Clinical Scientist (Biochemistry)

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Chichester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Chichester is seeking a Clinical Scientist to oversee lab automation and immunology quality. You will support demand management, lead educational programs, and ensure clinical service efficiency. The ideal candidate is registered with significant experience in biochemistry/immunology and possesses advanced analytical skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive wellbeing programme

Flexibility in working hours

Qualifications

• Registered as a Clinical Scientist with significant experience post registration.
• Thorough knowledge of human biochemistry and chemistry, or immunology.
• Good knowledge of analytical methods and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical and scientific quality in the automation section.
• Support demand management and service development in blood sciences.
• Provide educational and training programs for the multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Highly developed technical skills

Ability to perform complex analytical procedures

Independent research and audit experience

Analytical procedure competence

Education

Registered Clinical Scientist with Health Professions Council

Tools

Specialist equipment like manual assays

Job description

About our Trust

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

Join our dynamic and forward-thinking Biochemistry and Immunology team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust as a Clinical Scientist.

The post-holder will be responsible for overseeing, directing and ensuring clinical and scientific quality of all aspects of the automation, special chemistry and immunology sections of the department. They will form part of a team with consultant pathologists and clinical scientists for clinical aspects, and operational technical leads, and will lead on demand management and service development for the blood science section primarily based at St Richard's, Worthing and Southlands Hospitals.

Main duties of the job

The blood sciences department performs a wide range of tests including automated chemistry, special chemistry, immunology, haematology, coagulation, serology and referral of genetic testing. There will be clinical and operational experts in all fields but this post is envisioned to focus on supporting demand management, adoption and development of new pathways to improve clinical service, efficiency or sustainability, and clinical support e.g. for direct user liaison, complaints, quality, attendance at multi-disciplinary, governance, or management meetings.

The post holder will practice autonomously within their defined specialty (either chemistry or immunology specialist as per training) to provide patient centred quality care. This will encompass the skills of advanced clinical diagnosis within an agreed scope of practice. They will act as a specialist resource and provide specialist advice in relation to care of patients in their speciality. The post holder will provide a range of educational and training programmes for the multidisciplinary team.

The postholder will be able to ensure strategies are translated into robust implementation plans and ensure department meets both corporate priorities and those of the Pathology network.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please see the detailed job description and person spec included with this vacancy

Person specification

Professional Registration

Essential criteria

• Registered as a Clinical Scientist with the Health Professions Council with significant experience post registration

Desirable criteria

• Working towards the examinations to gain entrance of, The Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)

Experience/Qualifications

Essential criteria

• To have a thorough knowledge of human biochemistry and chemistry, or immunology, including metabolic processes, physiology and pharmacology.
• To have a good knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving. To have a basic knowledge of managerial procedures in general

Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to demonstrate highly developed technical skills and ability to perform complex analytical procedures.
• Experience of carrying out independent research and audit.
• Competency in the use of a variety of analytical procedures
• To be able to disseminate highly sensitive, complex and potentially contentious information to large audiences.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of training scientific and technical staff.
• Competency in the use of specialist equipment such as manual colorimetric assays, electrophoresis OR immunofluorescence

People Management & Develoment

Desirable criteria

• Experience of supervision of technical staff.
• Experience of teaching and training technical skills.

Specific Requirements

Essential criteria

• Experience of validating and authorising results from complex/difficult analyses
• Experience of communicating and discussing results with clinicians.
• Experience of adding clinical comments to reports. and initiating further clinical investigations.
• To be able to use a variety of different software for the analysis of test results and the generation of clinical reports, on a daily basis.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of interpreting serum protein electrophoresis
• Expert level of knowledge and skills in area of specialism.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusuion

Essential criteria

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations-elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

• Job Description & Person Specification (PDF, 528.3KB)
• Our Trust at a glance (PDF, 153.0KB)
• All Staff Networks About Us Flyer (PDF, 304.4KB)
• Guide to completing an application form (PDF, 385.9KB)
• Candidate Information Pack (PDF, 889.2KB)
• Candidate Information Pack (PDF, 889.2KB)