Job summary
This is an excellent opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced Biomedical Scientist to join our Highly Specialised Service for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and part of the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (JWMDRC). The Muscle Immunoanalysis Unit (MIU) undertake protein analysis, immunohistochemical and immunoblotting techniques, for skeletal muscle biopsy samples.
The role is a permanent position in the laboratory (subject to probation) to provide additional support to our team.
The successful candidate will be reliable, enthusiastic, motivated and forward thinking. Candidates must have current HCPC registration (or be expected to have registration within 12 months of starting the role). Experience of working in an NHS laboratory at a Specialist BMS level and previous experience of working with muscle samples within a clinical laboratory will be an advantage.
- Interview Date Tuesday, 12 March 2024
- 30 Hours/Week
- You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy.
Main duties of the job
- Several groups of neuromuscular diseases are so rare that previously, no satisfactory diagnostic service existed for them; they affect such a small proportion of the general population (perhaps as low as 5 people per million), that even a regional level service was not feasible. In 2001 the National Specialised Commissioning Team (NSCT), now Highly Specialised Service(HSS) created funding for a "Diagnostic and Advisory Service for Rare Neuromuscular Diseases" to address the needs of these patients. The Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies were formally identified as one such group of diseases and consequently a diagnostic and advisory service for the Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies was established in Newcastle upon Tyne. The Muscle Immunoanalysis Unit (MIU) provides a key component in this service and is located in the Dental Hospital (on the RVI site). The service also comprises a Clinical and Genetic component, which are located in the Northern Genetic Service, Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne.
- The HSS currently employs a total of 10 individuals, three of whom work full time in the MIU. This includes two Biomedical Scientists and the service's National Administrator.
About us
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest, largest and most successful teaching NHS foundation trusts in the country, with around 16,000 staff and an annual income of £1 billion.
We have a long history of providing high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation in medical research regionally, nationally and internationally.
We're also proud to be the second largest provider of specialised services in the country. This means we support people with a range of rare and complex medical, surgical and neurological conditions, cancers and genetic orders.
Our staff oversee around 2 million patients 'contacts' each year, delivering high standards of healthcare.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and recognise the benefit in providing an inclusive environment. We value and respect the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects the communities we serve, and is equipped to deliver the best service to our patients. We welcome all applications irrespective of people's race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The JWMDRC is a partnership between Newcastle University and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals. The Centre brings together and consolidates Newcastles distinguished, international and world-leading record in research and care for neuromuscular diseases.
The MIU is part of the Integrated Laboratory Medicine directorate has a long history of training and developing staff in different roles. The laboratory has been accredited by UKAS to the ISO15189 standards.
The MIU is based on the Dental hospital site in Newcastle. The core working hours are 0830 to 1700, Monday to Friday, but staff may be expected to participate in weekend, bank holiday and on-call rotas as required by service needs.
- The post holder is responsible for performing and reporting defined aspects of the laboratory workload with the other biomedical scientists. They will be expected to maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability and to collaborate with other members of the laboratory and other referring centres to achieve a high quality of service.
- The post holder will assist the co-ordination, monitoring and development of defined areas of workload under the direction of the Lead Biomedical scientist.
- The post holder will apply specialised professional judgement, scientific knowledge and practical skills to complex problem solving and Quality Control issues and ensure that corrective actions occur in the event on non-compliance.
- The post holder will provide part of the diagnostic service within the Highly Specialised (and unique within the UK) Service for the diagnosis of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies.
- To perform the various diagnostic procedures required for the delivery of the service. At present, these include sample reception, preparation, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting of muscle biopsy specimens to detect abnormalities in protein expression, interpretation and reporting of results.
- To assist in the interpretation of the immunodiagnostic analyses carried out in the unit and in drafting, reviewing and authorising biopsy reports that offer advice to clinical and scientific colleagues alongside molecular genetic analysis.
- Support R&D and clinical trial activity involving the unit.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The JWMDRC is a partnership between Newcastle University and The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals. The Centre brings together and consolidates Newcastles distinguished, international and world-leading record in research and care for neuromuscular diseases.
