Job title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Location: South Buckinghamshire
Contract: Fixed Term 6 month Contract
Full time – 37.5 hours per week Mon to Friday 9am to 5pm
Salary Range: Circa £55,000 per annum (Option for day rate/weekly may be available)
Client/Service:
Castlefield Recruitment are partnering with a leading charity based in Buckinghamshire who are seeking a qualified and experienced Clinical Scientist with HCPC registration to join the team focused on anti-seizure medication therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) utilising liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in our laboratory dedicated to ensuring the efficacy and safety of anti-seizure medications through precise quantification and analysis.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of personalized medicine and improve treatment outcomes for patients with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. If you are passionate about analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and making a positive impact in healthcare, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities:
* To be a core member of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Unit, which is part of the Medical Department. This is an ISO 15189 accredited, tertiary referral laboratory for the analysis of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in biological fluids and other pathological specimens for the management of patients with epilepsy and for the investigation of cause of death in epilepsy patients.
* To assist the Head of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Unit in providing an efficient and reliable analytical and clinical advisory therapeutic service to users at the charity, NHS trusts as well as nationally and internationally.
* To undertake research and development to further the service the Unit offers.
* To participate in teaching and training of other departmental staff and visitors.
* To ensure the TDM Unit’s continued maintenance of ISO 15189 accreditation.
Main Duties:
Clinical and Service
* To assist the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Unit in providing a comprehensive service and maintaining the quality to the standards set by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) under ISO 15189.
* Conduct LC-MS analysis of anti-seizure medications and their metabolites in biological samples (blood, serum, plasma, saliva, etc.).
* Help to develop, validate, and optimize LC-MS methods for the quantification of anti-seizure drugs with high precision and accuracy.
* Perform sample preparation techniques such as extraction, derivatization, and clean-up to prepare samples for LC-MS analysis.
* To ensure that Standard Operating Procedures are kept up to date and are followed.
* Maintain and troubleshoot LC-MS instrumentation, ensuring proper functioning and performance.
* Interpret LC-MS data, perform data analysis, and generate reports.
* Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control procedures in all laboratory activities.
* Ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.
* To ensure adherence to the department’s Quality Management System (QMS).
* To take part in the analysis of EQA samples received by the laboratory as part of regular proficiency testing.
* To conduct internal audits to ISO 15189 requirements.
Scientific
* To contribute to the scientific development and clinical application of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring services and to monitor the quality and delivery of these.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
* To ensure clinical governance is maintained to a high standard in accordance with local guidelines and regulatory standards.
* Provide specialist expertise and scientific support for the clinical and academic research interests of the Society’s Medical Department and broader as required.
* To communicate scientific and clinical information and promote the work of the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Unit at departmental, national and international meetings.
Research and Development
* To develop a specific scientific interest within Epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
* To be aware of advancements in LC-MS technology and anti-seizure medication research to contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory methods and practices.
* To develop new liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based analytical methods to ensure that the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Unit can offer a comprehensive, modern and up-to-date service to clinicians treating patients with epilepsy.
* Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including pharmacologists, clinicians, and other laboratory staff to support ongoing research projects and clinical studies.
* To undertake research and development and to report scientific findings via relevant scientific meetings and peer-reviewed publications.
* To promote and facilitate appropriate research and development with clinical and scientific colleagues at Chalfont and elsewhere.
Professional
* To show evidence of State Registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) if appropriate.
* To maintain personal and professional development by participating in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in accordance with the standards set by the HCPC (if applicable).
* To keep up to date with scientific publications, new developments in the field and to attend relevant clinical and scientific meetings to further the work of the Unit.
* To be aware of and to uphold Epilepsy Society’s Policies and Procedures and to maintain patient confidentiality under the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
* To comply with all local, national and international rules surrounding health and safety.
* To undertake and maintain statutory and mandatory training as required for your role, by either attendance in person at training events or via distance learning.
Teaching and Training
* To contribute to the Unit’s teaching activities within the Epilepsy Society and beyond.
* To train and develop the competence of Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants, Medical Technical Officers and visiting Scientists in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
Skills, experience & qualifications:
This role will be suitable for a Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist or Medical Technical Officer
Essential
* Batchelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry, or a related subject
* Experience in clinical biochemistry, analytical chemistry or related laboratory.
* Experience of a regulated laboratory.
* Experience in the training and mentoring of junior staff.
* Experience in liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy techniques.
* Experience of working with an electronic quality management system.
* Working knowledge of COSHH standards and risk assessments and risk management.
* Proven organisational skills and leadership qualities.
* Able to work flexibly either alone or as part of a team.
* Proven ability to work under pressure.
* Teaching and training skills.
* To be competent and comfortable information technology.
* Able to communicate complex information to individuals, small groups and at large meetings.
Desirable
* Master’s Degree in Analytical Science, Chemistry, Biomedical Science or related subject.
* Registration as a Clinical or Biomedical Scientist with the HCPC
* Work experience in a regulated (ISO 15189) medical laboratory.
* Familiarity with anti-seizure medications and their pharmacokinetics
Personal Skills
* A commitment to maintaining and improving the high-quality service provided by the TDM Unit.
* To undertake the promotion of the scientific goals of the Unit.
* To be meticulous and have an interest in efficiency of administration.
* Good communication skills, pleasant telephone manner.
* Well-presented, reliable, self-motivated, helpful, good at building friendly relationships with colleagues at all levels.
* Work in line with Epilepsy Society's core values and to maintain its reputation.
About Castlefield Recruitment & How to Apply
Castlefield Recruitment is a leading specialist in healthcare recruitment, connecting talented healthcare professionals with exceptional opportunities across the UK. We are committed to supporting your career journey and ensuring you find a role that aligns with your skills and aspirations
To apply for this role, please submit your CV via the apply button. For more information or to speak our dedicated consultant Scott Hilton, contact Castlefield Recruitment 0161 938 724