Job summary
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Specialist Biomedical Scientist for a full time role within the Department of Clinical Parasitology in Central London to meet the demands of our growing department.
The successful applicant will join our small, friendly specialist reference unit delivering a varied parasitology service out of the Halo building, HSLs flagship laboratory. The department operates a standard working day of 7.5 hours (generally 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday.
The Department of Clinical Parasitology serves as a national reference centre offering expert diagnosis and identification on human parasites and the diseases they cause. The department services requests from users worldwide. In the UK, these users include general practitioners, PHE and medical laboratories in the NHS and the independent sector.
We offer an extensive portfolio of diagnostic investigations including microscopy, culture, immunological and nucleic acid based procedures. This portfolio includes many specialist techniques specific to this department.
Main duties of the job
We constantly seek to develop, evaluate and advise upon new parasite diagnostic techniques, a role greatly facilitated by our extensive archive of diagnostic specimens that can be used in the development and validation of assays. Recent collaborations include the development of the first CE marked LAMP based nucleic acid test for malaria with the Foundation for Innovative and New Diagnostics (FIND) and the development of a molecular EQA scheme for malaria diagnosis with both WHO and UKNEQAS
The ideal candidate will be committed to and have a genuine interest in Parasitology and want to expand their knowledge further. It is a rewarding opportunity while providing a learning platform which could be considered as an insight into furthering your career. The candidate must be HCPC Registered with a Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent. The candidate will have the opportunity to rotate around our serology, microscopy and molecular sections, gaining expertise, carrying out a diverse range of diagnostic techniques and directly observing parasites rarely seen outside of tropical locations.
Previous laboratory experience in serology or molecular processes would be helpful, however, individuals will be given full training in all aspects of laboratory work undertaken.
About us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including: Training and development opportunities including the funding of Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and Specialist Portfolios for Biomedical Scientists.** No banding restrictions: **As we are a private company we are not restricted by salary bandings and so are able to negotiate appropriate salaries based on experience. This also means that annual salary reviews do not hit a band ceiling. Discounted gym membership Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians. Annual performance related salary review Competitive annual leave allowance Flexible working hours: 37.5 hours standard working week Please read the job description and person specification carefully and ensure that your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required. We respect and value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from diverse communities. PLEASE NOTE: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THIS VACANCY AT ANY TIME EVEN IF A CLOSING DATE IS SHOWN HERE OR IN ANY OTHER MEDIA
Job description
Job responsibilities
To support diagnostic services within the Department of Clinical Parasitology as directed
by the Operational Lead or Deputy, working in collaboration with the other senior scientific
staff in providing an efficient and effective service within the resources available and to ensure
the maintenance of scientific standards of HSL.
The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core
and unsocial hours as required
Main duties
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard
operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
2. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
3. Techniques and testing that include:
a) Microscopy based diagnosis of parasites, parasite material, and parasite eggs, ova and
cysts,
b) Rapid diagnostic tests and western blots to detect the presence of parasite antigens and
anti-parasite antibodies,
c) Serological diagnosis by ELISA, Western blot and IFAT to detect the presence of antiparasite antibodies,
d) Molecular diagnosis to detect the presence of parasite DNA,
e) Research and development as required to develop new assays or improve existing ones
f) On call malaria diagnosis by blood film microscopy
4. To communicate patients’ results and answer enquiries from health care professionals
within the hospital and in the community, providing information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and
professional code of conduct, recognising own boundaries.
6. To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for
appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
7. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
8. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication
within the department.
9. To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
10. To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using
appropriate quality control procedures.
11. To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer
system
12. To check reports for further action by the Clinicians, and to authorise reports as
delegated within HSL departmental policy. To assist in the evaluation of new
equipment and advise the head of service, senior scientific colleagues on the need for
new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment.
13. To ensure that the department meets all the standards required by CPA/UKAS and to
participate in the regular review of all the procedures performed in the laboratory
including the establishment and monitoring of effective internal and external Quality
Control and Quality Assurance schemes.
14. To perform Audits and various quality management activities such as Change
Controls.
Training And Education
1. To train new laboratory and clinical staff, this involves explaining and teaching
complex technical/analytical procedures and motivating staff by promoting healthcare
sciences in an interesting and positive manner.
2. To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in
general as reflected by CPD.
3. To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work
independently
4. To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
5. To identify the training needs within the team.
6. To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio
Job description
Job responsibilities
To support diagnostic services within the Department of Clinical Parasitology as directed
by the Operational Lead or Deputy, working in collaboration with the other senior scientific
staff in providing an efficient and effective service within the resources available and to ensure
the maintenance of scientific standards of HSL.
The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core
and unsocial hours as required
Main duties
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard
operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
2. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
3. Techniques and testing that include:
a) Microscopy based diagnosis of parasites, parasite material, and parasite eggs, ova and
cysts,
b) Rapid diagnostic tests and western blots to detect the presence of parasite antigens and
anti-parasite antibodies,
c) Serological diagnosis by ELISA, Western blot and IFAT to detect the presence of antiparasite antibodies,
d) Molecular diagnosis to detect the presence of parasite DNA,
e) Research and development as required to develop new assays or improve existing ones
f) On call malaria diagnosis by blood film microscopy
4. To communicate patients’ results and answer enquiries from health care professionals
within the hospital and in the community, providing information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and
professional code of conduct, recognising own boundaries.
6. To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for
appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
7. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
8. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication
within the department.
9. To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
10. To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using
appropriate quality control procedures.
11. To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer
system
12. To check reports for further action by the Clinicians, and to authorise reports as
delegated within HSL departmental policy. To assist in the evaluation of new
equipment and advise the head of service, senior scientific colleagues on the need for
new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment.
13. To ensure that the department meets all the standards required by CPA/UKAS and to
participate in the regular review of all the procedures performed in the laboratory
including the establishment and monitoring of effective internal and external Quality
Control and Quality Assurance schemes.
14. To perform Audits and various quality management activities such as Change
Controls.
Training And Education
1. To train new laboratory and clinical staff, this involves explaining and teaching
complex technical/analytical procedures and motivating staff by promoting healthcare
sciences in an interesting and positive manner.
2. To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in
general as reflected by CPD.
3. To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work
independently
4. To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
5. To identify the training needs within the team.
6. To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role.
- Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in diagnosis
- of parasitological infections
- Experience of quality management systems such as audit training
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good organisational skills.
- Work accurately, neatly and efficiently.
- Attention to detail is very important.
- Work in a team.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- Work on own initiative
- Communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English both verbally and in writing.
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Accredited BSc (hons)
- Biomedical Science or equivalent
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme
- e.g. IBMS
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role.
- Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in diagnosis
- of parasitological infections
- Experience of quality management systems such as audit training
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good organisational skills.
- Work accurately, neatly and efficiently.
- Attention to detail is very important.
- Work in a team.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- Work on own initiative
- Communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English both verbally and in writing.
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Accredited BSc (hons)
- Biomedical Science or equivalent
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme
- e.g. IBMS
Additional information
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).
