Job summary
This advert is for a Clinical Scientist post (Biochemistry and/or Genetics) (Band 7 AfC equivalent) in Biochemical Sciences at St Thomas' Hospital. This permanent full time post is a great opportunity for a scientist with an interest in working in the emerging field of personalised medicine/pharmacogenetics and who would like to learn and broaden their experience across different disciplines, these being Biochemistry and Genetics.
The Biochemical Sciences department is comprised of four specialist laboratories: Reference Chemistry, the Purine Research Laboratory, Inherited Metabolic Disease and Newborn Screening for the South East Thames region. The successful candidate will be primarily based in the Purine Research Laboratory and will be responsible for the delivery of the pharmacogenetics and personalised medicine service which involves the use of chromatographic-based techniques, ELISA, chemiluminescence, RT-PCR and PCR-Sanger sequencing.
Candidates will have experience of working in Laboratory Medicine including an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry/Genetics, experience of analytical and clinical validation of results and manual sample preparation techniques.
Candidates who are not yet CS/HCS-HCPC-registered but will soon obtain registration are welcome to apply. If you are a BMS applying to this post, you should be in the last stages of converting to a CS registration.
Attainment of FRCPath part 1 is encouraged and supported by Synnovis.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be:
- Working as a member of the team and will be contributing to the delivery of a high volume service (N~50,000 tests /year) involving therapeutic drug monitoring (chromatographic-based techniques (HPLC/UPLC-UV/Fluor/QDa, LC-MS/MS), ELISA DS2, i-Track chemiluminescence), pharmacogenetics (analysis of gene variants by RT-PCR allele discrimination using TaqMan probes or LAMP based techniques), and genetic analysis for the diagnosis of purine and pyrimidine disorders by PCR-Sanger sequencing.
- Carrying out manual routine assays in the lab if and as required, in accordance with documented standard operating procedures.
- Use of the Quality Management System including identifying, recording and troubleshooting errors, writing and reviewing documentation, and participation in the departmental audit schedule.
- Routine involvement in review or IQC and EQA results.
- Helping identify and troubleshoot analytical and clinical issues as they arise.
- Training and teaching of work experience students, clinical colleagues, visitors to the department and STP trainees completing their metabolic rotation.
- Participation in the weekend NBS rota.
- To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of UKAS (ISO 15189).
About us
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
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.
Core duties and objectives
Clinical service
- To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous and or radioactive chemicals.
- To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.
- To ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.
- To perform complex manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.
- To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
- To undertake validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.
- To take corrective action when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods.
- To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure.
- To troubleshoot faults in complex laboratory instruments including dismantling and reassembly of fine parts where necessary.
- To perform highly complex specialist assays.
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the Lead Scientist.
- Provision of clinical and scientific advice to clinicians on the appropriateness and choice of biochemical investigations and their interpretation.
- To be aware of current developments relevant to the section.
- To check and validate work produced by staff within the laboratory.
- To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures. E.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments, initiating action as appropriate or referring results for an expert opinion or clinical interpretation if necessary. Informing the requestor of clinically significant results.
- Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out with their area of responsibility.
- To interpret the results of highly complex analytical procedures, advising on the clinical significance of these results, suggesting further investigations from a range of possibilities and initiating further action as appropriate.
- To meet regularly with other members of the team to discuss the investigation and follow up of complex clinical cases.
- The post holder may be required to participate in departmental clinical and analytical rotas, including out of hours cover and weekend rotas.
Management and Administration
- To keep records up to date and to ensure that all records and documentation are maintained properly.
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To use the Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols.
- To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
- To develop systems and processes for recording and storing laboratory information. Including the design, maintenance and adjustment, where necessary, of databases and spreadsheets.
- To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of UKAS (ISO 15189) and the UKNSPC National Newborn Screening Programme Standards
- To prepare and review laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines.
- To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, including communicating with colleagues and managers and adjusting staff deployment etc. within section in the event of assay failure.
- To supervise the work and monitor performance of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Trainee Clinical and Biomedical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
Teaching and Training
- To participate in teaching and training personnel from the department, hospital and to the wider community.
- To participate in providing scientific and clinical information for departmental, local and national meetings.
- To train and develop the competence of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Trainee Clinical and Biomedical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
Research and Audit
- Under the guidance of other Clinical Scientists, to independently carry out research projects in line with the needs of the service.
- To participate in clinical audit.
- To assist other Clinical Scientists in preparing and monitoring management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, plan and take corrective action if required.
- To prepare statistical reports for use in section meetings, for internal and external education.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- To comply with the policies and procedures of Synnovis.
- To observe and adhere to local and national risk management and health and safety policies.
- To ensure that the workplace and workbenches are kept clean and tidy.
- To maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork.
- To treat everyone associated with Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust and Synnovis with dignity, courtesy and respect.
- To observe national and local guidance on patient and commercial confidentiality.
- Keep appropriate records of all communications.
- To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g. UKAS (ISO 15189).
- To maintain and promote the professional image of Biochemical Sciences, Synnovis and Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust.
GSTT
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, The London Eye and The Shard!
