Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist Band 6

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Wales; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health services provider in Wales is seeking a Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist to support the Reference Measurement Laboratory. Responsibilities include preparing samples, validating measurement methods, and training staff. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience with complex lab equipment. A commitment to quality management and a collaborative approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in operating complex measurement systems with a focus on laboratory medicine.
• Proven skills in research, method development, and validation.
• Ability to train staff and maintain quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and measure client samples using reference measurement methods.
• Develop and validate reference measurement methods.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory instrumentation.

Skills

Technical support for laboratory functions

Operation of complex measurement systems

Research and method validation

Training staff

Quality management

Education

Relevant degree in healthcare science or related discipline

Tools

Mass Spectrometers

Spectrophotometers

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS)

High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Tandem Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Job description

Overview

The Weqas Reference Measurement Laboratory provides a Reference Measurement Service using Gold Standard methodology. This laboratory is the only UK laboratory providing this service with accreditation to ISO17025 incorporating ISO 15195 and is part of a limited global network of Reference Laboratories. Such laboratories lead the way in standardisation of routine measurement performance of methods used in pathology laboratories, aiding in global harmonisation of Laboratory Medicine results. The Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist (HSPS) is responsible for providing technical support for the day-to-day functions of the Reference Measurement Laboratory as required under the direction of the Section Head. This will involve operation and troubleshooting of highly complex measurement systems such as Mass Spectrometers and Spectrophotometers. The methodology used will be more complex in nature than that generally found within a routine biochemistry laboratory.

Reference Measurement

Responsibilities

1. Responsible for the preparation and measurement of client samples (body fluids), using reference measurement methods according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
2. Provide reference measurement results in calibrator, QC and EQA material according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
3. Responsible for timely delivery of reference measurement results on all client supplied study samples.
4. Liaise with clients for necessary requirements for transport of study samples.
5. Maintain the integrity of all study samples and ensure that they are stored in the correct manner prior to measurement.
6. Perform and develop a wide range of complex scientific work. Employ a range of complex measurement techniques associated with Reference Measurement Methodology within Laboratory Medicine. This involves development of specialist methodologies to a high degree of measurement uncertainty associated with an International definition of reference methodology (ISO 15195, ISO 15193 and ISO 17025).
7. Understand the principles of uncertainty of measurement calculation.
8. Ensure that all measurements are within desired defined criteria.
9. Research and Development (Note: original content continues here) 9. Research, develop and validate reference measurement methods under the direction of the Senior Scientist / Section Head. 10. Evaluate and interpret (highly) complex results. Reference Measurement techniques are highly specialised requiring specialist skill.
10. Training 11. Train staff in methods and equipment used within the laboratory as appropriate.
11. Reference Material Production 12. Produce reference materials (body fluids) in accordance with ISO 17034
12. 13. Provide associated traceable measurement results for reference materials, required for use in routine measurement methods. Such material is used as a QC performance check in routine methods used by other laboratories.
13. Maintenance 14. Maintain the calibration/maintenance records for all key equipment (required for traceability and quality system documentation).
14. 15. Assist and perform the calibration of highly specialised measurement instrumentation, including: UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Atomic absorption spectrometer, Tandem Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
15. 16. Maintenance of specialised equipment, as listed in section 15, including troubleshooting during routine usage and during instances of equipment failure. Use appropriate remedial action where identified. Where troubleshooting is insufficient, communication with senior staff or external equipment maintenance bodies will be necessary. A large degree of manual dexterity is required to maintain the equipment.
16. 17. Maintain all consumables relating to the Reference Measurement Laboratory.
17. Quality Management 18. Maintain the Reference Measurement Laboratory Quality System to accreditation standards ISO 17025 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) & ISO 15195 (Laboratory Medicine - Requirements for reference measurement laboratories).
18. 19. Compile and manage the associated documentation as appropriate (Standard Operating Procedures, measurement work sheets, equipment control documentation, result reports).
19. 20. Familiarise and adhere to the Quality System and documentation, incorporating current UKAS guidelines.

Promotion and Applications

Weqas Promotion and Marketing

21. Promote Weqas services and research at scientific meetings through oral and poster presentations.

Managing Your Application

We are committed to promoting inclusion, where all staff have a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from everyone and recognise the need for our workforce to represent the diversity of the population we serve. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment where staff treat one another with dignity and respect and where diversity is celebrated. We aim to create a working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential no matter their disability, sex, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity or marriage and civil partnership status. We are keen to break down barriers in the UHB, and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh. Any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.

The UHB reserves the right to close this vacancy after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. Therefore, we encourage early applications to ensure consideration for this post.

Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.

To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK. If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.

Region

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Board in the UK, employing over 16,000 staff and providing over 100 specialist services. Serving a population of around 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst also working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone and to delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together". We have recently refreshed our strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, which sets out the Health Board's Vision for improving the health and wellbeing of the populations we serve by 2035 through the delivery of our strategic objectives; Putting People First, Providing Outstanding Quality, Delivering in the Right Places, and Acting for the Future. We have challenging times ahead, but we are confident that by tackling these challenges together, we can support people to live healthier lives and reduce the unfair differences in the prevalence of illness and health outcomes we see in our communities today. We aspire to deliver outstanding care and treatment for people when they need it, where they need it; care that compares well with the best in the world, but to do so, we need to transform how we deliver services over the next decade and beyond.

We are a values-driven organisation and out goals will only be realised if our values are at the heart of everything we do. Created by colleagues, patients and their families and carers, our values are:

• We are kind and caring
• We are respectful
• We have trust and integrity
• We take personal responsibility

OUR REGION:

Wales has much to offer with miles of stunning coastline, UNESCO world heritage sites and beautiful countryside. Cardiff, the thriving Welsh capital, has something for everyone. It is a fantastic city to live and work in with an abundance of sports, arts and cultural attractions. Situated to the west of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan offers a combination of beautiful Welsh countryside and a dramatic natural coastline, as well as charming towns including Penarth and Cowbridge. Those seeking more culture may find themselves drawn to the National Museum, St Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life or the Millennium Centre, home of the Welsh National Opera. Whether city life or rural living, Cardiff and the Vale offers the best of both worlds.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.