Job summary
A vacancy has arisen for a Senior Biomedical Scientist to join our Haematology & Blood Transfusion Department based at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Harlow following implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board which commenced on 1st March 2025.This post offers the opportunity to broaden your skills and experience in a busy Blood Sciences laboratory as well as the chance to work a reduced hours working week which will be of benefit to those seeking a better work/life balance. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the Blood Transfusion teams training needs as well meeting the departments ongoing BSQR and UKAS compliance commitments.
Main duties of the job
The laboratory at PAH ESL provides 24/7 haematology and blood transfusion testing for acute and urgent care areas of the hospital. The haematology department provides a wide variety of investigations using advanced instrumentation covering automated haematology and coagulation, blood film morphology, immunohaematology diagnostic testing of blood groups and antibody investigations as well as management of the PAH Blood Bank and Haemonetics systems when these are commissioned as part of the ongoing HWE service transformation programme. The PAH labs also support the Essex Air Ambulance service. The successful candidate will join our team of dedicated biomedical scientists and associate practitioners in delivering a high-quality pathology service.
The ideal candidate will be committed to service excellence and have a genuine desire for continued personal and professional development. Candidates should have a suitable approved undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent) and be registered with the HCPC.
Previous laboratory experience would be helpful, however full training will be provided for all work performed.
The laboratory operates a 24/7 service so the successful candidate may be expected to participate in all shifts required to cover this timeframe.
About us
Training and development opportunities
Annual salary review
Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians.
Sick Pay Entitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter
Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)
Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing.
Season Ticket Loan Scheme interest free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket.
Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts.
Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with service.
Competitive annual leave allowance -28 days annual leave
Job description
Job responsibilities
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
- To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff
- To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
- To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
- Techniques and testing
- 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.
- To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
- Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
- To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
- To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
- To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
- To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system
- 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.
- 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.
Training And Education
- 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.
- To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in general as reflected by CPD.
- To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work independently
- To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
- To identify the training needs within the team.
- To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of competence to practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
- To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff
- To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
- To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
- Techniques and testing
- 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.
- To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
- Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
- To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
- To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
- To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
- To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system
- 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.
- 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.
Training And Education
- 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.
- To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in general as reflected by CPD.
- To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work independently
- To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
- To identify the training needs within the team.
- To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of competence to practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- AND
- MSc in appropriate discipline such as Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification e.g. IBMS HSD)
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme e.g. IBMS
Experience
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role.
- Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in
- techniques appropriate to the discipline
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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
- AND
- MSc in appropriate discipline such as Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification e.g. IBMS HSD)
- Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme e.g. IBMS
Experience
Essential
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role.
- Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in
- techniques appropriate to the discipline
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.
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).
