Job summary
A vacancy has arisen for a Senior Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in our Essential Services Laboratory (ESL) department based at Lister Hospital following implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board with services which commenced on 1st March 2025.Applications are invited from committed, motivated and enthusiastic individuals who wish to take on more responsibility, extend their skills and be instrumental in moving the department into an exciting future. If you would like to be involved in shaping the future of the pathology services at HSL and are HCPC Registered with a Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent and a Post graduate qualification of MSc, FIBMS or equivalent you are invited to apply.
Main duties of the job
The laboratory at Lister hospital provides 24/7 routine biochemistry testing for acute and urgent care areas of the hospital as well as some onsite testing for the local community. The successful candidate will join our team of dedicated biomedical scientists and associate practitioners in delivering a high-quality pathology service. The biochemistry department provides a wide variety of investigations using advanced instrumentation covering automated clinical biochemistry, osmometry, HbA1c testing by HPLC and various manual methods.
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 hospital 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 will be expected to participate in all shifts required to cover this timeframe where appropriate.
About us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:
Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
Annual related salary review
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 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
Flexible working hours 37.5 hours standard working week
Job description
Job responsibilities
To manage staff and various sections within the Lister Essential Services Laboratory 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. To help in the smooth and efficient running of a section within the Lister Hospital Blood
sciences department to ensure safe, rapid, timely and accurate reporting of results. Investigation and
analysis of samples by the application of techniques and testing that include: a wide variety of
investigations using advanced instrumentation covering clinical biochemistry, automated haematology and
coagulation and blood film morphology.
The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core and unsocial
hours as required.
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff
2. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating
procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
3. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
4. Techniques and testing that include: clinical biochemistry, routine haematological diagnostics and
blood film morphology using Roche c6000, Sysmex XN9100, Sysmex CS2500, NSTA ESR,
Arkray HPLC analysers plus various manual methods.
5. 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.
13. 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
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 as proof of
competence to practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To manage staff and various sections within the Lister Essential Services Laboratory 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. To help in the smooth and efficient running of a section within the Lister Hospital Blood
sciences department to ensure safe, rapid, timely and accurate reporting of results. Investigation and
analysis of samples by the application of techniques and testing that include: a wide variety of
investigations using advanced instrumentation covering clinical biochemistry, automated haematology and
coagulation and blood film morphology.
The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core and unsocial
hours as required.
To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:
1. To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff
2. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating
procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
3. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
4. Techniques and testing that include: clinical biochemistry, routine haematological diagnostics and
blood film morphology using Roche c6000, Sysmex XN9100, Sysmex CS2500, NSTA ESR,
Arkray HPLC analysers plus various manual methods.
5. 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.
13. 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
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 as proof of
competence to practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualification in pathology disciplines consistent with State Registration
- requirement.
- MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant subject
- Current registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good organisational skills.
- To work accurately, neatly and efficiently. Attention to detail is very
- important.
- To work in a team.
- Basic Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- To maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- To work on own initiative
- To communicate efficiently in English
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
- To be able to write and review SOPs
Experience
Essential
- Working in a routine diagnostic laboratory
- Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System proficiency in relevant techniques
- Minimum 3 years HCPC registration
- Experience of using a Laboratory Information System
- Experience of supervising staff
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualification in pathology disciplines consistent with State Registration
- requirement.
- MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant subject
- Current registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good organisational skills.
- To work accurately, neatly and efficiently. Attention to detail is very
- important.
- To work in a team.
- Basic Keyboard skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
- To maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
- To work on own initiative
- To communicate efficiently in English
- Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
- Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.
- To be able to write and review SOPs
Experience
Essential
- Working in a routine diagnostic laboratory
- Demonstrate experience of working to a laboratory Quality Management System proficiency in relevant techniques
- Minimum 3 years HCPC registration
- Experience of using a Laboratory Information System
- Experience of supervising staff
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).
