Senior Biomedical Scientist, Blood Transfusion

NHS; Harlow; On-site; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Harlow is seeking a Senior Biomedical Scientist for their Blood Transfusion Department. The successful candidate will oversee the training needs of the team and ensure compliance with standards. A suitable candidate should have an MSc in Biomedical Science and HCPC registration. Competitive salary of up to £57,000 depending on experience. Opportunities for personal and professional development are available.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Annual salary review

Discounted gym membership

Cash healthcare plan

Sick pay entitlement

Pension scheme

Competitive annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in the discipline of pathology relevant to the role.
• Previous experience in a relevant laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Supervise various grades of scientific & support staff.
• Communicate patient results to health care professionals.
• Operate and maintain analytical equipment.

Skills

Good organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work in a team

Strong communication skills

Use of laboratory equipment

Education

MSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent

HCPC registration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Senior Biomedical Scientist, Blood Transfusion

A vacancy has arisen for a Senior Biomedical Scientist to join our Haematology & Blood Transfusion Department based at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Harlow following implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board which commenced on 1st March 2025.This post offers the opportunity to broaden your skills and experience in a busy Blood Sciences laboratory as well as the chance to work a reduced hours working week which will be of benefit to those seeking a better work/life balance. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the Blood Transfusion teams training needs as well meeting the departments ongoing BSQR and UKAS compliance commitments.

Main duties of the job

The laboratory at PAH ESL provides 24/7 haematology and blood transfusion testing for acute and urgent care areas of the hospital. The haematology department provides a wide variety of investigations using advanced instrumentation covering automated haematology and coagulation, blood film morphology, immunohaematology diagnostic testing of blood groups and antibody investigations as well as management of the PAH Blood Bank and Haemonetics systems when these are commissioned as part of the ongoing HWE service transformation programme. The PAH labs also support the Essex Air Ambulance service. The successful candidate will join our team of dedicated biomedical scientists and associate practitioners in delivering a high-quality pathology service.

The ideal candidate will be committed to service excellence and have a genuine desire for continued personal and professional development. Candidates should have a suitable approved undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent) and be registered with the HCPC.

Previous laboratory experience would be helpful, however full training will be provided for all work performed.

The laboratory operates a 24/7 service so the successful candidate may be expected to participate in all shifts required to cover this timeframe.

About us

Training and development opportunities

Annual salary review

Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms

Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians.

Sick Pay Entitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter

Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover

Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)

Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing.

Season Ticket Loan Scheme interest free loan for the cost of annual travel ticket.

Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts.

Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with service.

Competitive annual leave allowance -28 days annual leave

Job responsibilities

To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties:

• To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff
• To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update.
• To participate in multidisciplinary working as required.
• Techniques and testing
• To communicate patients results and answer enquiries from health care professionals within the hospital and in the community, providing information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and professional code of conduct, recognising own boundaries.
• To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary.
• Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types.
• To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
• To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department.
• To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
• To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system
• To check reports for further action by the Clinicians, and to authorise reports as delegated within HSL departmental policy.
• To assist in the evaluation of new equipment and advise the head of service, senior scientific colleagues on the need for new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment.
• To ensure that the department meets all the standards required by CPA/UKAS and to participate in the regular review of all the procedures performed in the laboratory including the establishment and monitoring of effective internal and external Quality Control and Quality Assurance schemes.

Training And Education

• To train new laboratory and clinical staff, this involves explaining and teaching complex technical/analytical procedures and motivating staff by promoting healthcare sciences in an interesting and positive manner.
• To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in general as reflected by CPD.
• To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work independently
• To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL.
• To identify the training needs within the team.
• To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of competence to practice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registration with HCPC as Biomedical Scientist
• AND
• MSc in appropriate discipline such as Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification e.g. IBMS HSD)
• Participation in a relevant CPD Scheme e.g. IBMS

Experience

• Theoretical and practical knowledge in discipline of pathology relevant to role.
• Previous experience in a relevant laboratory, and proficiency in
• techniques appropriate to the discipline

Skills and Abilities

• Good organisational skills.
• Work accurately, neatly and efficiently. Attention to detail is very important.
• Work in a team.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite. .
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Work on own initiative
• Communicate efficiently with other members of the laboratory in English - both verbally and in writing.
• Use of laboratory equipment relevant to the specialty
• Experience of utilising statistical analysis software.

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.

Depending on experienceUp to £57,000 DOE