Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic and adaptable HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join the UK NEQAS General Haematology scientific team.
Under the direct supervision of the Senior EQA Scientist, your role will involve ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and professional delivery of services within the UK NEQAS Haematology program.
The UK National External Quality Assessment Unit (UK NEQAS) are operated by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is based in a bespoke unit designed and built specifically for our use in the Croxley Business Park in Watford.
You should be able to demonstrate a substantial understanding and experience in clinical Hematology laboratory practices within the UK, encompassing an knowledge of both the theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory Hematology. Additionally, you should display an understanding of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems.
This is a full-time position and will be required to work from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, flexible working arrangements will be considered.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will report directly to the Senior EQA Scientist, with overall accountability to the Scheme Director. The post is based at Croxley Business Park and it is an NHS appointment.
The post-holder will support the effective delivery of UK NEQAS Haematology schemes, contributing to the preparation, testing and distribution of EQA survey material in line with quality and safety standards. You will provide technical advice and respond to participant enquiries, ensuring a professional and responsive service to national and international laboratories.
You will also supervise support staff and coordinate day-to-day activities, maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency. You will require good analytical, laboratory and IT skills, alongside the ability to manage your workload, prioritise competing demands and work collaboratively within a team environment.
You will require effective communication skills, enjoy exchanging ideas and influencing policy, and be self-motivated, adaptable to changing priorities and willing to implement change. Experience of quality management systems and service improvement would be advantageous.
Applicants should indicate in their application how they meet the person specification and why they are suitable for this role.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The main tasks and overview of responsibilities include:
Undertakes the:
- preparation and testing of survey material, working with a variety of blood products.
- preparation of paperwork to accompany the survey material prepared for distribution.
- automated and manual bottling of whole blood, red cells and plasma to include checking the material, vial labels and completing the associated paperwork, as required.
- the receipt and dispatch of goods and survey material.
- entering and verification of participant generated data for analysis.
Monitors laboratory reagents and consumables.
Assists with the validation of new survey material or equipment.
Maintains written and electronic records of results.
Investigates quality incidents and performs root cause analysis.
Maintains participant confidentiality and complies with the standards set by ISO17043.
Upholds UK NEQAS Code of Practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The main tasks and overview of responsibilities include:
Undertakes the:
- preparation and testing of survey material, working with a variety of blood products.
- preparation of paperwork to accompany the survey material prepared for distribution.
- automated and manual bottling of whole blood, red cells and plasma to include checking the material, vial labels and completing the associated paperwork, as required.
- the receipt and dispatch of goods and survey material.
- entering and verification of participant generated data for analysis.
Monitors laboratory reagents and consumables.
Assists with the validation of new survey material or equipment.
Maintains written and electronic records of results.
Investigates quality incidents and performs root cause analysis.
Maintains participant confidentiality and complies with the standards set by ISO17043.
Upholds UK NEQAS Code of Practice.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Biomedical Science degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- Registration with the HCPC.
- Active participation in CPD.
Desirable
- Professional portfolio, relevant to banding.
- Postgraduate diploma or specialist training or other equivalent qualification or experience.
- Quality management qualification.
Knowledge:
Essential
- Specialist knowledge of automated cell counting.
- Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK.
- Knowledge of blood film morphology.
- Knowledge in the role of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems as part of laboratory quality assurance.
Desirable
- Knowledge of laboratory diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies and enzymopathies.
- Basic statistical knowledge.
Experience:
Essential
- Broad theoretical and practical experience of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK with experience in automated counting, analysing data, making decisions and providing feedback on findings, blood film preparation and microscopy.
- Draft reports and scientific documents.
- Supervise and train staff Band 5 and below.
- Word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
- Database applications.
Desirable
- Experience in the provision of EQA services and review of EQA data.
- Flow cytometry and haemoglobinopathy laboratory diagnosis.
- Molecular techniques.
- Audit.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Biomedical Science degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- Registration with the HCPC.
- Active participation in CPD.
Desirable
- Professional portfolio, relevant to banding.
- Postgraduate diploma or specialist training or other equivalent qualification or experience.
- Quality management qualification.
Knowledge:
Essential
- Specialist knowledge of automated cell counting.
- Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK.
- Knowledge of blood film morphology.
- Knowledge in the role of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems as part of laboratory quality assurance.
Desirable
- Knowledge of laboratory diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies and enzymopathies.
- Basic statistical knowledge.
Experience:
Essential
- Broad theoretical and practical experience of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK with experience in automated counting, analysing data, making decisions and providing feedback on findings, blood film preparation and microscopy.
- Draft reports and scientific documents.
- Supervise and train staff Band 5 and below.
- Word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
- Database applications.
Desirable
- Experience in the provision of EQA services and review of EQA data.
- Flow cytometry and haemoglobinopathy laboratory diagnosis.
- Molecular techniques.
- Audit.
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).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
