Job summary
The Blood Sciences department is an innovative and progressive department that delivers analytical services to two prominent London teaching hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas Hospital, as well as supporting the Synnovis Hub. It offers an extensive repertoire of tests in Chemistry and supports clinical services such as first trimester screening and interoperative PTH testing in theatres.
This position is for a Band 6 BMS to work core hours full-time. You will be expected to rotate through all areas of Ultra Specialist Service (USS) Diagnostic Haemostasis and Thrombosis laboratory, working across both the Guy's and St Thomas' sites with extensive exposure to the interesting caseloads put through the laboratory. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate confidence in managing complex haemostasis investigations with minimal supervision and to act as a specialist point of reference within the service.
This department is actively engaged in training activities, ranging from IBMS registration and specialist portfolios to presentations and lectures. The in-house training is well-structured, featuring monthly CPD sessions, clear training plans supported by UKAS, Synnovis training opportunities, and the option to attend external conferences.
Main duties of the job
As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will be responsible for the delegated tasks required for the delivery of a fit-for-purpose medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care, and resource management within the Haemostasis Laboratory.
They will be required to undertake their responsibilities within all areas of Diagnostic Haemostasis. You will be HCPC registered having completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Haematology/Haemostasis or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience.
You will act as a role model for best laboratory practice and professional behaviour and contribute to the day-to-day operation of the USS Diagnostic Haemostasis and Thrombosis laboratory, including workload prioritisation and support of junior staff. You will provide expert scientific advice and support to colleagues and clinical staff, taking professional responsibility for the technical and scientific quality of work within designated areas of the Ultra Specialist Haemostasis.
The laboratories are UKAS accredited to ISO 15189 standards and are accredited with IBMS as training laboratories for both Registration and Specialist Portfolios. This should give you the confidence that your development is in safe hands.
About us
Your development and learningYou will have access to a comprehensive suite of learning opportunities through The Synnovis Way Development Programme, a cornerstone across Synnovis designed to help you unlock your potential, acquire new skills, and achieve your professional goals. Your development will be actively supported and tailored in collaboration with your line manager, ensuring alignment with your personal ambitions and career aspirations.
Synnovis is committed to training and development through the organisation's Scientific Learning and Development fund, allowing permanent members of staff the opportunity to apply for funding for a variety of qualifications and CPD activities.
You can also apply for funding through our Innovation Accelerator Fund to champion innovative ideas and drive service improvements that directly benefit patient care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The laboratory is based on two sites St. Thomas and Guys both of which have a very diverse culture. There is a wide breadth of clinical specialties associated with a prestigious teaching hospital including a distinct childrens hospital on site, Evelina. For you, this makes for varied and interesting, and sometimes challenging work; no two days are ever the same! Due to the variety and complexity of some of our patients the work can be very challenging but rewarding as you will gain invaluable scientific experience.
The laboratories are equipped with Sysmex analysers which are integrated to the EPIC electronic patient record system used throughout the Trust.
As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will have a direct and meaningful impact through a range of key responsibilities, including:
Duties and Responsibilities1. Technical To safely handle, use and dispose of blood or other body fluids or hazardous chemicals. To plan and organise their work within the demands of the team. Advise service users on sample preservation and transportation to laboratory To undertake preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations. To prepare store and use reagents required for laboratory investigations To perform, interpret, and technically validate complex and specialist haemostasis investigations. To independently investigate and resolve significant analytical, pre-analytical, and post-analytical issues and escalating where appropriate.
To provide training and competency assessment for trainees and less experienced staff. To perform 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 technical validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols and quality procedures. Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes To undertake preliminary fault finding and corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance. To report to the section supervisor any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure. To file samples following appropriate protocols and keep records as required Dispose of excess and tested samples according to departmental protocols
2. Scientific To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the section supervisor. To participate in audits as directed by the quality lead. To contribute to method validation, verification, and implementation of new assays or technologies within Haemostasis. To apply evidence-based practice to laboratory processes. To participate in research and development as directed by the Operations Manager. To keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments, including through participation in scientific meetings if appropriate. Maintain HCPC registration and undertake Continual Professional Development
3. Clinical To interpret first line 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 approved pre-defined clinically relevant comments, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant result. To take responsibility for appropriate escalation of urgent, unexpected, or clinically significant results, including direct communication with clinical teams. 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 participate in stock control management of haemostasis reagents. To perform stock batch acceptance testing and maintain lot and delivery records. To escalate any issues the Senior BMS or Operations Manager when appropriate. To participate in clinical audits.
4. Laboratory Informatics 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.
5. Administrative To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good work practices required for ISO 15189 and BSQR. Supervise work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating appropriately with colleagues and managers. To support and participate in staff training and development. Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required communicate test results as per departmental protocol To participate with supervision of the work and performance monitoring of Medical Laboratory Assistants, trainees and students in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible. To use departmental resources efficiently and advice the Section Supervisor when stocks of reagents and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels. To participate in the review of policies and procedures, COSHH and workplace risk assessments. To participate in the data collection for the operation performance management system (OPMS) For short periods of time the post holder may be required to deputise for the section supervisor.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The laboratory is based on two sites St. Thomas and Guys both of which have a very diverse culture. There is a wide breadth of clinical specialties associated with a prestigious teaching hospital including a distinct childrens hospital on site, Evelina. For you, this makes for varied and interesting, and sometimes challenging work; no two days are ever the same! Due to the variety and complexity of some of our patients the work can be very challenging but rewarding as you will gain invaluable scientific experience.
