Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

UKNEQAS LI Scheme Director

The closing date is 22 September 2025

Job summary

UKNEQAS Leucocyte Immunophenotyping Service are seeking to secure a scheme director for this prestigious National and International EQA Provider.

Suitable candidates will have significant experience of managing and provision of ISO accredited EQA schemes and or have significant experience and be recognised as an expert in the fields of flow cytometry and/ or molecular haemato-oncology.

UK NEQAS LI is the world leader in its field and provides Immunophenotyping and molecular EQA to over 4500 laboratories worldwide from over 80 countries. It is an independent NHS service hosted by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, located at Pegasus House, Glossop Road with associated laboratory facilities based within the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Pathology service at the Sheffield Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

The service reports to the host trust through the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Scientific Director.

The programmes that are operated are fully accredited to ISO 17043 standard.

There is an active R&D programme that includes developing leucocyte stabilisation techniques, evaluating new flow cytometric techniques and developing EQA programmes for clinical flow cytometry and molecular haemato-oncology.

Main duties of the job

In conjunction with the SYBP Scientific Director, the UKNEQAS Li Scientific Director is responsible for:

The operational, financial, HR and strategic management of and the delivery of all the highly specialist services provided by UK NEQAS LI.

Planning, directing and maintain the delivery of the current research and development programme for UK NEQAS LI.

Being accountable for the effective delivery of new and innovative external quality assessment programmes.

Providing professional direction, leadership and vision in the day-to-day operation of UK NEQAS LI.

Undertaking health technology assessment within the field of flow cytometry and molecular haemato-oncology in the UK and internationally.

directing the efficient running of the national and international activities of the UK NEQAS LI programmes.

Provide expert advice and guidance to other Clinicians and Scientific staff.

Liaise with external organisations to provide expert advice on appropriate technology/methodologies that ensure an efficient, high quality and cost-effective service.

Participating in the writing of EQA related international / national guidelines &/protocols.

Undertaking budgetary management of the UK NEQAS LI budget.

Applying for, and managing any external grant funding in relation to UKNEAQAS LI.

The post holder will work in accordance with the UK NEQAS Code of Practice and the Department of Health directive on the management of EQA schemes.

About us

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its employees. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

Note the UKNEQAS LI service is hosted by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reporting through South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Pathology. The service therefore follows the Operational, Human Resources and Financial policies of the host organisation.

Details

Date posted

09 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8d

Salary

£91,342 to £105,337 a year Per annum pro rata for part time staff

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

190-0688-DIR

Job locations

Pegasus House

463a Glossop Road

Sheffield

S10 2QD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Honours degree in a relevant science
  • FIBMS or MSc degree in a relevant Haematology or molecular biology related subject or significant experience in a national and international EQA provider or working at an advanced scientific level within an ISO 15189 accredited Haematology service
  • PhD in a relevant subject or extensive relevant experience working at an expert scientific level within a national and international EQA provider.
  • Registered as either a Biomedical scientist of Clinical scientist with the UK HCPC or other relevant international body.
  • Evidence of membership of relevant professional body(ies),

Desirable

  • Relevant post graduate management qualification
  • Peer review publications

Experience

Essential

  • Have advanced theoretical and practical working knowledge of the subject of flowcytometry and/or molecular haemato-oncology and be considered sufficiently advanced to act as an international expert/advisor in the field to other national and international organisations
  • Have a proven record of delivering a clinical technical service incorporating organisational change
  • Have a proven record of the research and development of new and innovative external quality assessment programmes that are driven by clinical need
  • Have a high level of expertise in one or more fields within External Quality Assessment (EQA) proven at national and international level
  • Have proven negotiating skills that allow the timely and efficient delivery of the highly specialised services of External Quality Assessment (EQA) in cellular immunophenotyping and molecular haemato-oncology
  • Have extensive post qualification experience with a significant level of experience in the field of external quality assessment in flow cytometry and/or molecular haemato-oncology and possess judgemental skills in evaluating: i. Highly complex scientific data that will have clinical impact and communicating / Interpreting / explaining such data to/for clinical staff, nursing and scientific staff ii. Complex scientific data and methodological practices/situations to assess the impact of laboratory investigations on patient treatment(s) and providing expert advice to allow service users to implement relevant corrective actions iii. Quality control/assessment data iv. Suitability of material for use in the EQA programmes v. Organisational and staffing Issues vi. Solving local technical/analytical problems vii. Solving national/international technical/analytical problems viii. Understanding the clinical significance of results

