Go back
Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Junior Digital Pathology Scientist (XR05)

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Planned Interview Date: 19/07/2024

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been at the forefront of Digital Pathology research and innovation for over 15 years. A £50m initiative from Office for Life Sciences and the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund has led to the scale-up of the programme to the National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC). NPIC is now building on that advanced starting position, uniting a consortium of academic, clinical and industry partners with a common vision - to create a world-leading centre for digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) on which a UK industrial sector can grow and thrive.

The post-holder will support a range of scientific and technical duties based around a multidisciplinary team working on aspects of Quality Assurance and Interoperability in Digital Pathology. This role will include a varied range of duties, and at times will involve working in a laboratory. Duties will vary in line with current project requirements but will always be within a supportive wider team.

Main duties of the job

Laboratory duties will be in order to support and augment ongoing research; for example by carrying out pathology related processes including slide staining, slide digitisation and image analysis. It is also expected that the successful candidate will work with their colleagues and engage in some of the wider admin and dissemination activities we carry out. For example; generating content for external and internal communications, making meeting notes and arranging meetings with collaborators and partners, as well as providing support to write academic papers, etc. Once within post we would expect the successful candidate to be able to competently use a range of scientific equipment within our lab and have ample digital skills across a broad range of scientific duties. As we are currently a small team there is an expectation of some flexibility and adaptability, but training and support will always be given where required. Having an appetite to learn is desirable.

About us

The LEEDS WAY VALUES are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients. By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently, innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

21 June 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-DRI-0148

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Digital Pathology Scientist you will be a fully competent member of the department. Normally working as part of a team, you will be expected to perform a wide range of specialist technical investigations. At other times you may be required to work alone and independently,. Working on the NPIC project department you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards research projects which require digital pathology solutions. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations. You will be required to communicate complex information, potentially related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organizations.

In this role you will;

Undertake specialist clinical technical investigations for the NPIC Project

To contribute towards research work packages across the NPIC Project which require digital pathology solutions.

To communicate complex and / or sensitive information to colleagues and other healthcare staff

3. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Research Delivery Manager

Specialist Digital Pathology Scientist

Digital Pathology Scientist

4. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Carry out appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the post levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include:

Carry out analysis

Operate Multiple Digital pathology systems

Reporting results (appropriate to discipline) with appropriate escalation as required

Maintaining appropriate records and documentation

Plate reading and reporting

Basic tissue & disease recognition

Specialist reagent set up

Participate in the departments rosters as required

Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with line manager

This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision when manipulating small tools such as pipettes, handling very small volumes of clinical material or when preparing microscope slides for examination by others. In order to achieve the required turnaround times the work must be performed with both speed and accuracy.

Technical validation and designated clinical authorisation of results as determined by specialist area

Communication of complex, technical information to users of the service

Use of LIMS to report, retrieve and manage technical information.

Participate and ensure the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.

The post holder will be expected to second line trouble shoot in response to operational issues

Leadership/ Management

Support and inspire staff to provide efficient , effective, safe, quality care to patients

Provide day to day supervision and co-ordination of staff.

Responsible for professional/clinical supervision of qualified staff or students

Deputise for the Senior Digital Pathology Scientists

Help to ensure the effective deployment of staff is mapped against the flow of work to provide safe and effective service delivery

Promote the building of effective teams and collaboration between teams

Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.

Anticipate problems and take preventative or mitigating actions, or have contingency plans available

Help manage the use of agency staff in the team

Supports effective and efficient management of section, including optimisation of workflow.

Supports waste reduction incentives for designated area

Supports collaborative team working across all sections

Quality/ Training

Support and participate in level 1 incident investigations.

Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.

Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance (EQA) and Accreditation standards.

Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action.

Support and participate with the production, maintenance and implementation of risk assessments.

Participate in audits and clinical governance

Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.

Keep up to date with and communicate service developments, advances and research.

Participate in and contribute to own Personal Development Review.

Ensure that safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy. Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health & safety

To be a training lead ambassador

Promote a learning and development culture to the improve staff skills, knowledge and competence

Delivers training and competency assessment for staff within own area

Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the departments training plan

Maintain a safe working environment

This is not an exhaustive list of roles and responsibilities, and these may be subject to change with professional and service developments

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Digital Pathology Scientist you will be a fully competent member of the department. Normally working as part of a team, you will be expected to perform a wide range of specialist technical investigations. At other times you may be required to work alone and independently,. Working on the NPIC project department you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards research projects which require digital pathology solutions. You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to technically complex and sometimes difficult situations. You will be required to communicate complex information, potentially related to patient management and care, to colleagues, healthcare staff and other organizations.

