Job summary
Do you want to be a Biomedical Scientist and contribute to patient care within the NHS? Do you have an IBMS Accredited degree and are looking for the opportunity to obtain your IBMS Certificate of Competence? Then we can offer you an exciting opportunity to fulfil those goals! We are seeking 20 enthusiastic individuals with Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Accredited Degrees, to work as Trainee Biomedical Scientists within the North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Pathology Alliance Network. You will undertake a fixed term 12 month training programme to gain the knowledge, skills and portfolio of evidence to successfully complete the IBMS Certificate of Competence to allow you to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) professional registration. This will ensure you are eligible to apply for Biomedical Scientist (Band 5) roles.
- Interview Date Monday, 01 July 2024
- 37 Hours 30 Minutes/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
Successful candidates will commence training to undertake laboratory diagnostics, which will vary depending on specialty but includes; preparation and handling of body/bodily fluid samples appropriately, identification and monitoring of diseases including bacteria and viruses, ensuring the quality of results produced, maintenance of laboratory equipment including reagent preparation, and validation of laboratory results. Please review all role descriptors for further information.Qualities of a successful biomedical scientist include:
- Excellent communication skills
- Emotional resilience, able to work calmly under pressure
- Excellent teamwork skills but also the ability to work alone
- Problem solving skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
Sound decision making skillsThe main purpose of this 12 month fixed term role is to successfully complete the portfolio of evidence to achieve the IBMS Certificate of Competence to enable registration as a Biomedical Scientist to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) at the end of the contract. You will also gain laboratory and NHS experience along with the skills and knowledge required to work as a Biomedical Scientist.
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 NENC Pathology Alliance Training Academy is a collaboration of all NENC Pathology service providing Hospital Trusts across the region. On a day-to-day basis the post holder will work at a base Hospital Trust within the region (with a requirement to attend some training at a variety of Trusts around the region) and participate as part of that Trusts team, in providing relevant departmental laboratory service to their users.
- The post holder will gain competence in the standards of proficiency for a Biomedical Scientist stated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and documented in the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence Portfolio, leading to HCPC Registration.
- The post holder will act under supervision of registered Biomedical Scientists from both the base Trust and the PATA. At other times the post holder may perform some tasks without supervision and will evaluate situations and seek advice from senior members of staff if deemed appropriate.
- Fulfil training programme which will include rotation through different sections of their host department(s).
- Fulfil PATA training programme in order to complete IBMS Certificate of Competence.
- Assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis, relevant to the department (see role descriptors for further information)
- Maintain confidentiality and integrity in line with the HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics.
- Develop skills to perform highly complex analysis of routine and urgent clinical samples in accordance with laboratory procedures using specialist laboratory equipment. Carry out laboratory diagnostic tests, validate results under supervision and use judgement in determining and initiating further tests that may be required.
- Actively participate in the maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, report any faults and non-compliances to a senior member of staff and take prompt and appropriate action in response to unexpected situations.
- Understand and adopt the principles of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
- To participate in the departmental Quality Assurance programmes including internal quality assurance, external quality assurance and audit, correct any minor non-compliances and to report any major non-compliant events to a senior member of staff.
- Maintain an up-to-date relevant knowledge of the technical aspects of the laboratory.
- Work in compliance with health and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment for you, colleagues and visitors. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to a senior member of staff.
This is a regional training programme, and you will be employed by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, however these posts are NOT all based at Newcastle Hospitals. Options are available to be based at 1 of 7 Hospital Trusts across NENC on competitive application. Disciplines in which training will be delivered may vary.
The Trusts are:
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust DL3 6HX
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NE7 7DN
- North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust CA2 7HY
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust NE29 8NH
- South of Tyne and Wear Pathology Services (Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust) NE8 4YL
- Tees Valley Pathology (North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts) TS19 8
As a Trainee Biomedical Scientist, you will be based within a laboratory at one of the above Trusts, based on your preference combined with the results of a competitive interview. Whilst here, you will follow a training plan, consisting of a blended learning approach, with training to be held across NENC including online, face-to-face training and on-the-job training, with support provided by the host laboratory and the NENC Training Coordinators. Regional travel (on a monthly basis) is expected as part of this role to fulfil training requirements.