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Show knowledge and experience of human resource, health and safety risk matters and healthcare governance issues
  • Be able to demonstrate an awareness of local and national legislation relating to implementation of clinical laboratory flow cytometry and molecular haemato-oncology services
  • Be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information when communicating with medical and scientific Staff, individuals outside the organisation at national, and particularly international level, and ability to deal with service users where appropriate
  • Be able to demonstrate excellent budgetary management skills in order to deliver an efficient and effective Scientific service UK NEQAS
  • Be able to direct and be responsible for the delivery of the highly specialist services provided by UK NEQAS LI
  • Possess excellent organisational skills to plan the delivery of a high-quality service for the UK NEQAS LI EQA service
  • Have excellent and proven skills in being able to undertake autonomous managerial decisions
  • Have excellent and proven skills in teamwork
  • Have good hand eye coordination to perform complex analytical tasks
  • Have highly specialist knowledge that enables interpretation of a range of complex investigations such as: i. Leukaemia diagnosis, HIV monitoring and stem cell transplantation of patients ii. Interpretation of complex microscopic images iii. expert interpretation of flow cytometric analysis and/or molecular haemato-oncology in a variety of immune-haematological disorders iv. Statistical analysis of EQA data v. Extensive experience in the design, co-ordination and implementation of EQA programmes vi. Flow cytometry and/or molecular analysis techniques
  • Ability to work for long periods under conditions requiring, physical, and intense mental and emotional effort that may ultimately be critical to patient care or quality assurance in laboratory testing

Desirable

  • Be able to demonstrate expert skills and achievements at international level relating to the discipline and have a proven track record in obtaining research grants

personal Qualities

Essential

  • Be active in, and promote, Continuous Professional Development in other Staff and assess and monitor their progress
  • Commitment to Good Laboratory Practice, UK NEQAS Code of Practice and the highest professional standards expected of a UK NEQAS Centre Director
  • Have personal commitment, enthusiasm and professional drive to lead and innovate.
  • Have honesty, integrity, and appreciation of ethical dilemmas
  • Behave in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures designed to ensure governance and probity
  • Demonstrate commitment to the NHS and Trust values, and have a patient focussed approach to service delivery.
  • Strong but inclusive leadership style, promoting diversity and inclusion amongst the team
  • Works well under pressure with respect to time and resources
  • Fair, honest and consistent approach.
  • Display tact and diplomacy.

PROUD Values

Essential

  • Patients first - Ensure that the people we serve are at the heart of what we d
  • Respectful - Be kind respectful, fair and value diversity
  • Ownership - Celebrate successes, learn continuously and ensure the SYB Pathology Network continuously improves
  • Unity - Work highly effectively in partnership with others
  • Delivery - Be efficient, effective and accountable for your actions
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Honours degree in a relevant science
  • FIBMS or MSc degree in a relevant Haematology or molecular biology related subject or significant experience in a national and international EQA provider or working at an advanced scientific level within an ISO 15189 accredited Haematology service
  • PhD in a relevant subject or extensive relevant experience working at an expert scientific level within a national and international EQA provider.
  • Registered as either a Biomedical scientist of Clinical scientist with the UK HCPC or other relevant international body.
  • Evidence of membership of relevant professional body(ies),

