Job summary
The post holder will be required to assist the Laboratory Director in the organisation of the laboratory workload, management of laboratory staff, teaching and training, management of staff competencies, management of clinical trials and Advanced Therapeutic (Investigational) Medicinal Products (AT(I)MPs), liaison with internal and external users of the laboratory's services, and management of resources.
The post holder is expected to be fully conversant with all the national and international regulations in place for stem cell processing and those likely to come into force from agencies such as MHRA, HTA and JACIE.
A degree of flexibility is required to process collections which run late or are emergency procedures which were not planned or expected. The laboratory is also looking to move to extended hours rota and participation in the rota will be expected.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is required to deliver a broad range of highly specialised, complex and non-routine scientific work requiring skilled performance in areas such as: cryopreservation, flow cytometry and colony assays.
The post holder will participate in the supervision of work through audits; performance monitoring and training of newly employed scientists and support staff in areas in which the post holder has been assessed as competent. The post holder is expected to process in a clean-room environment, using aseptic techniques for the purpose of training or when there is a service need.
About us
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and around 14,000 staff based across 5 main sites in South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King's College Hospital (KCH) sites at Denmark Hill in Camberwell and at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) site in Bromley.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
The trust-wide strategy Strong Roots, Global Reachis our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we can take Team King's to another level.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical/Operational Management
- To lead a team of scientists who undertake the routine operational work in the Stem Cell Laboratory.
- To take responsibility for the receipt, processing, analysis, storage, release and distribution of the workload received by the laboratory.
- To be involved in the reporting of accidents and near misses via Q-pulse/Datix/HTA or any other appropriate platform and the subsequent investigation
- To authorise and issue reports to consultants and clinical staff
- Ensure work is completed timely and to required standards: results are reported within the agreed turnaround times and in accordance with the relevant Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
- To maintain the emergency back-up systems for the ultra-low temperature storage facility containing cells for transplantation.
- To initiate and contribute to audit and research and development activities and encourage and enable all staff to do the same
- Ensure that the laboratory meets the accreditation requirements of MHRA, HTA, and JACIE.
Communication
- Communicate any event, which may cause service delivery failure, or other issues/problems that may affect the service or the Department of Haematological Medicine to the Laboratory Director.
- Assess the clinical importance and urgency of test requests and results which impact on patient care and communicate these effectively to appropriate agencies.
- Liaise with users of the service as necessary, with direction of enquiries to the appropriate member of staff.
- Maintain a courteous and professional conduct at all times with staff, patients and visitors.
Laboratory Informatics
- Participate in the implementation of and be proficient in the use of the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) in accordance with the relevant SOP's.
- Ensure that appropriate work file management is undertaken and results are reported within the required turnaround time.
- Records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good work practices required for GMP working and in accordance with HTA and JACIE guidelines.
- Collect and monitor management and operational performance data including turnaround times, workload and materials consumption.
Organisational
- Understand the management structure of the department and own role within the structure.
- To deputise for the Stem Cell Laboratory Director in their absence.
- Implement Trust and Departmental policies and procedures including sickness absence, annual and special leave, capability, disciplinary and Health and Safety.
- Represent and promote at local, national and international level the objectives and image of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Scientific and Technical
- The post holder will have and demonstrate an advanced highly specialist knowledge and practical experience of a range of tests and procedures for stem cell biology from flow cytometry, cryogenics and cell and tissue culture, to an understanding of molecular biology, microbiology and virology.
- Maintain technical knowledge, comprehension and skills to advise and participate in the provision of a quality service as required.
- Be proficient and maintain competency in all areas of technical work within the department.
- Assist in the introduction of all new laboratory procedures and methods.
- To participate in validation of equipment and procedures
- Maintain the Quality Assurance Procedures, including those from External Quality Assessment Schemes, in the laboratory to measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations.
- Monitor and troubleshoot poor analytical performance
- Ensure safe working practice when using liquid nitrogen following Health and Safety guidelines.
- Contribute to service developments supported by evidence-based practice and participate in research.
- Monitor and review Adverse Incidents and Near Misses to improve service practise and minimise risk. Notify all relevant internal committees (e.g. Clinical Governance & Transplant Programme Quality & Quality Management Meeting) in a timely fashion and if required, present all AIs to the quarterly TPQM meeting.
- Deliver scientific lectures and/or presentations to all grades of staff including other health care professionals, whether in local, national or international meetings, to promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.
Quality Management
- Liaise with Quality Team and contribute to the maintenance and design of a Quality Management System
- Be proficient in the use of QPulse Quality Management System.
- Take a lead in writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure systems are in place to maintain and update these as required.
