Job summary
We are offering an opportunity to join the Infection & Immunity Laboratory Team as a Band 7 Biomedical Scientist/Clinical Scientist - Section Leader (Flow cytometry and Cellular Immunology Specialist). The post holder will be responsible for the cellular immunology section, covering a busy flow cytometry and IGRA service. There may also be the opportunity to gain and/or build on experience in other areas of the lab as appropriate
Ideally the applicant should have extensive experience in flow cytometry, cellular immunology and/or IGRA test procedures and should hold a Specialist Portfolio in Immunology or equivalent (MSc, STP, FIBMS) in a relevant area. Candidates who have trained in other specialities (eg Haematology, H&I etc) with transferable/translatable skills are encouraged to apply.
Experience in assay verification/validation an advantage.
We are committed to your personal and professional development and you will have opportunities to fulfil your potential with NWLP.
Please can you include in your application form, your relevant experience and why you are suited to this post.
The job holder may be required to work out of hours and weekends.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for a busy flow cytometry and cellular immunology (TB - IGRA service), leading a team of 4/5 scientists and maintaining training, quality and asset management and updating documentation within this section to ensure the laboratory continues to meet accrediation standards. As the department is in the process of tendering for an updated flow cytometry solution, the post holder should have significant prior experience in the use of fully automated and semi-automated flow cytometry processing and analysis platforms and software. As the postholder will be responsible for the verification of our new flow cytometry solutions so previous experience in validation of new test platforms and completion of associated quality management documentation to ISO15189 standard will be required. Knowledge of cell panels and analysis used in immunophenotyping for primary and secondary immunodeficiency is also required. Experience of cell activation and function assays is also desirable. Previous experience in cellular immunology techniques (aseptic cell separation, whole blood culture, lymphocyte counting, lymphocyte culture and ELISPOT) and ELISA performance on DS2 and/or Liaison platforms is desirable but training can be provided.
About us
Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including cycle to work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
NWLP Induction
The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.
For 2024, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre-employment checks.
- Monday 4 March 2024
- Monday 8 April 2024
- Monday 13 May 2024
- Monday 3 June 2024
- Monday 1 July 2024
- Monday 5 August 2024
- Monday 2 Sept 2024
- Monday 7 October 2024
- Monday 4 November 2024
- Monday 2 December 2024
Candidates are advised to consider these start dates before agreeing end of service date with their current employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both overviews, please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both overviews, please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Person Specification
EDUCATION
Essential
- HCPC Registration.
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent in relevant discipline or
- Demonstrable extensive relevant experience post HCPC registration in Immunology, particularly in flow cytometry and cellular immunology, including TB IGRA services.
Desirable
SKILLS/ABILITIES
Essential
- Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic flow cytometry and cellular immunology laboratory work. Timely accurate working. Methodical.
- Well organised. Precise
- Numerate. Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software, statistical software packages, flow cytometry analysis software.
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Quick to learn and comprehend
- Ability to train other healthcare staff.
- Able to work as team member.
- Self-motivation. Accepts responsibility.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to show flexibility by performing multiple tasks, and prepared to work out of hours if necessary.
- Prepared to work with biological materials at category 2 containment level, and assume responsibility for maintenance of assets.
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of all aspects of flow cytometry and IGRA tests.
- Experience of test verification and/or validation in flow cytometry to ISO 15189 standard.
- Knowledge of relevant EQA schemes.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Use of Pathology computer systems.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a large busy pathology laboratory, with significant time in a flow cytometry facility and TB IGRA service delivery.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential
- Good communication and presentation skills.
Person Specification
EDUCATION
Essential
- HCPC Registration.
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent in relevant discipline or
- Demonstrable extensive relevant experience post HCPC registration in Immunology, particularly in flow cytometry and cellular immunology, including TB IGRA services.
Desirable
SKILLS/ABILITIES
Essential
- Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic flow cytometry and cellular immunology laboratory work. Timely accurate working. Methodical.
- Well organised. Precise
- Numerate. Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software, statistical software packages, flow cytometry analysis software.
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Quick to learn and comprehend
- Ability to train other healthcare staff.
- Able to work as team member.
- Self-motivation. Accepts responsibility.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to show flexibility by performing multiple tasks, and prepared to work out of hours if necessary.
- Prepared to work with biological materials at category 2 containment level, and assume responsibility for maintenance of assets.
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of all aspects of flow cytometry and IGRA tests.
- Experience of test verification and/or validation in flow cytometry to ISO 15189 standard.
- Knowledge of relevant EQA schemes.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Use of Pathology computer systems.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a large busy pathology laboratory, with significant time in a flow cytometry facility and TB IGRA service delivery.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Essential
- Good communication and presentation skills.
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).