When applying, please state which Trust is your preferred location.
Successful candidates must be able to commence their role at the beginning of August 2024.Secondment opportunities are available for current NHS staff, however agreement must be sought from your current line manager before applying.
Annex 21 75% Top of Band 5 Salary
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.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The NENC Pathology Alliance Training Academy is a collaboration of all NENC Pathology service providing Hospital Trusts across the region. On a day-to-day basis the post holder will work at a base Hospital Trust within the region (with a requirement to attend some training at a variety of Trusts around the region) and participate as part of that Trusts team, in providing relevant departmental laboratory service to their users.
- The post holder will gain competence in the standards of proficiency for a Biomedical Scientist stated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and documented in the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence Portfolio, leading to HCPC Registration.
- The post holder will act under supervision of registered Biomedical Scientists from both the base Trust and the PATA. At other times the post holder may perform some tasks without supervision and will evaluate situations and seek advice from senior members of staff if deemed appropriate.
- Fulfil training programme which will include rotation through different sections of their host department(s).
- Fulfil PATA training programme in order to complete IBMS Certificate of Competence.
- Assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis, relevant to the department (see role descriptors for further information)
- Maintain confidentiality and integrity in line with the HCPC standards of conduct, performance and ethics.
- Develop skills to perform highly complex analysis of routine and urgent clinical samples in accordance with laboratory procedures using specialist laboratory equipment. Carry out laboratory diagnostic tests, validate results under supervision and use judgement in determining and initiating further tests that may be required.
- Actively participate in the maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, report any faults and non-compliances to a senior member of staff and take prompt and appropriate action in response to unexpected situations.
- Understand and adopt the principles of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
- To participate in the departmental Quality Assurance programmes including internal quality assurance, external quality assurance and audit, correct any minor non-compliances and to report any major non-compliant events to a senior member of staff.
- Maintain an up-to-date relevant knowledge of the technical aspects of the laboratory.
- Work in compliance with health and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment for you, colleagues and visitors. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to a senior member of staff.
This is a regional training programme, and you will be employed by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, however these posts are NOT all based at Newcastle Hospitals. Options are available to be based at 1 of 7 Hospital Trusts across NENC on competitive application. Disciplines in which training will be delivered may vary.
The Trusts are:
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust DL3 6HX
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust NE7 7DN
- North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust CA2 7HY
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust NE29 8NH
- South of Tyne and Wear Pathology Services (Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust) NE8 4YL
- Tees Valley Pathology (North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts) TS19 8
As a Trainee Biomedical Scientist, you will be based within a laboratory at one of the above Trusts, based on your preference combined with the results of a competitive interview. Whilst here, you will follow a training plan, consisting of a blended learning approach, with training to be held across NENC including online, face-to-face training and on-the-job training, with support provided by the host laboratory and the NENC Training Coordinators. Regional travel (on a monthly basis) is expected as part of this role to fulfil training requirements.
When applying, please state which Trust is your preferred location.
Successful candidates must be able to commence their role at the beginning of August 2024.Secondment opportunities are available for current NHS staff, however agreement must be sought from your current line manager before applying.
Annex 21 75% Top of Band 5 Salary
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.
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- IBMS Accredited BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Understanding of routes to HCPC Registration
- Awareness and understanding of the role of diagnostic laboratories
Desirable
- Familiar with Health & Safety and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
- Awareness and understanding of United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex terms in a way that can be easily understood
Desirable
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite and other IT systems
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- IBMS Accredited BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent qualification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Understanding of routes to HCPC Registration
- Awareness and understanding of the role of diagnostic laboratories
Desirable
- Familiar with Health & Safety and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
- Awareness and understanding of United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex terms in a way that can be easily understood
Desirable
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite and other IT systems
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.
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).
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.
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).