- To be involved in Incident reporting, investigation and implementation of corrective and preventative action.
- Work with the Quality Team to plan and execute audits in a timely manner in accordance with departmental audit calendar
Facilities & Equipment Management
- Has a basic understanding of sterile clean room design and the impact this has on meeting EU GMP Annex 1 guidelines.
- Take responsibility for introducing new equipment in a controlled manner by using change control, risk assessment, user requirement specifications, functional design specification and validation to ensure the equipment is fit for purpose before use.
- Take responsibility for ensuring laboratory equipment is regularly calibrated and maintained, with accurate recordkeeping in QPulse.
Resource Management
- Provide and analyse information and data about the Laboratorys performance and workload.
- Ensure adequate stock levels within the work area are maintained and that stock rotation occurs.
- Ensure that the receipt and storage of deliveries follows the appropriate procedures.
Education and Training
- Take a professional lead in and undergo continual professional development, to attend scientific meetings and to maintain knowledge of recent technical developments.
Risk Management
- Ensure that the Data Protection Act is complied with.
- Ensure adverse incidents are completed, submitted, investigated and actions initiated as appropriate in line with Trust policy.
- Participate in the review of laboratory policies and procedures, COSHH and associated risk assessments.
- Identify problems affecting the laboratory and respond in an appropriate time and manner referring issues to the Laboratory Director where appropriate.
- Report to the Health and Safety Officer deficiencies in the laboratory and/or any incident which involves injury or potential injury to hospital staff and visitors or which could affect patient welfare in any way.
People Management and Performance
- Lead, coach and manage the performance of the team in line with good people management practices. Ensuring excellence is recognised and underperformance is addressed.
- Participate in regular performance appraisal meetings and ensure each member of the team has a clear set of objectives and development plans.
- Ensure the team is compliance with all statutory, mandatory training together with any professional training requirements, ensuring they are up to date and fully compliant.
- Manage team absences including sickness in line with Trust policy ensuring the appropriate return to work meetings occur, e-roster is updated and productivity is at keep to the highest possible level.
- Ensure overall wellbeing of the team is maintained. Continuously support in improving the morale of the team and implementing a culture of zero-tolerance for bullying and harassment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical/Operational Management
- To lead a team of scientists who undertake the routine operational work in the Stem Cell Laboratory.
- To take responsibility for the receipt, processing, analysis, storage, release and distribution of the workload received by the laboratory.
- To be involved in the reporting of accidents and near misses via Q-pulse/Datix/HTA or any other appropriate platform and the subsequent investigation
- To authorise and issue reports to consultants and clinical staff
- Ensure work is completed timely and to required standards: results are reported within the agreed turnaround times and in accordance with the relevant Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
- To maintain the emergency back-up systems for the ultra-low temperature storage facility containing cells for transplantation.
- To initiate and contribute to audit and research and development activities and encourage and enable all staff to do the same
- Ensure that the laboratory meets the accreditation requirements of MHRA, HTA, and JACIE.
Communication
- Communicate any event, which may cause service delivery failure, or other issues/problems that may affect the service or the Department of Haematological Medicine to the Laboratory Director.
- Assess the clinical importance and urgency of test requests and results which impact on patient care and communicate these effectively to appropriate agencies.
- Liaise with users of the service as necessary, with direction of enquiries to the appropriate member of staff.
- Maintain a courteous and professional conduct at all times with staff, patients and visitors.
Laboratory Informatics
- Participate in the implementation of and be proficient in the use of the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) in accordance with the relevant SOP's.
- Ensure that appropriate work file management is undertaken and results are reported within the required turnaround time.
- Records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good work practices required for GMP working and in accordance with HTA and JACIE guidelines.
- Collect and monitor management and operational performance data including turnaround times, workload and materials consumption.
Organisational
- Understand the management structure of the department and own role within the structure.
- To deputise for the Stem Cell Laboratory Director in their absence.
- Implement Trust and Departmental policies and procedures including sickness absence, annual and special leave, capability, disciplinary and Health and Safety.
- Represent and promote at local, national and international level the objectives and image of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Scientific and Technical
- The post holder will have and demonstrate an advanced highly specialist knowledge and practical experience of a range of tests and procedures for stem cell biology from flow cytometry, cryogenics and cell and tissue culture, to an understanding of molecular biology, microbiology and virology.
- Maintain technical knowledge, comprehension and skills to advise and participate in the provision of a quality service as required.
- Be proficient and maintain competency in all areas of technical work within the department.
- Assist in the introduction of all new laboratory procedures and methods.
- To participate in validation of equipment and procedures
- Maintain the Quality Assurance Procedures, including those from External Quality Assessment Schemes, in the laboratory to measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations.