In this role you will;

Undertake specialist clinical technical investigations for the NPIC Project

To contribute towards research work packages across the NPIC Project which require digital pathology solutions.

To communicate complex and / or sensitive information to colleagues and other healthcare staff

3. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Research Delivery Manager

Specialist Digital Pathology Scientist

Digital Pathology Scientist

4. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Carry out appropriate technical laboratory procedures and tasks that are consistent with the post levels of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include:

Carry out analysis

Operate Multiple Digital pathology systems

Reporting results (appropriate to discipline) with appropriate escalation as required

Maintaining appropriate records and documentation

Plate reading and reporting

Basic tissue & disease recognition

Specialist reagent set up

Participate in the departments rosters as required

Work flexibly and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with line manager

This job requires a high degree of dexterity and precision when manipulating small tools such as pipettes, handling very small volumes of clinical material or when preparing microscope slides for examination by others. In order to achieve the required turnaround times the work must be performed with both speed and accuracy.

Technical validation and designated clinical authorisation of results as determined by specialist area

Communication of complex, technical information to users of the service

Use of LIMS to report, retrieve and manage technical information.

Participate and ensure the operation and routine maintenance of equipment.

The post holder will be expected to second line trouble shoot in response to operational issues

Leadership/ Management

Support and inspire staff to provide efficient , effective, safe, quality care to patients

Provide day to day supervision and co-ordination of staff.

Responsible for professional/clinical supervision of qualified staff or students

Deputise for the Senior Digital Pathology Scientists

Help to ensure the effective deployment of staff is mapped against the flow of work to provide safe and effective service delivery

Promote the building of effective teams and collaboration between teams

Ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative requirements including patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.

Anticipate problems and take preventative or mitigating actions, or have contingency plans available

Help manage the use of agency staff in the team

Supports effective and efficient management of section, including optimisation of workflow.

Supports waste reduction incentives for designated area

Supports collaborative team working across all sections

Quality/ Training

Support and participate in level 1 incident investigations.

Assist with the production, maintenance and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.

Maintain standards of laboratory policies and procedures to ensure that the department meets National External Quality Assurance (EQA) and Accreditation standards.

Undertake quality control procedures, examine quality control results to identify poor performance and instigate appropriate action.

Support and participate with the production, maintenance and implementation of risk assessments.

Participate in audits and clinical governance

Assist the department with the continuous improvement of the Quality Management System.

Keep up to date with and communicate service developments, advances and research.

Participate in and contribute to own Personal Development Review.

Ensure that safe working practices are followed in accordance with departmental Safety Policy. Be aware of and adhere to Trusts policies, including those relating to discipline, grievance, sickness, absence and health & safety

To be a training lead ambassador

Promote a learning and development culture to the improve staff skills, knowledge and competence

Delivers training and competency assessment for staff within own area

Assist in the supervision, training and teaching of staff and participate in the departments training plan

Maintain a safe working environment

This is not an exhaustive list of roles and responsibilities, and these may be subject to change with professional and service developments

Person Specification

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, oral and written
  • Computer literacy.
  • Independent Problem solving/ troubleshooting skills.

Desirable

  • Teaching and training skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in a relevant field
  • CPD participation

Desirable

  • IBMS approved degree

Experience

Essential

  • Good working knowledge of pathology and disease processes
  • Competent in pathology LIMS / IT systems.

Desirable

  • Multidisciplinary experience
  • Experience of Digital Pathology
  • Experience in AI or Scientific research studies
Person Specification

Skills & Behaviours

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, oral and written
  • Computer literacy.
  • Independent Problem solving/ troubleshooting skills.

Desirable

  • Teaching and training skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in a relevant field
  • CPD participation

Desirable

  • IBMS approved degree

Experience

Essential

  • Good working knowledge of pathology and disease processes
  • Competent in pathology LIMS / IT systems.

Desirable

  • Multidisciplinary experience
  • Experience of Digital Pathology
  • Experience in AI or Scientific research studies

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).

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.

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

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hayley Pye

hayley.pye@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

21 June 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£28,407 to £34,581 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-DRI-0148

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Leeds Teaching Hospitals's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)