Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Immunology

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust; Luton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Luton is seeking a Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist for a permanent, full-time role within Immunology. The ideal candidate will possess a BSc in Biomedical Science, HCPC registration, and practical knowledge in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology. Responsibilities include maintaining high standards in laboratory work, assisting in quality management, and training staff. Join a supportive environment dedicated to patient care and staff development.

Benefits

Access to high-quality training and development

Qualifications

• HCPC registration is essential.
• Extensive practical experience in Clinical Biochemistry.
• Practical experience in Immunology.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high work standards and motivate colleagues.
• Assist in the implementation of a cohesive service.
• Conduct day-to-day operations for the department.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective motivational skills

Accurate input of data

Education

BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent

Specialist IBMS Diploma

Job description

Job overview

We have a vacancy for a permanent, full time Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the Immunology and/or Special Chemistry.

Applications are invited from Biomedical Scientists who have previous experience of working within an immunology laboratory.

The department has UKAS accreditation, IBMS/HCPC training status and is one of a few organisations to have Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology & Transfusion Science National School of Healthcare Science accredited training status for clinical sciences.

We are committed to developing our services further, through expansion of on‑site testing and integration with other services.

Main duties of the job

As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist within the Immunology Department you will be required to:

• Maintain a high standard of work, motivate colleagues and set an example for others to follow.
• Participate in all aspects of the department, particularly where special expertise is required, with the ability to perform all tests and assays in a methodical and scientific fashion, to a high level of accuracy and precision.
• Assist the departmental laboratory seniors in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service, in conjunction with the Clinical lead of the department.
• Deputise in the absence of the departmental laboratory senior when required to do so.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Job Summary

1.1 Details of specific service/department responsibilities, accountabilities and objectives are listed in the Role Descriptor document incorporated with this generic Specialist Biomedical Scientist (BMS) job description.

1.2 The post holder will assist in the day to day operations and technical aspects of the service.

1.3 The post holder will assist the senior laboratory BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS]. They will assist in the implementation of change as directed by the laboratory seniors/manager, when delegated or appropriate to service needs.

1.4 The post holder is expected to implement policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.

1.5 The post holder will assist in the training and development of scientific and support staff.

2. Objectives, purpose & responsibilities of the post

2.1 To perform as a HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist [BMS] assisting in the delivery of the department services.

2.2 To assist the departmental laboratory senior in the implementation and delivery of a cohesive service, in conjunction the clinical lead of the department.

2.3 To implement the quality policy for the department including the agreed quality objectives.

2.4 To contribute to the implementation of UKAS standards for the department using the Pathology Quality Management System as established, to fulfil the quality circles and audit inherent to the ISO 15189 standards of compliance.

2.5 To deputise in the absence of the departmental laboratory senior BMS when required to do so.

2.6 To assist in the action plans required resolving nonconformities that are recorded by internal and/or external audits or complaints and to ensure the completion of corrective and preventative actions that have been identified.

2.7 Where delegated, to implement a Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the department utilising the Document Management Module of the Q-Pulse system.

2.8 To assist in the delivery of training in conjunction with the departmental laboratory senior BMS and training officer, providing one to one training and competency assessments in accordance with ISO 15189. This includes completion of the training and competency assessment documents and assisting in the gathering of evidence for staff.

2.9 To comply with Policies and Procedures commensurate to role.

2.10 To conduct day‑to‑day operations for the department and within the team. This will include ensuring monitoring and review of equipment, its maintenance, performance monitoring and EQA is completed and recorded in a timely way.

2.11 In the absence of the departmental laboratory senior/manager ensure that there is a continuation of key services when short term staff absences occur.

2.12 To implement the quality aspects of the department ensuring that test requests are met according to the agreed turnaround times and within the policies.

2.13 Where required to provide specialist knowledge and skills in the department for operational and technical support and advice in result production and interpretation for tests conducted.

2.14 To ensure the completion and reporting of EQA schemes, troubleshooting for the cause of any problems and actions required as a result of poor performance such as consistent bias or other quality problem.

2.15 Where identified, assist the departmental laboratory senior in implementing and complying with guidelines issued by the MHRA, NICE and NSFs, whether National, Regional or Local.

2.16 To conduct and complete departmental audits whether vertical, horizontal or examination audits relevant to the service.

2.17 To implement the Risk Management Policy for the department such as the reporting of incidents, accidents and adverse events ensuring that Risk Assessments are followed commensurate with the role.

2.18 To contribute to the department communication in disseminating and receiving information, arising from the management, operational and Health & Safety meetings, to colleagues where necessary.

2.19 To regularly assess the service performance providing information where required for the quality monitoring report for the department.

2.20 Where request to investigate result and service complaints and incidents and ensure that immediate and follow up actions are completed.

2.21 Where required to participate in all aspects of the department, particularly where special expertise is required, with the ability to perform all tests and assays in a methodical and scientific fashion, to a high level of accuracy and precision.

2.22 To fulfil the Specialist BMS role as required by entering patient data, issue results and reports in accordance with agreed policy and in a timely fashion.

2.23 To bring to the attention of the department laboratory senior/manager any problems or difficulties encountered in the performance of their duties.

2.24 To participate in evidence based training and maintain a level of knowledge to fulfil this role through Continual Professional Development [CPD] for retention of HCPC Registered BMS status.

2.25 To attend an annual appraisal from your line manager.

2.26 Undertake other duties commensurate with the post as directed.

N.B. This job may involve the manual handling of heavy loads, for which training will be given. If there is any reason why you should not do this, it is your responsibility to inform your manager immediately.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• HCPC registered
• BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent

Desirable criteria

• Specialist IBMS Diploma

Communication

Essential criteria

• Able to speak confidently to all grades of staff
• Able to produce clear written documentation
• Report writing

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Detailed knowledge of Biomedical Science
• Detailed knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation
• detailed knowledge of Immunology

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of current UKAS accreditation standards

Experience

Essential criteria

• Extensive practical experience in Clinical Biochemistry
• practical experience in Immunology

Desirable criteria

• Supervisory role in a laboratory
• Experience of lone working in a UK laboratory

Skills

Essential criteria

• Accurate input of data while working under pressure
• Ability to plan own work and the work of others
• Attention to detail

Personal Skills

Essential criteria

• Effective motivational skills
• Deal with conflict situations
• Remain calm under pressure
• Adjust quickly to change in circumstances

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

If you have problems applying, contact

Address Luton & Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust
Lewsey Road
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU4 0DZ
Telephone [phone]