The MIU is part of the Integrated Laboratory Medicine directorate has a long history of training and developing staff in different roles. The laboratory has been accredited by UKAS to the ISO15189 standards.
The MIU is based on the Dental hospital site in Newcastle. The core working hours are 0830 to 1700, Monday to Friday, but staff may be expected to participate in weekend, bank holiday and on-call rotas as required by service needs.
- The post holder is responsible for performing and reporting defined aspects of the laboratory workload with the other biomedical scientists. They will be expected to maintain a high level of accuracy and reliability and to collaborate with other members of the laboratory and other referring centres to achieve a high quality of service.
- The post holder will assist the co-ordination, monitoring and development of defined areas of workload under the direction of the Lead Biomedical scientist.
- The post holder will apply specialised professional judgement, scientific knowledge and practical skills to complex problem solving and Quality Control issues and ensure that corrective actions occur in the event on non-compliance.
- The post holder will provide part of the diagnostic service within the Highly Specialised (and unique within the UK) Service for the diagnosis of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies.
- To perform the various diagnostic procedures required for the delivery of the service. At present, these include sample reception, preparation, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting of muscle biopsy specimens to detect abnormalities in protein expression, interpretation and reporting of results.
- To assist in the interpretation of the immunodiagnostic analyses carried out in the unit and in drafting, reviewing and authorising biopsy reports that offer advice to clinical and scientific colleagues alongside molecular genetic analysis.
- Support R&D and clinical trial activity involving the unit.
Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- BSc (Hons) degree in a biological science which is IBMS accredited or equivalent
- HCPC registration (Health and Care Professions Council)or Preregistration towards registration with 12 months
- Evidence of ongoing participation in CPD. Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a biological science, ideally with a cellular pathology or genetics component
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Possesses scientific knowledge in the field of cellular pathology, both theoretical and practical
- Has experience of a range of highly specialised procedures including immunohistochemistry (light level), gel electrophoresis, western blotting, cryomicrotomy, use of the microscopes and associated sample preparative techniques
- Has experience in the use and application of basic computer programmes including Word, Excel and PowerPoint and in the use of the internet for gathering up to date information
- Experience of working safely with liquid nitrogen and pressurised liquid nitrogen vessels
- Evidence of being able to prepare SOP documentation and to carry out departmental Risk, COSHH and BioCOSHH assessments
- An understanding of the laboratory accreditation process
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemical techniques cryostat sectioning, immunoblot and optimisation methods and microscopy
- Participation in quality control schemes
- Experience in working with human striated muscle in both the clinical and research laboratory environment
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent written, communication and organisational skills
- Computer skills including Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Desirable
- Ability to develop novel techniques, summarise results and produce reports. Interested in keeping abreast of new developments and be able to provide a considered opinion about applicability of new techniques
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- BSc (Hons) degree in a biological science which is IBMS accredited or equivalent
- HCPC registration (Health and Care Professions Council)or Preregistration towards registration with 12 months
- Evidence of ongoing participation in CPD. Master's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a biological science, ideally with a cellular pathology or genetics component
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Possesses scientific knowledge in the field of cellular pathology, both theoretical and practical
- Has experience of a range of highly specialised procedures including immunohistochemistry (light level), gel electrophoresis, western blotting, cryomicrotomy, use of the microscopes and associated sample preparative techniques
- Has experience in the use and application of basic computer programmes including Word, Excel and PowerPoint and in the use of the internet for gathering up to date information
- Experience of working safely with liquid nitrogen and pressurised liquid nitrogen vessels
- Evidence of being able to prepare SOP documentation and to carry out departmental Risk, COSHH and BioCOSHH assessments
- An understanding of the laboratory accreditation process
Desirable
- Specialist knowledge of immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemical techniques cryostat sectioning, immunoblot and optimisation methods and microscopy
- Participation in quality control schemes
- Experience in working with human striated muscle in both the clinical and research laboratory environment
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent written, communication and organisational skills
- Computer skills including Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Desirable
- Ability to develop novel techniques, summarise results and produce reports. Interested in keeping abreast of new developments and be able to provide a considered opinion about applicability of new techniques
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).
