accredited & registered Clinical Perfusion Scientist

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Kemp Town Estate; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in the UK is seeking a Clinical Perfusion Scientist to join their team at the Sussex Cardiac Centre. The successful candidate will provide vital clinical perfusion services for adult cardiac surgery, including managing extracorporeal circuits and support devices. The role involves working in a multidisciplinary environment and offers the potential for flexible working arrangements. Applicants must hold current accreditation with SCPS/CCPS and have experience in complex myocardial preservation techniques. The department operates a 4-day week, enhancing work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Supportive team environment

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Must hold current valid accreditation & registration with SCPS/CCPS.
• Experience with complex myocardial preservation techniques is vital.
• Ability to manage cardiopulmonary bypass and support devices.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical perfusion services for adult cardiac surgery.
• Manage circulation support devices and blood conservation equipment.
• Work as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Clinical perfusion services

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Complex decision making

Education

Current valid accreditation & registration with SCPS/CCPS

Tools

Extracorporeal devices

ECMO

CardioHelp ECLS device

Job description

An exciting opportunity for a suitably experienced, accredited & registered Clinical Perfusion Scientist to join the team at the Sussex Cardiac Centre.

We provide all perfusion services for adult cardiac surgery in a friendly, team‑driven environment.

Candidates must hold current valid accreditation & registration with SCPS/CCPS. Applications which do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

Consideration will be given to flexible working. The department currently operates a 4‑day week (07:30 – 17:30), which is under review.

We would like to appoint at senior grade, but consideration will be given to applicants at basic grade looking to gain experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical perfusion services for adult cardiac surgery, managing the extracorporeal circuit that temporarily replaces the patient's heart and lungs during cardiac surgery.
• Manage circulation support devices such as the intra‑aortic balloon pump & CardioHelp ECLS device, and blood conservation equipment such as the cell saver.
• Work as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team during routine and emergency cardiac surgical procedures, and participate fully in the provision of a 24‑hour on‑call service.
• Review patient notes for relevant medical history, pathology and diagnosis, making appropriate clinical decisions regarding the conduct of extracorporeal support.
• Assemble, prime, de‑air and manage extracorporeal devices and circuitry for cardiac surgical procedures, maintaining "life support" according to departmental perfusion procedures and protocols.
• Assess, interpret and manage a wide range of highly complex and routinely conflicting clinical information, taking appropriate autonomous action.
• Provide adequate gas exchange and maintain homeostasis while on cardiopulmonary bypass, monitoring arterial and venous blood gases, electrolytes, acid–base balance, haemoglobin and derivatives, and blood glucose and lactate levels.
• Work as an independent practitioner, managing techniques during a single procedure such as cardiopulmonary bypass, antegrade and retrograde blood cardioplegia, autologous cell salvage, haemoconcentration, high‑volume haemofiltration, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, retrograde cerebral perfusion, and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion.
• Perform complex myocardial preservation techniques, preparing and administering blood cardioplegia into the aortic root, coronary sinus or coronary arteries, and monitoring flow, pressure, dilution, temperature and potassium concentration.
• Be conversant with specialised perfusion techniques such as left heart bypass, vacuum‑assisted venous drainage and femoro‑femoral cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Assist with the setting up, initiation and management of long‑term extracorporeal circulation techniques such as ECMO and/or ventricular assist devices.
• Seek advice from senior colleagues to gain experience and knowledge, applying this to facilitate decision making for complex cases.
• Integrate information from auditory, visual and perceptive senses on a constant basis to manage the cardiopulmonary bypass procedure.
• Administer drugs and fluids according to departmental protocol, including priming solutions, anticoagulants, inhalational anaesthetic agents, replacement crystalloid and colloid solutions, vasoactive drugs, anti‑arrhythmic drugs, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, diuretics, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulphate, potassium chloride and cardioplegic solutions as detailed in the Local Agreement and Clinical Perfusion Medicines Management Protocols.
• Transfuse allogeneic (donor) red blood cells during CPB guided by departmental policy.
• Act and think clearly and calmly under acute time pressures and in emergency situations, resolving potential life‑threatening situations.
• Apply specialist clinical skills and knowledge to support, advise and supervise trainee Clinical Perfusionists during routine procedures and techniques.
• Provide CPB and cardiac support services in other clinical areas external to the operating theatre complex such as Cardiac High Dependency Unit, Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and Coronary Care Unit.
• Prepare equipment and disposable items for autologous cell salvage intra‑ and post‑operatively, advising on effective use for high‑risk patients and contraindications.
• Prepare and operate equipment for insertion of intra‑aortic balloon catheters pre‑ or intra‑operatively, managing the balloon pump and troubleshooting where necessary. Provide support for catheters inserted in the cardiac catheter laboratory and the CCU post‑procedure.
• Prepare and operate equipment for carbon dioxide flooding of the operative field during valve repair/replacement surgery or any other "open" procedure.
• Maintain sensitivity and dignity of patients in emergency situations and in the event of a patient death during a procedure.
• Perform daily maintenance, quality control and troubleshooting of the departmental blood‑gas analyser to ensure accuracy of all measured and derived parameters.
• Be part of a highly skilled, reliable 24‑hour on‑call cover for cardiac surgery and other associated areas.

Please see attached job description for full details.

Important information for applicants

• A Note on AI Use in Applications: We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings. AI tools are strongly discouraged; applications relying heavily on AI may be rejected.
• Closing Ads Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified and when a cap of applications has been reached.
• Flexible Working: If you would like to explore flexible working options, please speak with the recruiting/line manager.
• DBS Checks: We undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all eligible employees.
• Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome if you meet the UKVI requirements. Visa sponsorship is provided only for roles that meet the criteria. For example, the Senior HCA role requires a minimum of 2 years' experience.
• UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack