Band 7 - Senior EQA Scientist, UK NEQAS

NHS; Watford; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The NHS is seeking a dynamic Biomedical Scientist to join the UK NEQAS General Haematology team. This full-time role involves supervising staff, ensuring quality service delivery, and utilizing strong analytical skills in a supportive environment. Flexible working arrangements are available, emphasizing staff wellbeing and development.

Benefits

On-site gym

Childcare facilities

Free shuttle bus from local stations

Qualifications

• HCPC registration required.
• Experience in automated cell counting and laboratory practices.
• Participation in CPD essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team delivering EQA services in Haematology.
• Plan and manage multiple work streams.
• Interpret complex data and prepare scientific reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Leadership

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

FIBMS in Haematology

MSc in an appropriate subject

Job description

Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic and adaptable HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to become a valuable member of the UK NEQAS General Haematology scientific team.

Under the direct supervision of the Scheme Service Manager, your role will involve ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and professional delivery of services within the UK NEQAS Haematology program.

You should be able to demonstrate a strong understanding and experience in clinical Hematology laboratory practices within the UK, encompassing an extensive knowledge of both the theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory Hematology.

Additionally, you should display a comprehensive understanding of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems.

Experience in personnel management and leading teams, along with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks, would be an advantage.

This is a full-time position, with core working hours from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, which can be explored further at interview.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will report directly to the Haematology Service Manager with overall accountability to the Scheme Director.

In this role, you will lead and supervise a team delivering high-quality EQA services in Haematology.

You will plan and manage multiple work streams, ensuring deadlines are met and standards are maintained.

A key part of the role involves interpreting complex data, preparing scientific reports, and contributing to service development, so suitable analytical skills and attention to detail will be beneficial.

Applicants should indicate in their application how they meet the person specification and why they are suitable for this role.

About us

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact [e-mail] If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Details Date posted

22 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£48,270 to £54,931 a year inc HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

360-C-10130

Job locations

Croxley Business Park

10, Millfield House

Watford

WD18 8YX

Job description Job responsibilities

The UK National External Quality Assessment Unit (UK NEQAS) are operated by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is based in a bespoke unit designed and built specifically in the Croxley Business Park in Watford.

There are regular lunchtime activities, an on-site gym, childcare facilities, and a free shuttle bus from the local stations.

The unit consists of approximately 30 staff, which includes seven in Administration, two in IT, two in Receipt & Dispatch (R&D), twelve in Haematology and six in Blood Transfusion Laboratory Practice.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Job description Job responsibilities

The UK National External Quality Assessment Unit (UK NEQAS) are operated by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is based in a bespoke unit designed and built specifically in the Croxley Business Park in Watford.

There are regular lunchtime activities, an on-site gym, childcare facilities, and a free shuttle bus from the local stations.

The unit consists of approximately 30 staff, which includes seven in Administration, two in IT, two in Receipt & Dispatch (R&D), twelve in Haematology and six in Blood Transfusion Laboratory Practice.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Person Specification Education and qualifications: Essential

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• FIBMS in Haematology, MSc in an appropriate subject or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with the HCPC.
• Active participation in CPD.

Knowledge: Essential

• Specialist knowledge of automated cell counting.
• A comprehensive understanding of the role of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems as part of laboratory quality assurance.
• Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK.

Desirable

• Knowledge of laboratory diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies and enzymopathies.
• Knowledge of blood film morphology.
• Basic statistical knowledge.

Experience: Essential

• A broad theoretical and practical experience of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK with extensive experience in automated counting.
• Supervisory experience in personnel management, leading teams, evaluating staff performance and conducting staff appraisals.
• Experience with word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Experience with database applications.
• Experience in drafting reports and scientific documents.

Desirable

• Experience in the provision of EQA services.
• Experience in the provision of EQA services, EQA material preparation, review of EQA data / statistical analysis and the interpretation of EQA reports.
• Experience in project management.

Person Specification Education and qualifications: Essential

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• FIBMS in Haematology, MSc in an appropriate subject or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with the HCPC.
• Active participation in CPD.

Knowledge: Essential

• Specialist knowledge of automated cell counting.
• A comprehensive understanding of the role of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems as part of laboratory quality assurance.
• Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK.

Desirable

• Knowledge of laboratory diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies and enzymopathies.
• Knowledge of blood film morphology.
• Basic statistical knowledge.

Experience: Essential

• A broad theoretical and practical experience of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK with extensive experience in automated counting.
• Supervisory experience in personnel management, leading teams, evaluating staff performance and conducting staff appraisals.
• Experience with word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Experience with database applications.
• Experience in drafting reports and scientific documents.

Desirable

• Experience in the provision of EQA services.
• Experience in the provision of EQA services, EQA material preparation, review of EQA data / statistical analysis and the interpretation of EQA reports.
• Experience in project management.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Croxley Business Park

10, Millfield House

Watford

WD18 8YX

Employer's website

http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Croxley Business Park

10, Millfield House

Watford

WD18 8YX

Employer's website

http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)