Clinical Scientist

Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Foundation Trust in the UK seeks a motivated Senior Clinical Scientist to join their pathology team. This permanent role includes providing scientific leadership and participating in complex diagnostic processes. Candidates with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, along with HCPC registration, are encouraged to apply. A comprehensive training program is offered, supporting career advancement and fostering a collaborative research environment.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Groundbreaking development opportunities

Qualifications

• HCPC registration or those expecting to obtain registration within six months.
• STP trainees nearing completion are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience in analytical equipment or clinical processes is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and troubleshoot complex analytical methods.
• Interpret laboratory results for clinical implications.
• Participate in method evaluation and written SOP development.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Willingness to learn

Experience in LC-MS/MS, electrophoresis, or immunoassays

Education

HCPC registration or pending registration

Tools

LC-MS/MS

Electrophoresis

Immunoassay

Job description

Overview

The place to work in pathology

We are looking for top talent to join the UK's leading and fastest growing pathology company - a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose.

Working in partnership with our service partners, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, King's College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital we aim to set the standard for the future of pathology.

Job overview

We invite applications for a permanent Senior Clinical Scientist role from enthusiastic, motivated individuals with HCPC registration or those expecting to obtain registration within six months. STP trainees nearing completion are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants without HCPC registration will be recruited at Band 6, with automatic progression to Band 7 once registration is confirmed.

The Reference Biochemistry Laboratories at Synnovis Analytics provide specialist services using the latest technology across Metabolic, Immunochemistry, Porphyrins, Gastrointestinal, Steroids, and Diabetes laboratories, with close links to Toxicology and Trace Elements units.

The successful candidate will participate in all areas of Reference Biochemistry, including clinical authorisation, and provide scientific leadership in Metabolic and Immunochemistry laboratories. These deliver complex diagnostic procedures for routine and research use, including specialist endocrinology tests, proteins, and alcohol intake markers. Techniques include LC-MS/MS, electrophoresis, and immunoassays. Experience in LC-MS/MS, electrophoresis, immunoassay, or clinical validation is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key. The department offers training to support FRCPath preparation, and you will contribute to original or collaborative research locally and nationally.

Main duties of the job

Previous experience is not necessary, as full training will be provided. More important is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! We have a number of training activities in place in the department to help individuals progress towards FRCPath examinations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To ensure first-line troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment or methods is carried out, to arrange for engineer service visits, and to supervise and, if necessary, participate in the resolution of equipment or method failures, including dismantling instruments to carry out initial repairs.
• To perform highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
• 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 in area(s) of responsibility, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requester of clinically significant results.

Working for our organisation

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London. The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services. The partnership provides diagnostics, testing, and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services, and other healthcare providers.

King's College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK's leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King's has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to perfect your career.

Your development and learning

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development Programme, which is used across Synnovis to enable you to reach your potential, learn new skills, and achieve your goals. We have a number of training activities in place in the department to help individuals progress towards FRCPath examinations.

This is managed between you and your line manager in line with your own personal and professional development ambitions.

You can apply for finance to drive innovation and service development for the benefit of patients through our Innovation Accelerator Fund.

Detailed job description and main 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. Focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

Technical

• 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 highly specialised manual techniques, 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 quality procedures and protocols.
• To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure. e.g. to liaise with clinical staff to ensure that priority work is identified and/or make alternative arrangements for an analysis to be done.
• To train and develop the competence of trainee Biomedical and Clinical Scientists, Healthcare Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
• To help initiate, establish and maintain a system that ensures maximal availability and flexibility in operation of departmental chromatograph, mass spectrometers, and associated equipment.

Scientific

• To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation, write SOP's, as directed by the Section Manager
• To participate in research and development as directed by the Consultant Clinical Scientist/ Section Manager
• To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department.
• To participate in teaching of all staff within the Department of Clinical Biochemistry.
• As required, to develop and/or assess new applications or new techniques in the field of metabolic function as applied to clinical biochemistry in collaboration/consultation with senior staff.
• To maintain awareness of current developments in separation science and to ensure such knowledge is communicated to appropriate personnel
• To disseminate knowledge and research findings through presentations at local, national and international meetings and by publication in scientific journals.
• To undertake specific research and development projects, agreed by the Research and Development or Training Committee of the Department as appropriate, within the bounds of the required service provision and available resources. The laboratory research will be under the direction of a Consultant Clinical Scientist and supervised by a Service Delivery Manager/Divisional Manager or Consultant Scientist/Consultant Chemical Pathologist.

Clinical

• 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 in area(s) of responsibility, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, 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 authorise, biochemical tests; requesting or suggesting further investigations or referral as appropriate.

Quality Assurance

• The post holder will work with the Quality Manager to ensure the section remains CPA compliant at all times
• Maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the section. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations in section using appropriate quality control procedures
• Investigate adverse incidents and laboratory errors as necessary, communicate findings to the Service Delivery Manager and Quality Manager, and implement any changes agreed in order to reduce the likelihood of repetition
• The post holder will conduct and present audits to the departmental Quality committee as required by the audit schedule
• The post holder is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of internal quality assurance schemes in their section (as per IQA SOP). They will present IQA findings to the EQA committee as required
• The post holder will be responsible for Health and Safety issues in their section and report to the designated Health and Safety officer as required
• The post holder will ensure that all staff in section read and sign Quality Management Documentation and check compliance through the appraisal system
• The post holder will be responsible for relevant document management (through the use of QPulse) and ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use within the section
• To monitor turnaround times of laboratory investigations and act on information to improve the service provided.

Risk Management/Health and Safety

• To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.
• To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.
• Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.
• To report adverse incidents as set out in the Trust's adverse Incident Policy.
• To ensure that the work within the section is performed in accordance with current health and safety regulations and guidance and to take corrective action where necessary.
• To liaise with the departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the section.
• To take appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals in order to minimise the risk to staff and the public
  To conduct regular risk assessments and take appropriate corrective action when required.
• Liaise with department Safety Officer on issues around fire safety within the department

Administrative

• To supervise the ongoing operation of a section of Clinical Biochemistry.
  To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK).
• To monitor and control the efficient use of financial, material and staff resources in the section and to take corrective action in consultation with the section manager.
• 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, for example communicating with colleagues and managers, arranging alternative provision in the event of a situation arising preventing timely reporting of results.
• To ensure that training schedules are kept up to date and that documentation is validated signed on a regular basis as competencies are achieved.
• Together with the Training Officer to supervise the work and monitor performance of trainee Healthcare Scientists, Healthcare Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
• To be responsible for the organisation and delivery of effective stock control of reagents and consumables in the section and to arrange alternative means of obtaining reagents from other sources if necessary.
• To assist the Section Manager prepare and monitor management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, plan and take corrective action if required.
• To participate in the selection and recruitment of Healthcare Scientists and support staff.
• The post holder must maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in work load, patterns and requirements, and will undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Section Head.

Person specification

The document continues with Qualifications, Experience and Skills sections already structured as lists; essential and desirable criteria are kept intact in their original wording where possible.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability. We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location. For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package. All employees are entitled to: Contributory pension scheme; Generous annual leave entitlement; Ground breaking development opportunities.

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults: All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.

Please apply for this post on-line. If you have problems with using the online process, or need any assistance, please email [e-mail]

Your e-mail address is important to us. We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in Synnovis.

Documents to download: Job Description (PDF, 270.6KB).