Senior Biomedical Scientist - Haemostasis

Job responsibilities

The post holder will use their extensive in-depth coagulation knowledge, including excellent technical, supervisory and communication skills to ensure that specialist coagulation laboratory investigations used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with inherited and acquired bleeding and thrombotic disorders, is carried out to the highest standards. The senior Biomedical scientist will use a combination of knowledge, decision making, organisational and supervisory skills to ensure that appropriate testing is performed safely, accurately and in a timely manner on each sample received. The post holder will be required to work rostered weekends and participate in a standby and on-call rota when needed. In addition, there will also be a responsibility for providing a comprehensive high quality laboratory medicine service to all HSL clients.

Main duties

To include but not be restricted to:

1. To co-ordinate and to allocate work to the BMS and MLA staff to ensure a smooth workflow.

2. Oversee the ADAMTS-13 testing service.

3. To ensure that for each sample with appropriate requested specialist coagulation investigations is performed in a timely manner.

4. To perform more complex coagulation techniques such as testing for anticoagulant monitoring (not warfarin), platelet function investigations, lupus anticoagulants, specific clotting factor inhibitor quantification, thrombophilia and fibrinolytic tests, using where appropriate ELISA technology, chromogenic chemiluminescence and clotting, and electrophoresis techniques.

5. To undertake technical, first and second level authorisation of results, ensuring IQC is within accepted limits. To take corrective action when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance with the laboratory instruments or methods, including the participation in the external quality control schemes for the service ensuring that the results are provided in a timely and appropriate manner.

6. To interpret and understand the implications of result at a complex level and to take appropriate action when these results fall outside the expected ranges, communicating them to the requestor and referring the request to the Haemophilia Registrars or Consultant Haematologist where clinical input is required.

7. To receive and communicate information accurately and concisely to colleagues and service users as required.

8. To demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of the scientific and technical principles involved in the delivery of the service including troubleshooting of assays and techniques both existing and in development.

9. To ensure appropriate maintenance and safe use of equipment.

10. To assist in the development of rotas in conjunction with the other senior biomedical scientist staff and to ensure that they are operated correctly, and to liaise with the other senior biomedical staff to provide continuous cover from the start of each day.

11. To co-ordinate adequate supplies of laboratory consumables and reagents and co-ordinate their stock within the laboratory.

12. To contribute to on-going review and development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

13. To contribute to audit and all other quality activities as designated by the Head of the Laboratory.

14. To be involved in staff recruitment for MLA and BMS grades and to conduct appraisals as required by the Head of the Laboratory

15. To undertake method development and evaluation as directed by the Head of the Laboratory.

16. To be personally responsible for the time management and planning of multiple tasks and complex activities as described in the job description and be able to respond to changing requirements, adjusting plans as required.

Training and Education

1. To be competent in the area of work for which you have supervisory responsibility.

2. To make sure that training documentation is up to date and complies with UKAS, HCPC and IBMS regulations.

3. To further be actively involved in staff meetings and seminars.

4. To maintain own personal development and attend departmental meetings as required.

5. To maintain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and participate in a recognised CDP scheme.

6. To take an active interest and keep abreast of developments in the discipline.

7. To assist in the development of junior colleagues by assisting in the training of trainee BMS and MLA staff, and to undertake, complete and sign off all competencies associated with these grades.

8. To undertake mandatory training as per HSL requirements.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Communicate effectively with people at all levels
• Demonstrate professionalism and a customer-focused attitude
• Calm under pressure
• Punctual and reliable
• Helpful, friendly and polite
• Flexible, highly motivated, effective team player; committed to the corporate quality objectives
• Commercially aware
• Commitment to working the hours required to fulfil the job, including flexibility of working

Qualifications

Essential

• IBMS accredited Biological Sciences degree or equivalent qualification in pathology disciplines
• Current registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Specialist Diploma in a relevant discipline or equivalent
• Masters Level degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work accurately, neatly and efficiently. Attention to detail is important
• Ability to work in a team
• Basic keyboards kills and familiarity with Microsoft office suite
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English both verbally and in writing
• Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the speciality
• Experience of statistical analysis software
• Able to write and review SOPs

Experience

Essential

• Minimum 3 years post HCPC experience
• Previous experience of working in Coagulation/Haematology Laboratory
• Previous experience of working in a Special Coagulation Laboratory.
• Good theoretically knowledge in Haemostasis
• Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management system
• Proficiency in relevant techniques
• Experience of using a Laboratory Information System

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).