Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist to join our award-winning team at Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) within the innovative Samba Rapid Respiratory Service (SRRS). This role is ideal for candidates who have completed or are nearing completion of a relevant STP programme.
BSPS is a collaborative network of NHS laboratories serving five acute NHS Trusts across Berkshire and Surrey. The Point of Care Testing (POCT) team, led by a Consultant Clinical Scientist, is a multi-disciplinary group of Biomedical Scientists, associate practitioners, and support staff, known for its supportive and flexible team ethos.
Our SRRS is a pioneering POCT respiratory virus testing service, delivering rapid diagnostics across acute, community, and private settings. The team is actively involved in national research and validation studies, and works closely with NHS England and manufacturers on device evaluation and early adoption.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking service at the forefront of POCT innovation, with excellent prospects for professional development and involvement in impactful clinical research.
Main duties of the job
This post supports the delivery of rapid respiratory PCR testing via 'hot labs' located near Emergency Departments across our six acute hospital sites, enabling timely triage and improved ED flow. The role also supports community-based and elective hospital testing to enhance resource use and patient experience.
The post holder will work closely with the Principal Clinical Scientist and Consultant Clinical Scientist Lead, engaging with clinical teams across our partner Trusts and liaising with colleagues in BSPS Virology to ensure consistent and effective service delivery.
Responsibilities include contributing to the operational delivery of the Samba Rapid Respiratory Service (SRRS), ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency in testing workflows. The role also involves supporting training, participating in research and validation projects, and helping implement new technologies.
We welcome candidates from all pathology disciplines relevant to POCT. While prior experience in POCT or respiratory testing is beneficial, it is not essential--full training will be provided. The successful candidate will be supported in connecting with BSPS specialties, including Molecular, Microbiology, Virology, and Blood Sciences, to further develop professionally.
About us
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full list of responsibilities and tasks associated with this role, please refer to the job description/person specification attached to this vacancy.
For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit please contact Fiona Riddoch, Clinical Scientist on friddoch@nhs.net (07384 878 553) or Katy Heaney, Consultant Specialty Lead, k.heaney@nhs.net (07557 865 291).
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full list of responsibilities and tasks associated with this role, please refer to the job description/person specification attached to this vacancy.
For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit please contact Fiona Riddoch, Clinical Scientist on friddoch@nhs.net (07384 878 553) or Katy Heaney, Consultant Specialty Lead, k.heaney@nhs.net (07557 865 291).
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc degree or equivalent qualification in relevant subject
- Completion (or expected to complete within 5 months) the NSHCS Scientific Training Programme for Clinical Scientists, including Masters in relevant specialist subject.
- Health Care Professions Council State Registration as a Clinical Scientist (or expected to complete registration within 6 months)
- Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Subject or Fellow of the IBMS
Desirable
- Relevant PhD
- Part 1 FRCPath
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Technically proficient with multi-tasking skills
- Good leadership skills
- Excellent computer/IT skills
- Good coordination and dexterity Developed communication skills for delivering key messages to a range of stakeholders, both internal and external, at a senior level
- Evidence of valuable contribution to team meetings and stakeholder forums Innovative open-minded approach to service development
- Good presentation skills for conveying complex concepts
- Ability to use persuasion and influence others
- Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions to resolve problems Evidence of planning and delivery of programmes and projects and services on time
- Autonomy: Ability to work without supervision to tight and often changing timescales
- Team working and team building skills
- Self-motivated
- Ability to embrace change
Desirable
- Understanding of the Trusts' standing financial Instructions
- Financial and management skills
Special Requirements
Essential
- Must be able to travel independently to all BSPS sites as required
Experience
Essential
- Comprehensive previous experience of laboratory environments
- Understanding of clinical pathways
- Understanding of Biomedical Principles
- Experience of IT networking, data capture and electronic audit trail in relation to laboratory/POCT devices
- Familiarisation with laboratory Quality Management including document management, audit, IQC and EQA
- Experience of ISO standards related to POCT
- Evidence of training skills
Desirable
- Comprehensive previous experience of POCT
- Microbiology/virology experience
- Experience working as a POCT coordinator
- Experience with Siemens POCcelerator, Clinisys WinPath, and Electronic Patient Records
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc degree or equivalent qualification in relevant subject
- Completion (or expected to complete within 5 months) the NSHCS Scientific Training Programme for Clinical Scientists, including Masters in relevant specialist subject.
- Health Care Professions Council State Registration as a Clinical Scientist (or expected to complete registration within 6 months)
- Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Subject or Fellow of the IBMS
Desirable
- Relevant PhD
- Part 1 FRCPath
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Technically proficient with multi-tasking skills
- Good leadership skills
- Excellent computer/IT skills
- Good coordination and dexterity Developed communication skills for delivering key messages to a range of stakeholders, both internal and external, at a senior level
- Evidence of valuable contribution to team meetings and stakeholder forums Innovative open-minded approach to service development
- Good presentation skills for conveying complex concepts
- Ability to use persuasion and influence others
- Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions to resolve problems Evidence of planning and delivery of programmes and projects and services on time
- Autonomy: Ability to work without supervision to tight and often changing timescales
- Team working and team building skills
- Self-motivated
- Ability to embrace change
Desirable
- Understanding of the Trusts' standing financial Instructions
- Financial and management skills
Special Requirements
Essential
- Must be able to travel independently to all BSPS sites as required
Experience
Essential
- Comprehensive previous experience of laboratory environments
- Understanding of clinical pathways
- Understanding of Biomedical Principles
- Experience of IT networking, data capture and electronic audit trail in relation to laboratory/POCT devices
- Familiarisation with laboratory Quality Management including document management, audit, IQC and EQA
- Experience of ISO standards related to POCT
- Evidence of training skills
Desirable
- Comprehensive previous experience of POCT
- Microbiology/virology experience
- Experience working as a POCT coordinator
- Experience with Siemens POCcelerator, Clinisys WinPath, and Electronic Patient Records
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