- Monitor and troubleshoot poor analytical performance
- Ensure safe working practice when using liquid nitrogen following Health and Safety guidelines.
- Contribute to service developments supported by evidence-based practice and participate in research.
- Monitor and review Adverse Incidents and Near Misses to improve service practise and minimise risk. Notify all relevant internal committees (e.g. Clinical Governance & Transplant Programme Quality & Quality Management Meeting) in a timely fashion and if required, present all AIs to the quarterly TPQM meeting.
- Deliver scientific lectures and/or presentations to all grades of staff including other health care professionals, whether in local, national or international meetings, to promote the service and enhance the reputation of the department.
Quality Management
- Liaise with Quality Team and contribute to the maintenance and design of a Quality Management System
- Be proficient in the use of QPulse Quality Management System.
- Take a lead in writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure systems are in place to maintain and update these as required.
- To be involved in Incident reporting, investigation and implementation of corrective and preventative action.
- Work with the Quality Team to plan and execute audits in a timely manner in accordance with departmental audit calendar
Facilities & Equipment Management
- Has a basic understanding of sterile clean room design and the impact this has on meeting EU GMP Annex 1 guidelines.
- Take responsibility for introducing new equipment in a controlled manner by using change control, risk assessment, user requirement specifications, functional design specification and validation to ensure the equipment is fit for purpose before use.
- Take responsibility for ensuring laboratory equipment is regularly calibrated and maintained, with accurate recordkeeping in QPulse.
Resource Management
- Provide and analyse information and data about the Laboratorys performance and workload.
- Ensure adequate stock levels within the work area are maintained and that stock rotation occurs.
- Ensure that the receipt and storage of deliveries follows the appropriate procedures.
Education and Training
- Take a professional lead in and undergo continual professional development, to attend scientific meetings and to maintain knowledge of recent technical developments.
Risk Management
- Ensure that the Data Protection Act is complied with.
- Ensure adverse incidents are completed, submitted, investigated and actions initiated as appropriate in line with Trust policy.
- Participate in the review of laboratory policies and procedures, COSHH and associated risk assessments.
- Identify problems affecting the laboratory and respond in an appropriate time and manner referring issues to the Laboratory Director where appropriate.
- Report to the Health and Safety Officer deficiencies in the laboratory and/or any incident which involves injury or potential injury to hospital staff and visitors or which could affect patient welfare in any way.
People Management and Performance
- Lead, coach and manage the performance of the team in line with good people management practices. Ensuring excellence is recognised and underperformance is addressed.
- Participate in regular performance appraisal meetings and ensure each member of the team has a clear set of objectives and development plans.
- Ensure the team is compliance with all statutory, mandatory training together with any professional training requirements, ensuring they are up to date and fully compliant.
- Manage team absences including sickness in line with Trust policy ensuring the appropriate return to work meetings occur, e-roster is updated and productivity is at keep to the highest possible level.
- Ensure overall wellbeing of the team is maintained. Continuously support in improving the morale of the team and implementing a culture of zero-tolerance for bullying and harassment.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- State Registration (Health Professions Council)
- Post graduate Management qualification
- MSc Biomedical Science (or equivalent)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Strong leadership qualities and highly effective communication and motivational skills
- Significant experience of management of staff and Stem Cell Lab work
- Competent in the interpretation and technical validation of results
- Experience of designing, performing and analysing audits.
- Quality Control and Assurance management
- Risk management theory and practice
Desirable
- Knowledge of HR legislation and policies
- Experience of Quality Management Systems
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate complex information effectively both written and oral at all levels both within and outside the Trust
- Ability to motivate individuals
Organisational
Essential
- Ability to plan, organise and manage own and others work and time
- Ability to adapt and organise and prioritise the unpredictable nature of workload efficiently, without compromising standards
- Able to work under pressure and manage multiple projects at the same time
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- State Registration (Health Professions Council)
- Post graduate Management qualification
- MSc Biomedical Science (or equivalent)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Strong leadership qualities and highly effective communication and motivational skills
- Significant experience of management of staff and Stem Cell Lab work
- Competent in the interpretation and technical validation of results
- Experience of designing, performing and analysing audits.
- Quality Control and Assurance management
- Risk management theory and practice
Desirable
- Knowledge of HR legislation and policies
- Experience of Quality Management Systems
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate complex information effectively both written and oral at all levels both within and outside the Trust
- Ability to motivate individuals
Organisational
Essential
- Ability to plan, organise and manage own and others work and time
- Ability to adapt and organise and prioritise the unpredictable nature of workload efficiently, without compromising standards
- Able to work under pressure and manage multiple projects at the same time
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.
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.
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).
