Biomedical Scientist (B5) in H&I

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces cerebral spinal fluid and other tissues, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.
• The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.
• As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council understand the pathology of disease in relationship to the results produced whilst being aware of their significance in the authorisation of patients results with reference to the normal ranges.
• Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.
• To prioritise work and perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.
• Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure prompt reporting, follow up and referral to medical staff as required.
• Following protocols, request additional tests or samples to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease.
• To understand the principles underlying the analytical processes used in your area of work so as to maintain their operation and quality of results.
• To receive requests forms and accompanying samples, to book those into the Path Computer system, to prepare the samples (including centrifugation) for analysis, to load and unload samples from analysers, to sort into racks and transfer for storage on completion.
• Answer telephone enquiries regarding results and other general laboratory issues e.g. giving advice on the correct conditions and sample type for a particular test request.
• To operate analytical equipment within your section, within your discipline and within the department, some of which will be highly complex and require specialist training.
• To perform front line troubleshooting and repairs of analysers of highly complex, expensive automated equipment e.g. multichannel analysers, used in the day-to-day function of the laboratory.
• To participate in and understand the quality assurance programs of the department, both internal and external i.e. NEQAS (National External Quality Assurance Schemes).
• To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance.
• To continually update their knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in their Continual Professional Development folder.
• To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.
• To communicate with other health care professionals in transmission and in response to telephone enquiries relating to results and the service.
• To assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis.
• To assist senior colleagues in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure continuous service provision.
• To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times and as directed by senior staff and contribute to their formulation. Propose any changes to these SOPs in order to maintain the quality of the service and maximise efficiency.
• To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
• To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
• To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
• To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
• To assist in the process of continual quality improvement. This will include audit, corrective action, preventative action and improvement processes.
• To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time.
• To participate in the training of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and new staff.
• To assist senior staff in the supervision of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Assistant Technical Officers.
• To assist in audit carried out by internal and external agencies.
• To rotate through sections of the Combined Laboratory as required.
• Participate in the 24/7 on call rota for H&I to support the renal transplant programme.
• Participate in clinical trials or any research & development undertaken by the department, including sample preparation, analysis and collating data as necessary.
• At the direction of senior departmental staff undertake work from any source commensurate with the knowledge and skills of a state registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Ensure issues and problems are resolved satisfactorily and referred through your line management structure as appropriate.
• Cover for senior staff and be prepared to work on your own when necessary.
• To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.
• To work in other specialties within Pathology, where appropriate and as directed.

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Accountable to the Laboratory Manager through the Lead Scientist and Section Leaders.
• The post holder may be asked to be a mentor during the induction of new staff.
• Will attend or read the minutes of departmental briefings.
• Key working relationships will exist between the post holder, Senior Biomedical Scientists and Section Leaders.
• Work closely with other Biomedical Scientists and support staff.
• NHS colleagues both in the hospital and primary care.
• Occasionally with Pathology equipment suppliers.

OTHER

• The post holder will be required to participate in the 24/7 rotas if line 32, in Primary Duties and Responsibilities applies.
• Dress and act in a professional manner at all times.

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Heath Professions Council
• Ability to progress to State registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist.

Desirable

• Associate of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (AIBMS)
• A willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement
• BSHI Diploma

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in a Haematology, Clinical Chemistry, H&I or Immunology Laboratory within a Department which handles a total workload of 200000 patient requests per annum.
• Ability to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within DCL.
• Ability to perform all assays relevant to the section in which you work irrespective of their complexity.
• An understanding of the meaning of results to enable authorisation and appropriate action in dealing with abnormal or unusual results.
• A proven working knowledge and practical application of the departments IT systems.
• Participation in Continual Professional Development (CPD).
• Proven knowledge of all H&S issues, relating to the laboratory activity including national and European directives.

Desirable

• Demonstrable post qualification experience.
• Demonstrable experience with specialist techniques within the discipline the post holder is expected to work..
• Participation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme.
• ECDL or equivalent.

Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, being able to deal with patients and staff at all levels of the organisation with tact and diplomacy.
• Communicate with company representatives and staff from external organisations including other NHS Trusts.
• Excellent time management.
• Attention to detail.
• Accuracy/precision, whilst working in a busy environment.
• Keyboard skills with a proven working knowledge of laboratory computer systems.
• Extended periods of time sat at a computer terminal.
• Self motivated.
• Conscientious.
• Multitasking skills.
• Mentoring skills.

Desirable

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Proven working knowledge of PIMS.
• Proven working knowledge of ISOFT iLab & iCM laboratory information management systems.

Circumstances

Essential

• Required to work in a an area of biological risk, frequently exposed to both biological and chemical hazards.
• Required to handle large volumes of consumables up to a weight of 10Kg on a regular basis.
• Participate in 24/7 service.
• Flexibility.
• Ability to live and work away from home for periods of at least 3 months for the purpose of training.

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).