Biomedical Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

Haematology Laboratory

Sample reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with ward staff where there are doubts or errors, assigning High Risk samples to an appropriate containment area and dealing with leaking / damaged samples, centrifugation of specimens when necessary

Data entry: assignment of sequential numbers to samples and attaching bar code labels; logging incoming specimen requests onto the HIS

FBC Analyser preparation: daily start up of analyser, check background counts within limits, run controls, check within limits, liaise with supervisor for remedial action if necessary. Monitor analyser continuously throughout the day, running control samples as necessary.

Coagulation Analyser preparation: daily reconstitution of reagents, run tri-level controls, check results within limits, liaising with supervisor for remedial action if necessary. Monitor analyser continuously throughout the day, running additional control samples as necessary.

Analyser processes: Loading specimens into racks, selecting appropriate tests on analyser software and starting analyser processing

About the RoleAs a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist, you will be responsible for providing a safe, efficient and highquality analytical service across Haematology and Blood Transfusion. You will rotate through all sections of the department and will frequently work independently, including taking sole responsibility for laboratory duties when senior staff are not present.The role includes handson analytical work, technical validation of results, blood film morphology, equipment maintenance, quality control, and support of trainee staff. Following appropriate training, you will be expected to participate in the oncall rota, working alone and unsupervised to deliver a full investigative service.

Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical & Analytical

Perform routine and specialist testing across Haematology, Coagulation and Blood Transfusion.

Prepare, operate and monitor analysers, ensuring IQC is within acceptable limits.

Validate and authorise results, comparing with historical data and clinical context.

Examine and interpret blood films, identifying abnormal cellular morphology and escalating complex findings appropriately.

Perform manual procedures including D dimers, sickle testing and antibody investigations.

Blood Transfusion

Carry out ABO/RhD grouping, antibody screening and identification, DATs and phenotyping.

Select, prepare and issue blood components in line with national and local policies.

Manage urgent and complex transfusion requests, prioritising workload appropriately.

Support stock control and minimisation of blood product wastage.Quality & Governance

Ensure compliance with SOPs, UKAS ISO 15189 standards, MHRA and Trust policies.

Perform daily equipment maintenance and ensure documentation is completed accurately.

Review SOPs and escalate discrepancies or proposed updates to senior staff.

Participate in audits, incident reporting and corrective action processes.

Training & Service Development

Support the training and supervision of trainee and junior staff.

Participate in ongoing CPD, appraisal and competency assessments.

Contribute to service improvement initiatives and validation of new equipment or methodologies.

Laboratory Environment & EquipmentOur laboratories operate routine services from 08:00 to midnight, Monday to Friday, and are equipped with:

Sysmex XN3100

CS2500

Epic Beaker DHR

BioRad IH 500 (Blood Transfusion)

Haemonetics Safetrace LIMS

The department maintains full UKAS Accreditation.

About You

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate:Essential

HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist

Degree level qualification (or equivalent) in Biomedical Science

Experience working across Haematology and Blood Transfusion

Sound understanding of IQC, EQA, quality systems and laboratory health & safety

Ability to work independently, manage workload and make technical decisions

Strong communication, organisational and team working skills

Desirable

Evidence of post registration or specialist study Experience supporting training of junior staff Experience working in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory

What We Offer

A supportive, specialist oncology environment Strong commitment to CPD, training and career development Exposure to complex and varied diagnostic work Opportunities to contribute to service innovation and improvement

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• HCPC Registration
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Diploma or Degree level study (or equivalent)

Desirable

• Evidence of post registration study

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in all areas of relevant diagnostic laboratory
• Able to understand / follow SOPs
• Able to technically validate laboratory results
• Full understanding of EQA & IQC and their implications
• Full understanding of laboratory H&S procedures

Desirable

• Able to perform basic training

Skills Abilities/knowledge

Essential

• Evidence of effective interpersonal skills
• Evidence of working well in a team and independently
• Ability to perform complex scientific calculations and data analysis
• Computer Literacy (eg: Microsoft Word and Outlook)
• Good judgement, analytical, perceptive, eye for detail

Desirable

• Self-confident, contributes to laboratory meetings

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).

Employer details

Employer name

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Marsden Sutton

Downs Road

Sutton

SM2 5PT

Employer's website

https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)