communication Essential criteria • Able to prepare and present complex scientific and clinical information at local and national meetings. Analytical and Judgement Skills Essential criteria • Able to conduct audit of services and take corrective action. Analytical and Judgement Skills Essential criteria • Able to advise senior medical staff, nursing staff and other health professionals on investigations and interpretation of biochemical results. Planning and Organisational Skkils Essential criteria • Able to organise, prioritise and manage activities effectively.