University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Haematology & Blood Bank

The closing date is 29 May 2025

Job summary

We are looking for one full time, enthusiastic and professional specialist Biomedical Scientist to work in all areas of University Hospitals Haematology & Transfusion, within the Derriford Combined Laboratory.

Our laboratory is about to embark on some exciting projects, one being a new lab build where staff input will be key to getting the lab we want and to future proof our service.

We are primarily looking for suitably qualified, HCPC Registered, Biomedical Scientists who have completed their Specialist Portfolio, and have demonstrable advanced technical skills and knowledge within Haematology disciplines. Specialist proven knowledge of Blood bank, and or Haematology and Coagulation is essential. Previous demonstrable experience of the accreditation processes in a blood sciences discipline would also be an advantage.

The Department operates a 24/7 service supported by rotas which attract additional payments.

Applications may be considered from Band 5 biomedical scientists who are able to demonstrate post HCPC registration experience in a hospital laboratory and working towards the Specialist Portfolio. Please discuss further as this would mean an Annex 21 pay arrangement whilst completing the specialist portfolio. There is an expectation that the portfolio will be completed within 2 years, failure to achieve this would result in this post becoming a Band 5 BMS.

For an informal visit or further information, please contact Sharon Monk sharonmonk@nhs.net

Main duties of the job

To undertake scientific duties in any section, comprising the specialities of Haematology, Coagulation & Blood Transfusion sections of the Department as required in order to facilitate the smooth running of the service.

To provide a clinical technical service by performing routine and specialist analytical testing on a range of biological samples.

To maintain and run specialist equipment up to a value of £1 million.

To possess the skills required to provide the necessary training and supervision of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists and support staff within your section.

To act as section lead in the absence of Band 7 section leads.

To lead under the direction of Section leads and Clinical teams, any validation and verifications (V&V).

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care.

The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case.

We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

16 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AM-C6891452

Job locations

Derriford Hospital UHP

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • 1. 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.

    2. To possess highly developed specialist scientific skills.

    3. 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.

    4. The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

    7. To plan and prioritise workload of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and support staff.

    8. To perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.

    9. Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure prompt reporting, follow up and referral to medical staff as required.

    10. Following protocols, request additional tests or samples to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease.

  • For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • 1. 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.

    2. To possess highly developed specialist scientific skills.

    3. 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.

    4. The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

    7. To plan and prioritise workload of Band 5 Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and support staff.

    8. To perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.

    9. Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure prompt reporting, follow up and referral to medical staff as required.

    10. Following protocols, request additional tests or samples to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease.

  • For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Expereince

Essential

  • oAbility to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within DCL
  • oAbility to perform all assays relevant to the section in which you work irrespective of their complexity
  • oPost registration demonstrable experience in relevant section of a Laboratory within a Department which handles a total workload of 200000 patient requests per annum.
  • oProven knowledge of all H&S issues, relating to the laboratory activity including national and European directives.

Desirable

  • oTrust training course in problem solving
  • oParticipation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme
  • oECDL or equivalent

Qualifications

Essential

  • oEducated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health and Care Professions Council.
  • oState registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist.
  • oApproved IBMS Specialist Portfolio

Desirable

  • oLicentiate of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (LIBMS)
  • oA willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement

Aptitude & Attitude

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.

Desirable

  • Working proven knowledge of ISOFT iLab & iCM laboratory information management systems.
  • oWorking proven knowledge of PIMS
Person Specification

Knowledge & Expereince

Essential

  • oAbility to demonstrate and apply proven knowledge of the Pathology of disease in one or more disciplines within DCL
  • oAbility to perform all assays relevant to the section in which you work irrespective of their complexity
  • oPost registration demonstrable experience in relevant section of a Laboratory within a Department which handles a total workload of 200000 patient requests per annum.
  • oProven knowledge of all H&S issues, relating to the laboratory activity including national and European directives.

Desirable

  • oTrust training course in problem solving
  • oParticipation in the Institute of Biomedical Sciences CPD scheme
  • oECDL or equivalent

Qualifications

Essential

  • oEducated to BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or a degree acceptable to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Health and Care Professions Council.
  • oState registration with Health Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist.
  • oApproved IBMS Specialist Portfolio

Desirable

  • oLicentiate of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (LIBMS)
  • oA willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement

Aptitude & Attitude

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.

Desirable

  • Working proven knowledge of ISOFT iLab & iCM laboratory information management systems.
  • oWorking proven knowledge of PIMS

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

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford Hospital UHP

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford Hospital UHP

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Haematology Section Lead

Sharon Monk

sharonmonk@nhs.net

01752437853

Details

Date posted

16 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AM-C6891452

Job locations

Derriford Hospital UHP

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

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