Desirable

  • Relevant post graduate management qualification
  • Peer review publications

Experience

Essential

  • Have advanced theoretical and practical working knowledge of the subject of flowcytometry and/or molecular haemato-oncology and be considered sufficiently advanced to act as an international expert/advisor in the field to other national and international organisations
  • Have a proven record of delivering a clinical technical service incorporating organisational change
  • Have a proven record of the research and development of new and innovative external quality assessment programmes that are driven by clinical need
  • Have a high level of expertise in one or more fields within External Quality Assessment (EQA) proven at national and international level
  • Have proven negotiating skills that allow the timely and efficient delivery of the highly specialised services of External Quality Assessment (EQA) in cellular immunophenotyping and molecular haemato-oncology
  • Have extensive post qualification experience with a significant level of experience in the field of external quality assessment in flow cytometry and/or molecular haemato-oncology and possess judgemental skills in evaluating: i. Highly complex scientific data that will have clinical impact and communicating / Interpreting / explaining such data to/for clinical staff, nursing and scientific staff ii. Complex scientific data and methodological practices/situations to assess the impact of laboratory investigations on patient treatment(s) and providing expert advice to allow service users to implement relevant corrective actions iii. Quality control/assessment data iv. Suitability of material for use in the EQA programmes v. Organisational and staffing Issues vi. Solving local technical/analytical problems vii. Solving national/international technical/analytical problems viii. Understanding the clinical significance of results

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

  • Show knowledge and experience of human resource, health and safety risk matters and healthcare governance issues
  • Be able to demonstrate an awareness of local and national legislation relating to implementation of clinical laboratory flow cytometry and molecular haemato-oncology services
  • Be able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information when communicating with medical and scientific Staff, individuals outside the organisation at national, and particularly international level, and ability to deal with service users where appropriate
  • Be able to demonstrate excellent budgetary management skills in order to deliver an efficient and effective Scientific service UK NEQAS
  • Be able to direct and be responsible for the delivery of the highly specialist services provided by UK NEQAS LI
  • Possess excellent organisational skills to plan the delivery of a high-quality service for the UK NEQAS LI EQA service
  • Have excellent and proven skills in being able to undertake autonomous managerial decisions
  • Have excellent and proven skills in teamwork
  • Have good hand eye coordination to perform complex analytical tasks
  • Have highly specialist knowledge that enables interpretation of a range of complex investigations such as: i. Leukaemia diagnosis, HIV monitoring and stem cell transplantation of patients ii. Interpretation of complex microscopic images iii. expert interpretation of flow cytometric analysis and/or molecular haemato-oncology in a variety of immune-haematological disorders iv. Statistical analysis of EQA data v. Extensive experience in the design, co-ordination and implementation of EQA programmes vi. Flow cytometry and/or molecular analysis techniques
  • Ability to work for long periods under conditions requiring, physical, and intense mental and emotional effort that may ultimately be critical to patient care or quality assurance in laboratory testing

Desirable

  • Be able to demonstrate expert skills and achievements at international level relating to the discipline and have a proven track record in obtaining research grants

personal Qualities

Essential

  • Be active in, and promote, Continuous Professional Development in other Staff and assess and monitor their progress
  • Commitment to Good Laboratory Practice, UK NEQAS Code of Practice and the highest professional standards expected of a UK NEQAS Centre Director
  • Have personal commitment, enthusiasm and professional drive to lead and innovate.
  • Have honesty, integrity, and appreciation of ethical dilemmas
  • Behave in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures designed to ensure governance and probity
  • Demonstrate commitment to the NHS and Trust values, and have a patient focussed approach to service delivery.
  • Strong but inclusive leadership style, promoting diversity and inclusion amongst the team
  • Works well under pressure with respect to time and resources
  • Fair, honest and consistent approach.
  • Display tact and diplomacy.

PROUD Values

Essential

  • Patients first - Ensure that the people we serve are at the heart of what we d
  • Respectful - Be kind respectful, fair and value diversity
  • Ownership - Celebrate successes, learn continuously and ensure the SYB Pathology Network continuously improves
  • Unity - Work highly effectively in partnership with others
  • Delivery - Be efficient, effective and accountable for your actions

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Pegasus House

463a Glossop Road

Sheffield

S10 2QD


Employer's website

https://www.sth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Pegasus House

463a Glossop Road

Sheffield

S10 2QD


Employer's website

https://www.sth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

SYBP Scientific Director

Duncan Whittaker

duncan.whittaker2@nhs.net

07388997845

Details

Date posted

09 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8d

Salary

£91,342 to £105,337 a year Per annum pro rata for part time staff

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

190-0688-DIR

Job locations

Pegasus House

463a Glossop Road

Sheffield

S10 2QD


Supporting documents

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