Biomedical Scientist - Biochemistry

NHS; Dartford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dartford is seeking a Healthcare Science Specialist Band 5 for their Biochemistry Department. Candidates must be registered as Biomedical Scientists with the HCPC and hold an accredited degree in Biomedical Science. Responsibilities include conducting tests, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with UKAS standards. The role supports a 24/7 shift system, offering a salary ranging from £32,602 to £39,686. This position prioritizes quality and patient care in a diverse environment.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in biomedical science from one of the UK education centres accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
• State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) specifically as a Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Biochemistry.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Responsibilities

• Perform tests and assays on samples according to established protocols.
• Prioritise samples for processing and validate clinical results.
• Maintain documentation to local and Trust standards.
• Ensure compliance with UKAS accreditation.
• Participate in audits and departmental quality improvements.

Skills

Basic knowledge of protein electrophoresis

Knowledge of theory and analytical techniques in Biochemistry

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work unsupervised in all sections of the Biochemistry Department

Education

Honours degree in biomedical science

State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Biochemistry

Job description

Applications are invited for the post of Healthcare Science Specialist Band 5

We are looking for well-motivated individuals with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our busy Biochemistry Department.

In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our newly designed and refurbished pathology laboratory houses a range of equipment including Beckman Coulter AU5800, DxI 9000 analysers and DxA 5000 track. We also provide measurement of HbA1c on our Tosoh analysers, electrophoresis samples using Sebia analysers and other esoteric tests.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Please note, this post may close earlier than the given closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

Applicants must be fully qualified and registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientists specialising in Biochemistry and must hold an accredited Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.

Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS).

The successful applicant will be expected to fully participate in a 24/7 shift system in accordance with Agenda for Change (AfC) terms and conditions at both sites as required.

Working days and or shift patterns will be agreed by the line manager to meet the needs of the service.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant P and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Job responsibilities

Technical Responsibilities:

Perform tests and assays on all samples as necessary, according to established protocols and required standards.

Prioritise samples for processing and results for issuing and to clinically validate and release results.

Follow all protocols regarding the escalation of abnormal results

Achieve departmental quality objectives by maintaining test turnaround times and ensuring samples are dealt with in a timely manner

Have a basic knowledge and understanding of protein electrophoresis

Ensure that documentation e.g. patient records and manual testing worksheets are maintained to both local and Trust standards (including electronic records).

Service and maintain all specialist equipment according to manufacturers instructions and good laboratory practice.

Carry out basic analyser trouble shooting

Deal with telephone and personal enquiries, referring to the relevant department as appropriate.

Accurately maintain records e.g. quality audit reports and performance reports.

Assist with the maintenance of UKAS 15189 accreditation (CPA accreditation).

Support stock management including assisting in receipt of stock, monitor reagents and consumables, ensure efficient use of consumables and notify shortages to senior staff.

Ensure that clinical waste is not allowed to accumulate in the department.

Notify the Healthcare Scientists about safety issues or concerns within the Department.

Undertake appropriate tasks, new techniques or other developmental activities as required by the Healthcare Scientists.

Participate in audits, where required.

Please see attached job description for further information.

Person Specification

Education and Training

• Honours degree in biomedical science from one of the UK education centres accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) specifically as a Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Biochemistry
• Evidence of CPD

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic knowledge and understanding of protein electrophoresis
• Knowledge of theory and analytical techniques in Biochemistry
• Knowledge of current trends in Biochemistry
• Ability to work unsupervised in all sections of the Biochemistry Department
• Methodical and able to organise own workload
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge and understanding of more complicated Biochemistry

Experience

• Basic understanding and experience in Biochemistry
• Recent experience within a UK based hospital

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.

£32,602 to £39,686 a yearper annum inclusive of allowance