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Healthcare Scientist Quality Assistant - Molecular Pathology, Band 5

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for a Healthcare Scientist (HCPC registration or equivalent)Quality Assistant to join our team. You will be working with us to provide a service to cancer patients to ensure that they receive their results in a timely manner.

You will be working across all areas of the molecular pathology section and work with other medical, scientific, technical and clerical colleagues across the department and Trust to ensure the administration of the quality strategy.

Will include Saturday working, later working hours until 6pm to provide later cover

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be involved in a range of tasks to support delivery of the technical service and maintain the quality management system for the section, in line with the rest of the department.

You will assist in the delivery of the technical service as well as manage and update quality assurance documentation. Alongside this, you will participate in the audit, research and development activities of the department. You will be a source of advice for colleagues on quality issues.

You will need to be able to demonstrate a good knowledge and a keen interest in, laboratory quality assurance. You will be working within a team and have an ability to prioritise workload and work well under pressure.

About us

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a staff of around 8000 and is dedicated to providing the Best Care for Everyone.

The Histology Department is based within the Pathology Department at Cheltenham General Hospital and is one of the biggest within the South West.

We have a team of medical staff, scientists and support staff working in a busy environment and are focused on providing a high quality efficient service.

Date posted

01 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year (pro rata if part time)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-25-T0267

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Job description

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will, amongst other duties, be required to:

Assist in the technical delivery of the service, working alongside a team of Clinical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pathologist and Clerical staff.

Manage and update quality assurance documentation

Support and maintain the quality management system for the section, in line with the rest of the department. Be able to offer advice and training to staff in all aspects of QMS as required

Assist in maintaining systems to facilitate the continual improvement of the department

Participate in the audit, research and development activities of the department.

Generate and analyse quality metrics

Participate in specimen processing and the production of histology sections for microscopic examination when require.

Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area

Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which she/he is working

Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for use in the department. Participate in their development and review.

Participate in record keeping processes, including maintenance records, electronic and paper based.

Lead investigations into non-conformities, errors or incidents and perform corrective actions.

Be a source of advice for colleagues on quality issues. Defer to / discuss with the Molecular Pathology Leadership / Quality Lead as required.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will, amongst other duties, be required to:

Assist in the technical delivery of the service, working alongside a team of Clinical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pathologist and Clerical staff.

Manage and update quality assurance documentation

Support and maintain the quality management system for the section, in line with the rest of the department. Be able to offer advice and training to staff in all aspects of QMS as required

Assist in maintaining systems to facilitate the continual improvement of the department

Participate in the audit, research and development activities of the department.

Generate and analyse quality metrics

Participate in specimen processing and the production of histology sections for microscopic examination when require.

Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area

Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which she/he is working

Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for use in the department. Participate in their development and review.

Participate in record keeping processes, including maintenance records, electronic and paper based.

Lead investigations into non-conformities, errors or incidents and perform corrective actions.

Be a source of advice for colleagues on quality issues. Defer to / discuss with the Molecular Pathology Leadership / Quality Lead as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of laboratory quality assurance
  • BSc (Hon) Biomedical Science or equivalent
  • Registered with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist, or with AHCS as a Genetic Technologist (GT) or equivalent
  • Appropriate practise as a trainee/registered Biomedical/Healthcare Scientist/Genetic Technologist
  • Computer Literate
  • Good communication skills and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work flexibly within a team, quickly and accurately
  • Ability to work well under pressure and have good problem-solving skills
  • Ability to use own judgement and initiative

Desirable

  • An understanding of the National Genomic Test Directory and Genomic testing in Cancer
Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of laboratory quality assurance
  • BSc (Hon) Biomedical Science or equivalent
  • Registered with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist, or with AHCS as a Genetic Technologist (GT) or equivalent
  • Appropriate practise as a trainee/registered Biomedical/Healthcare Scientist/Genetic Technologist
  • Computer Literate
  • Good communication skills and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work flexibly within a team, quickly and accurately
  • Ability to work well under pressure and have good problem-solving skills
  • Ability to use own judgement and initiative

Desirable

  • An understanding of the National Genomic Test Directory and Genomic testing in Cancer

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Employer's website

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

For questions about the job, contact:

Molecular Pathology Section Lead

Jennie Rust

jennie.rust@nhs.net

03004223307

Date posted

01 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year (pro rata if part time)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-25-T0267

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN


Supporting documents

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