Job description
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.
Core duties and objectives
Clinical service
- To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous and or radioactive chemicals.
- To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.
- To ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.
- To perform complex manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.
- To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
- To undertake validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.
- To take corrective action when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods.
- To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure.
- To troubleshoot faults in complex laboratory instruments including dismantling and reassembly of fine parts where necessary.
- To perform highly complex specialist assays.
- To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the Lead Scientist.
- Provision of clinical and scientific advice to clinicians on the appropriateness and choice of biochemical investigations and their interpretation.
- To be aware of current developments relevant to the section.
- To check and validate work produced by staff within the laboratory.
- To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures. E.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments, initiating action as appropriate or referring results for an expert opinion or clinical interpretation if necessary. Informing the requestor of clinically significant results.
- Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out with their area of responsibility.
- To interpret the results of highly complex analytical procedures, advising on the clinical significance of these results, suggesting further investigations from a range of possibilities and initiating further action as appropriate.
- To meet regularly with other members of the team to discuss the investigation and follow up of complex clinical cases.
- The post holder may be required to participate in departmental clinical and analytical rotas, including out of hours cover and weekend rotas.
Management and Administration
- To keep records up to date and to ensure that all records and documentation are maintained properly.
- To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
- To use the Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols.
- To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
- To develop systems and processes for recording and storing laboratory information. Including the design, maintenance and adjustment, where necessary, of databases and spreadsheets.
- To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of UKAS (ISO 15189) and the UKNSPC National Newborn Screening Programme Standards
- To prepare and review laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines.
- To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, including communicating with colleagues and managers and adjusting staff deployment etc. within section in the event of assay failure.
- To supervise the work and monitor performance of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Trainee Clinical and Biomedical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
Teaching and Training
- To participate in teaching and training personnel from the department, hospital and to the wider community.
- To participate in providing scientific and clinical information for departmental, local and national meetings.
- To train and develop the competence of Medical Laboratory Assistants, Trainee Clinical and Biomedical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
Research and Audit
- Under the guidance of other Clinical Scientists, to independently carry out research projects in line with the needs of the service.
- To participate in clinical audit.
- To assist other Clinical Scientists in preparing and monitoring management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, plan and take corrective action if required.
- To prepare statistical reports for use in section meetings, for internal and external education.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- To comply with the policies and procedures of Synnovis.
- To observe and adhere to local and national risk management and health and safety policies.
- To ensure that the workplace and workbenches are kept clean and tidy.
- To maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork.
- To treat everyone associated with Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust and Synnovis with dignity, courtesy and respect.
- To observe national and local guidance on patient and commercial confidentiality.
- Keep appropriate records of all communications.
- To ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g. UKAS (ISO 15189).
- To maintain and promote the professional image of Biochemical Sciences, Synnovis and Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust.
GSTT
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, The London Eye and The Shard!
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First or second class BSc degree in Clinical Biochemistry (or a related subject).
- MSc in Clinical Biochemistry or Genetics (or a related subject).
- Registration as a Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Specialist portfolio or equivalent (for Biomedical scientist only).
Desirable
- PhD in related subject.
- FRCPath part one.
Experience
Essential
- Working in a Clinical Biochemistry or Genetics department, including interpretation and validation of patient's results
- Manual sample preparation techniques.
- Method development.
- Performing audits, CQI, Lean projects.
- Writing SOPs and any other lab documentation.
- Problem solving/troubleshooting.
Desirable
- Experience in HPLC/UPLC-UV/Fluor/QDa, LC or other chromatographic techniques.
- Experience in PCR-Sanger sequencing and/or RT-PCR (TaqMan assay/LAMP) analysis and result interpretation.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Comprehensive understanding of Clinical Biochemistry.
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals.
- Ability to communicate scientific and organizational information or instructions in writing.
Desirable
- Analytical and clinical understanding of pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine
- Comprehensive understanding of complex chromatography-based techniques.
- Comprehensive understanding of genetics and techniques used.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First or second class BSc degree in Clinical Biochemistry (or a related subject).
- MSc in Clinical Biochemistry or Genetics (or a related subject).
- Registration as a Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Specialist portfolio or equivalent (for Biomedical scientist only).
Desirable
- PhD in related subject.
- FRCPath part one.
Experience
Essential
- Working in a Clinical Biochemistry or Genetics department, including interpretation and validation of patient's results
- Manual sample preparation techniques.
- Method development.
- Performing audits, CQI, Lean projects.
- Writing SOPs and any other lab documentation.
- Problem solving/troubleshooting.
Desirable
- Experience in HPLC/UPLC-UV/Fluor/QDa, LC or other chromatographic techniques.
- Experience in PCR-Sanger sequencing and/or RT-PCR (TaqMan assay/LAMP) analysis and result interpretation.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Comprehensive understanding of Clinical Biochemistry.
- Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals.
- Ability to communicate scientific and organizational information or instructions in writing.
Desirable
- Analytical and clinical understanding of pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine
- Comprehensive understanding of complex chromatography-based techniques.
- Comprehensive understanding of genetics and techniques used.
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).
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).
