Biomedical Scientist

Job responsibilities

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

Currently our offices are based in Paris Garden, Blackfriars SE1, or Francis House, Southwark SE1 however at present these are temporary locations. We expect to move to new offices in the Hub building located in Blackfriars in 2024.

This is an excellent opportunity for applicants with Health and Care Professions Council registration. Experience and competency in routine histopathology laboratory techniques (including embedding, microtomy, tissue dissection, immunohistochemistry (IHC), molecular techniques, frozen section and special stains, quality and training experience) are essential criteria.

The post holder is required to participate in the routine histology workload within the various sections of the laboratory including specimen reception, specimen dissection, tissue processing and embedding, paraffin section cutting, special staining, IHC and frozen section procedures. After sufficient training and competency assessment are provided, the post holder is expected to participate in undertaking the role of a BMS whereby you will be required to work closely with the Operations Manager, biomedical scientists, support staff and the clinical team within the department of Histopathology.

The post holder is expected to maintain professional competency and dexterity in those precision-based specialist and physical tasks, and maintain the levels of concentration required to maintain quality service.

The post holder is required to be involved in the staff training and competency assessment by working closely with the departmental training officer and training manager. The post holder is required to be involved in the departments efforts in maintaining high quality diagnostic tests by working closely with the departmental Quality Lead and Quality Manager (The full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the Job Description section).

The post holder must be trained to maintain stock levels in the department and trained in procurement duties.

Core duties / Objectives:

1. To work independently; planning, organising and prioritising own workload within the overall departmental workload. Liaise with other members of staff to ensure the work is completed in an efficient and timely manner and report to the Operations Manager if their individual workload becomes too great.
2. To comply with departmental Health and Safety instructions
3. Required to analyse and make judgements on complex scientific issues where there may be a range of options from which to choose a practical solution.
4. To receive specimens into the department safely, noting minimum acceptance criteria; record and follow up discrepancies.
5. Supervise and assist at the dissection of tissue samples, providing informative support to junior clinical staff.
6. On a rotational basis, to work with fresh and formalin-fixed tissue samples, including accurate numbering of samples and the embedding of tissue into paraffin wax. Pay regard to the potential microbiological hazards posed by fresh tissue and the chemical hazard posed by formalin.
7. Supervise the safe storage of specimens after histological dissection.
8. Perform microtomy paying due regard to the inherent physical and chemical hazards posed by this technique.
9. Undertake urgent cryotomy specimens (frozen tissue) paying particular regard to the potential microbiological hazards posed by fresh tissue.
10. On a rotational basis perform appropriate tinctorial and specialised staining techniques, using highly skilled manual techniques and appropriate equipment;

and paying due regard to any inherent chemical hazards.

1. On a rotational basis, participate in the provision of the immunocytochemistry service.
2. Ensure the correct selection and testing; documentation and storage of control materials, liaising with consultants when necessary.
3. Supervise the preparation and/or prepare reagents required for fixation and staining applying appropriate chemical hazard control measures.
4. Have a working knowledge of the departmental filing system in order to file or retrieve blocks and slides.
5. Assist in the supervision and training of support staff.
6. Comply with and ensure the maintenance of internal and external quality control procedures.
7. To assist in the monitoring and improvement of the technical standard of the laboratory.
8. To highlight the need for corrective action to senior staff when quality control procedures indicate loss of performance.
9. Be responsible for the safe use of highly specialised and complex laboratory equipment.
10. Supervise the disposal of tissue samples according to local procedures, always taking due precautions with respect to the hazards associated with formalin solutions.
11. Ensure the supply of clean, large specimen pots for theatre.
12. Prepare and organise specimens for x-ray analysis for end-point of decalcification or x-ray, always taking due precaution with respect to the hazards associated with formalin and acid solutions.
13. Ensure that daily/weekly/monthly maintenance of tissue processing and staining machines is carried out.
14. Ensure the safe storage and disposal of waste reagents into appropriate empty containers.
15. Refer to their immediate supervisor any matter that is beyond their level of competence.

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.

Guys and St Thomas Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Womens Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Childrens Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guys site.

You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben.

Qualifications

Essential

• BSC (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent, first Degree acceptable to Health Professions Council
• HCPC Registration (Histopathology Specialisation)
• Participation in Continuing Professional Development

Desirable

• MSC or equivalent, or work in progress
• IBMS specialist portfolio
• IBMS membership

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience in a diagnostic medical Histology laboratory
• Be able to demonstrate a broad level of specialist laboratory and clinical knowledge
• Be able to demonstrate a broad level of specialist practical experience
• Working as a member of a team
• Experience in IQC and EQA procedures

Desirable

• Experience in Equipment maintenance and management
• Experience in Quality
• Experience in Procurement duties

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Good interpersonal and team working skills
• Excellent organisation and planning skills
• Basic use of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Quality Control and Assurance
• Knowledge of Health and Safety Procedures
• Experience and competent in routine histopathology laboratory techniques
• Familiar with Quality and Health and Safety - document control procedures
• Excellent microtomy skills
• Excellent biopsy transfer, processing skills
• Excellent special stains and IHC skills - theory and practical
• Ability to undertake technical validation, interpretation and clinical authorisation of results
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good theoretical knowledge of subject area
• Command of English language
• Writing and numeracy

Desirable

• Understanding of document control principles
• Understanding of the ISO15189:2012 requirements
• Use of QPulse

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).