Band 8b - Principal Clinical Scientist, Chemical Pathology

NHS; Watford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking healthcare organization as a Principal Clinical Scientist in Chemical Pathology. This role offers the chance to lead innovative projects in a dynamic environment, contributing to high-quality patient care. With exciting developments underway, including a new hospital, you will play a vital role in advancing laboratory services and ensuring compliance with the latest standards. Your expertise will support the training of future healthcare professionals while collaborating with a dedicated team committed to excellence in clinical outcomes. Embrace this opportunity to make a significant impact in the field!

Benefits

Flexible working options

Staff development programs

Support for disabilities

Participation in a shared pathology network

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a busy Chemical Pathology Department.
• HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist with FRCPath Part 1 completed.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Proteins section and manage the Quality Management System.
• Undertake method development and clinical liaison.

Skills

Clinical Biochemistry

Quality Assurance

Analytical Methods

Problem Solving

Metabolic Medicine

Education

First Degree or equivalent

Master's Degree in Clinical Biochemistry

Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Roche Cobas

Siemens Atellica

Sebia for protein electrophoresis

Job description

Go back West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Band 8b - Principal Clinical Scientist, Chemical Pathology

The closing date is 27 May 2025

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment? You can make an impact with us as our next Band 8b Clinical Scientist in Chemical Pathology.

We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced applicants, with significant experience of working in a busy Chemical Pathology Department.

The successful candidate will be expected to be an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry and have successfully completed the Part 1 FRCPath examination.

Those with part 1 FRCPath who are actively working towards obtaining part 2 FRCPath are encouraged to apply. This post will provide full support in preparing for part 2 FRCPath.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is expected to lead the Proteins section of the laboratory and play a major role in the department's Quality Management System.

They will undertake method development, protocol development, and clinical liaison, including 'duty' biochemistry.

They will work closely with IT as a data analyst and contribute to medical teaching and training for trainee clinical scientists and biomedical scientists.

The appointee will assist the Head of Department and other members of the Consultant team in providing a comprehensive, cost-effective, and high-quality Chemical Pathology service in our laboratories, compliant with ISO15189:2012 standard.

The department is actively working towards the ISO15189:2022 standard. The appointee will represent the Chemical Pathology Department at relevant Trust and Pathology meetings, contribute to service improvement, and facilitate delivery of current service provisions across the department.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford and updates underway at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and leveraging advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are priorities, as is innovation to improve clinical care, outcomes, and patient experience. Our vision is "Excellent patient care, together," and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional, and inclusive. We offer flexible working options to support work-life balance. For support related to disabilities or long-term health conditions, contact [e-mail]. Service Leavers, Veterans, Military Reserves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or partners/spouses of service members should indicate "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to high application volume. Apply promptly to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear within 3 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Job responsibilities

The department provides a 24/7 acute/urgent analytical service at Watford General Hospital and a Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 20:00 non-urgent service at Hemel Hempstead.

The successful candidate will work across sites as required and participate in the out-of-hours on-call roster after appropriate training.

The laboratory uses Roche Cobas for automated chemistry, Siemens Atellica for immunochemistry, and Sebia for protein electrophoresis.

The Trust is committed to staff development and is creating a shared pathology network with colleagues across the local ICS, including East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, and Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB. Health Services Laboratories (HSL) is the new provider for this shared pathology service.

This role involves working closely with Consultants, Team Leaders, Quality Leads, and managers within Blood Sciences and Chemical Pathology.

Person Specification

Education and qualifications:

• First Degree or equivalent
• Master's Degree or equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry
• Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)
• CPD participation
• HCPC registration
• PhD (preferred)

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of human biochemistry, metabolism, physiology, pharmacology, and drug interference
• Basic knowledge of other Pathology areas
• Extensive knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance, and problem solving
• Risk assessments and COSHH regulations
• Metabolic medicine in various populations, including inherited disorders and endocrinology
• Knowledge of NHS and professional guidelines, resource management, and specialised analytical techniques

Experience:

• Registered Clinical Scientist with substantial practice at advanced levels
• Recognition as a national or international expert or adviser
• Expertise in specialised analytical or clinical areas
• Research, development, and audit achievements, including publications and conference presentations

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to DBS checks due to the nature of the role.

Address

Watford and Hemel Hempstead General Hospital