The laboratories are equipped with Sysmex analysers which are integrated to the EPIC electronic patient record system used throughout the Trust.
As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will have a direct and meaningful impact through a range of key responsibilities, including:
Duties and Responsibilities1. Technical To safely handle, use and dispose of blood or other body fluids or hazardous chemicals. To plan and organise their work within the demands of the team. Advise service users on sample preservation and transportation to laboratory To undertake preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations. To prepare store and use reagents required for laboratory investigations To perform, interpret, and technically validate complex and specialist haemostasis investigations. To independently investigate and resolve significant analytical, pre-analytical, and post-analytical issues and escalating where appropriate.
To provide training and competency assessment for trainees and less experienced staff. To perform 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 technical validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols and quality procedures. Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes To undertake preliminary fault finding and corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance. To report to the section supervisor any instance or event which may cause a service delivery failure. To file samples following appropriate protocols and keep records as required Dispose of excess and tested samples according to departmental protocols
2. Scientific To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the section supervisor. To participate in audits as directed by the quality lead. To contribute to method validation, verification, and implementation of new assays or technologies within Haemostasis. To apply evidence-based practice to laboratory processes. To participate in research and development as directed by the Operations Manager. To keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments, including through participation in scientific meetings if appropriate. Maintain HCPC registration and undertake Continual Professional Development
3. Clinical To interpret first line 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 approved pre-defined clinically relevant comments, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant result. To take responsibility for appropriate escalation of urgent, unexpected, or clinically significant results, including direct communication with clinical teams. 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 participate in stock control management of haemostasis reagents. To perform stock batch acceptance testing and maintain lot and delivery records. To escalate any issues the Senior BMS or Operations Manager when appropriate. To participate in clinical audits.
4. Laboratory Informatics 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.
5. Administrative To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good work practices required for ISO 15189 and BSQR. Supervise work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating appropriately with colleagues and managers. To support and participate in staff training and development. Handle telephone enquiries from service users and where required communicate test results as per departmental protocol To participate with supervision of the work and performance monitoring of Medical Laboratory Assistants, trainees and students in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible. To use departmental resources efficiently and advice the Section Supervisor when stocks of reagents and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels. To participate in the review of policies and procedures, COSHH and workplace risk assessments. To participate in the data collection for the operation performance management system (OPMS) For short periods of time the post holder may be required to deputise for the section supervisor.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent first degree, accredited by the IBMS.
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
- IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- Willing to work towards higher levels of education
Experience
Essential
- Significant demonstrable broad-based discipline specific practical experience
- Analysing, interpreting and technical validation of routine, complex and specialist results
- Using Laboratory Information Systems
- Development of special interest and expertise in one or more areas of the laboratory, for example Quality, Health & Safety, Training or IT
Desirable
- Experience with audit
- Experience contributing to UKAS assessments, internal audits, or corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Experience of use of EPIC/Beaker LIMS.
- Experience of applying evidence-based practice and current guidelines to specialist laboratory work.
- Experience contributing to service development, assay implementation, or innovation projects.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of Health & Safety legislation and procedures.
- Good command of spoken & written English
- Demonstrates a high degree of skill and knowledge where interpretation of results can be highly subjective
- Competent at communicating verbally and in writing with colleagues and clinical staff
- Ability to effectively manage own time, able to prioritise work for self and others and able to plan activities within area of work.
- Demonstrable knowledge and application of quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team
- Commitment to ongoing CPD and maintaining specialist competence.
- Demonstrable knowledge and application of quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
Desirable
- Demonstrates advanced specialist knowledge in haemostasis with the ability to interpret complex and subjective results.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent first degree, accredited by the IBMS.
- Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
- IBMS Specialist portfolio or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- Willing to work towards higher levels of education
Experience
Essential
- Significant demonstrable broad-based discipline specific practical experience
- Analysing, interpreting and technical validation of routine, complex and specialist results
- Using Laboratory Information Systems
- Development of special interest and expertise in one or more areas of the laboratory, for example Quality, Health & Safety, Training or IT
Desirable
- Experience with audit
- Experience contributing to UKAS assessments, internal audits, or corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Experience of use of EPIC/Beaker LIMS.
- Experience of applying evidence-based practice and current guidelines to specialist laboratory work.
- Experience contributing to service development, assay implementation, or innovation projects.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of Health & Safety legislation and procedures.
- Good command of spoken & written English
- Demonstrates a high degree of skill and knowledge where interpretation of results can be highly subjective
- Competent at communicating verbally and in writing with colleagues and clinical staff
- Ability to effectively manage own time, able to prioritise work for self and others and able to plan activities within area of work.
- Demonstrable knowledge and application of quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team
- Commitment to ongoing CPD and maintaining specialist competence.
- Demonstrable knowledge and application of quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
Desirable
- Demonstrates advanced specialist knowledge in haemostasis with the ability to interpret complex and subjective results.
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).
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
