Team Leader Biomedical Scientist

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust; East Midlands, Leicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is seeking a dynamic Biomedical Scientist Team Leader to oversee laboratory operations and drive quality improvements. In this pivotal role, you will lead a dedicated team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality analytical services while managing staff performance and development. You will play a crucial role in maintaining compliance with national standards and contribute to the strategic development of the service. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care and service delivery in a supportive and innovative environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Employee benefits package

Qualifications

• HCPC registration and MSc or equivalent qualification required.
• Proven experience in team management and development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the laboratory team to achieve operational goals.
• Supervise examination of clinical specimens and ensure quality standards.

Skills

Team Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Quality Improvement

Education

MSc or equivalent Postgraduate qualification

HCPC registration

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

With a professional approach whilst working within the parameters of Trust Policies and departmental Standard Operating Procedures undertake the following key job responsibilities under the direction of the laboratory management team:

Leadership / Management

1. Lead / manage the section to achieve the operational goals and requirements of the service

1. Act as line manager for the Biomedical Scientist and support staff within the section, leading and motivating the team to optimal performance

1. Review and improve staff capability, performance, knowledge, and skills, which will include participating in and performing staff appraisal and sickness absence management

1. Assess, and where appropriate, provide training of staff in section, taking actions to ensure competency levels are adequate. Take an active role in education for quality matters

1. Contribute to the future planning and organisation of the service by acting on and where necessary reporting issues, problems, and trends to senior management.

1. Communicate effectively with team members, service management and external users of the service on quality, clinical, scientific, and technical matters.

1. Participate in the recruitment and selection process for the department.

1. In conjunction with other team leaders, contribute to the overall strategic development of the service.

Clinical / Scientific / Technical

1. Supervise and participate in the examination of clinical specimens in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures, including interpretation of results, in an efficient, effective, and safe manner.

1. Provide advice and interpretation of laboratory investigations to healthcare professionals as required or for referral to specialist medical and scientific for clinical advice

1. Ensure appropriate records and documentation of specimens examined are maintained and ensure laboratory reports are accurate and timely

1. Supervise and where appropriate, perform the operation of departmental equipment including calibration, control, and routine maintenance.

1. Troubleshoot problems arising with equipment and processes ensuring the implementation of backup procedures to ensure service continuity

1. Resolve immediate analytical problems and perform repairs to equipment where appropriate and liaise with manufacturers where repairs cannot be completed in house.

1. Where appropriate, perform the more complex analytical work of the assigned section.

1. Supervise and contribute to the development of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and carry out regular planned audit and review of the Quality System, SOPs, COSHH assessments and workplace risk assessments, introducing changes as necessary, taking best practice and process redesign into account.

1. Maintain expertise and awareness of current technological and scientific developments in relevant aspects of the discipline.

1. Develop, evaluate, and implement new equipment and procedures within the department.

1. Monitor internal and external quality control results, taking appropriate action to identify and correct problems. To report problems to more senior staff as appropriate.

1. Ensure adequate levels of consumable supplies and other items required by the section are maintained using the appropriate procedures

1. Employ specialist knowledge and technical skills to perform complex analytical techniques and procedures

1. Be responsible for effective stock management of reagents and consumables, ordering and authorising payments for supplies and services up to the departmental agreed limits.

1. Work in close liaison with others within service to show leadership to ensure that other service sections work in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

Service Delivery & Development

1. Continually review performance against KPI's, proactively addressing areas of concern

1. Assist in the maintenance and development of the Blood Sciences Quality Manual

1. Undertake relevant research both internal and with other NHS and educational organisations to assist with learning, teaching and service development

1. Participate in clinical trials as appropriate and beneficial to service development and provision

1. Ensure the successful delivery of a cost-effective service, implementing changes and improvements where indicated

1. Support individual services in the investigation of complaints and incidents. Ensure that all agreed, follow up actions are taken in accordance with agreed policy and that these are effective.

General

1. To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (UKAS or equivalent).

1. Participate in clinical and quality system audit and clinical governance.

1. To deputise for the Laboratory Manager as required and perform any other duties covered by the post holder's competencies after consultation and agreement with the line manager.

1. Liaise with individual service Quality leads to co-ordinate a programme of internal audits against defined quality performance indicators, ensuring continuous quality improvement.

Pathology is at the forefront of the delivery of 21st century healthcare and has a profound impact on an organisation's ability to deliver high quality, efficient and effective patient care. Changing demographics, rising demand and technological innovation, combined with the findings of Lord Carter's review, demonstrate the need and potential to improve the quality-of-service provision, whilst streamlining the way in which services are delivered.

As a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will be a member of the departmental team and assist in the delivery of a quality driven, cost effective, patient focused service consistent with our vision. To provide that service in a manner commensurate with the profession

The post holder will be expected to manage the area while maintaining a high level of scientific knowledge, leading others to perform (and where appropriate performing) specialised analyses of pathological samples using various technologies and reporting the results as appropriate.

We are looking for a leader to work with clinical, scientific and administration staff to lead Leicester Pathology Services to become the best they can be.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES - see full JD for all duties.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• HCPC registration
• Completed IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent
• MSc. or equivalent Postgraduate qualification e.g. FIBMS

Desirable criteria

• IBMS membership Management qualification at certificate level or above or other relevant qualifications/training

Training

Essential criteria

• Management qualification or relevant equivalent experience & short courses
• Can demonstrate successful team management and development

Planning and organisation skil

Essential criteria

• Able to carry out Staff planning for a section or specific team

Skills

Essential criteria

• Can demonstrate successful team management and development

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrates a range of quality improvement skills

Experience

Essential criteria

• Must have up to date knowledge of the technical processes used within the discipline
• Significant post registration experience with demonstration of skill at specialist level

Desirable criteria

• Demonstrates knowledge of advanced techniques or instrumentation

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

• JD Biomedical Scientist Team Leader (PDF, 767.9KB)
• Understanding your right to work in the UK (PDF, 1.1MB)
• Employee Benefits (PDF, 578.5KB)