Job summary
The Red Cell Centre is a National Reference Centre for Clinical and Laboratory Services for patients with Red Cell Disorders. The Red Cell Protein laboratory serves the local population and is also a referral centre that investigates abnormal haemoglobins and thalassaemias and red cell enzymopathies. Analytical procedures performed will include antenatal screening and confirmatory neonatal screening as part of the Regional Newborn Screening Programme. The section offers a comprehensive range of rare assays for the measurement of red cell enzymes and other investigations of red cell haemolysis. The section works closely with the Molecular Haemoglobinopathy Laboratory at Kings.
We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Biomedical Scientist to join a team that specialises in the diagnosis of inherited red cell disorders. This role provides an opportunity to learn about a unique area of Haematology and to be involved in services provided to the National Screening Programme. It offers a mixture of manual laboratory work, quality assurance and result interpretation and reporting.
Band 6 level is desired, however applicants at band 5 equivalent will be considered based on experience and with the expectation of progression to band 6 equivalent on achievement of specialist training and qualifications such as a Specialist Diploma.
Potential applicants are welcome to visit on an informal basis. Please contact Claire on 020 3299 2455 claire.laas@nhs.net to arrange
Main duties of the job
We are a UKAS-accredited laboratory which offers both a screening and diagnostic service for haemoglobinopathies using HPLC and other manual confirmatory tests such as acid gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing, and diagnosis of rare enzyme assays and red cell membrane analysis using manual methods such as G6PD and EMA dye binding. A small team of scientists, the department is made up of seven people - two senior scientists, another biomedical scientist and three senior assistant technical officers. Many of the assays are manual, offering the chance to develop troubleshooting skills and laboratory experience. We process nearly 2000 samples per month, and have to liaise with other departments such as Molecular Pathology and Haematology.
This role requires an individual who can work within a small team and communicate with a variety of people from different backgrounds. A strong background in Haematology is needed in order to develop your understanding of this specialist section.
You must have good leadership, team working and organizational skills with an ability to take responsibility and meet deadlines. You would be involved in reporting complex results and delivery of a high-quality screening and diagnostic service. Adherence to Quality Procedures is a must, as well as Health and Safety. The role also requires you to support training of others and guiding junior scientists, and to take on training and become competent in all areas of the section.
About us
As a National Reference Centre for red cell disorders, this role is an opportunity to learn about a unique area of Haematology which is so important in multicultural areas such as London, particularly if you have an interest in this area, and to be involved in services provided to the National Screening Programme. With new LIMS and locations under development in the organisation, a variety of interesting opportunities will be available to you.
Your development and learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description. In summary the role requires you to:
- Promote and abide by the organisational values and policies
- Communicate information with work colleagues and service users
- Perform laboratory tests and undertake technical validation of results from laboratory investigations, including
-
- Authorisation of laboratory investigations
- Ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures
- Adding relevant technical and approved pre-defined clinically relevant comments
- Referring results for a second opinion
- Informing the requestor/medical staff of clinically significant results
- Maintain, calibrate, control and utilise laboratory equipment
- Perform basic troubleshooting and report issues to Senior Biomedical Scientists
- Participate in CPD and complete training required by the department and organisation in a timely manner and to a high standard
- Obtain and maintain competencies in the Red Cell section to support a robust service
- Provide a quality service by supporting the laboratory maintain UKAS accreditation, participate in audits, performing and reporting on internal and external quality assurance procedures and following up queries to ensure
- Support training of staff and visitors
- Maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork recognising others skills and priorities.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description. In summary the role requires you to:
- Promote and abide by the organisational values and policies
- Communicate information with work colleagues and service users
- Perform laboratory tests and undertake technical validation of results from laboratory investigations, including
-
- Authorisation of laboratory investigations
- Ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures
- Adding relevant technical and approved pre-defined clinically relevant comments
- Referring results for a second opinion
- Informing the requestor/medical staff of clinically significant results
- Maintain, calibrate, control and utilise laboratory equipment
- Perform basic troubleshooting and report issues to Senior Biomedical Scientists
- Participate in CPD and complete training required by the department and organisation in a timely manner and to a high standard
- Obtain and maintain competencies in the Red Cell section to support a robust service
- Provide a quality service by supporting the laboratory maintain UKAS accreditation, participate in audits, performing and reporting on internal and external quality assurance procedures and following up queries to ensure
- Support training of staff and visitors
- Maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork recognising others skills and priorities.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Hons Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- State Registration as Biomedical Scientist (Haematology and Transfusion Science) with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Desirable
- Membership of Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- Specialist Diploma from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Demonstrable broad Haematology practical experience in a clinical diagnostic haematology department
- Experience of Laboratory Information Systems
Desirable
- Prior use of Q-Pulse or equivalent
- Practical experience in the area of diagnosis of Red Cell disorders
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Competent in the interpretation and technical validation of results
- Competent in the investigation of abnormal results and technical problem solving, e.g. equipment failure, quality control failure
- Experience of Quality Assurance
Desirable
- Competent in the examination of HPLC or similar chromatograms for normal and abnormal Haemoglobins
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Hons Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- State Registration as Biomedical Scientist (Haematology and Transfusion Science) with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Desirable
- Membership of Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- Specialist Diploma from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Demonstrable broad Haematology practical experience in a clinical diagnostic haematology department
- Experience of Laboratory Information Systems
Desirable
- Prior use of Q-Pulse or equivalent
- Practical experience in the area of diagnosis of Red Cell disorders
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Competent in the interpretation and technical validation of results
- Competent in the investigation of abnormal results and technical problem solving, e.g. equipment failure, quality control failure
- Experience of Quality Assurance
Desirable
- Competent in the examination of HPLC or similar chromatograms for normal and abnormal Haemoglobins
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).
