Research Scientist jobs in United Kingdom

Job summary: We invite applications for a permanent Senior Clinical Scientist role from enthusiastic, motivated individuals with HCPC registration or those expecting to obtain registration within six months. STP trainees nearing completion are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants without HCPC registration will be recruited at Band 6, with automatic progression to Band 7 once registration is confirmed.

The Reference Biochemistry Laboratories at Synnovis Analytics provide specialist services using the latest technology across Metabolic, Immunochemistry, Porphyrins, Gastrointestinal, Steroids, and Diabetes laboratories, with close links to Toxicology and Trace Elements units. The successful candidate will participate in all areas of Reference Biochemistry, including clinical authorisation, and provide scientific leadership in Metabolic and Immunochemistry laboratories. These deliver complex diagnostic procedures for routine and research use, including specialist endocrinology tests, proteins, and alcohol intake markers. Techniques include LC-MS/MS, electrophoresis, and immunoassays.

Experience in LC-MS/MS, electrophoresis, immunoassay, or clinical validation is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key. The department offers training to support FRCPath preparation, and you will contribute to original or collaborative research locally and nationally.

• To ensure first-line troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment or methods is carried out, to arrange for engineer service visits, and to supervise and, if necessary, participate in the resolution of equipment or method failures, including dismantling instruments to carry out initial repairs.
• To perform highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
• To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures, e.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments in area(s) of responsibility, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requester of clinically significant results.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London. The partnership provides diagnostics, testing, and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services, and other healthcare providers. King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK's leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching.

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development Programme, which is used across Synnovis to enable you to reach your potential, learn new skills, and achieve your goals. We have a number of training activities in place in the department to help individuals progress towards FRCPath examinations. This is managed between you and your line manager in line with your own personal and professional development ambitions. You can apply for finance to drive innovation and service development for the benefit of patients through our Innovation Accelerator Fund.

At Synnovis, we are shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests.

• To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous and/or radioactive chemicals.
• To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.
• To ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.
• To perform highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
• To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
• To undertake technical validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.
• To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure, e.g. liaising with clinical staff to identify priority work or making alternative arrangements for an analysis.
• To train and develop the competence of trainee Biomedical and Clinical Scientists, Healthcare Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
• To help initiate, establish and maintain a system that ensures maximal availability and flexibility in operation of departmental chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and associated equipment.

• To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation, write SOPs, as directed by the Section Manager.
• To participate in research and development as directed by the Consultant Clinical Scientist/Section Manager.
• To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department.
• To participate in teaching of all staff within the Department of Clinical Biochemistry.
• As required, to develop and/or assess new applications or new techniques in the field of metabolic function as applied to clinical biochemistry in collaboration/consultation with senior staff.
• To maintain awareness of current developments in separation science and ensure such knowledge is communicated to appropriate personnel.
• To disseminate knowledge and research findings through presentations at local, national and international meetings and by publication in scientific journals.
• To undertake specific research and development projects, agreed by the Research and Development or Training Committee within the required service provision and available resources, under the direction of a Consultant Clinical Scientist and supervised by a Service Delivery Manager/Divisional Manager or Consultant Scientist/Consultant Chemical Pathologist.

• To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures, including authorisation of results, ordering follow-up procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, and informing the requester of clinically significant results.
• Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public, and refer on requests for information outside area of responsibility as appropriate.
• To authorise biochemical tests; requesting or suggesting further investigations or referral as appropriate.

• Work with the Quality Manager to ensure the section remains CPA compliant at all times.
• Maintain quality assurance procedures and monitor the accuracy of laboratory investigations using quality control procedures.
• Investigate adverse incidents and laboratory errors, communicate findings, and implement changes to reduce recurrence.
• Conduct and present audits to the departmental Quality Committee as required by the audit schedule.
• Implement and monitor internal quality assurance schemes (IQA) and present IQA findings to the EQA committee as required.
• Be responsible for Health and Safety issues in the section and report to the designated Health and Safety officer as required.
• Ensure staff read and sign Quality Management Documentation and check compliance via the appraisal system.
• Manage relevant document control (through QPulse) to ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use.
• Monitor turnaround times and act to improve the service provided.

• Be aware of health, safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.
• Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of Practice; understand hazards in the laboratory and take adequate precautions.
• Report adverse incidents as set out in the Trust’s Adverse Incident Policy.
• Ensure work complies with current health and safety regulations and guidance; liaise with departmental Safety Officer to assess and review risks.
• Take action in case of spills of body fluids or hazardous chemicals; conduct regular risk assessments and take corrective action as required.
• Coordinate with department Safety Officer on fire safety issues.

• Supervise the ongoing operation of a section of Clinical Biochemistry; ensure compliance with good work practices per Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK).
• Monitor and control efficient use of financial, material and staff resources; take corrective action as needed with the section manager.
• Prepare and review laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines.
• Ensure results are reported within agreed turnaround times and take appropriate action when delays occur.
• Maintain up-to-date training schedules and sign competency documentation.
• Supervise training and performance of trainee Healthcare Scientists, Healthcare Scientists and Specialist Registrars.
• Organise stock control of reagents and consumables; arrange alternatives if necessary.
• Assist the Section Manager with management data and performance metrics; plan corrective actions as required.
• Participate in recruitment of Healthcare Scientists and support staff.
• Maintain flexibility to adapt to workload changes and undertake other duties as required by the Section Head.

Essential

• First or second class honours degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry or closely related subject.
• MSc in Clinical Biochemistry (or related subject).
• In possession of HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist (or expect to attain in next 6 months).

Desirable

• Evidence of progression towards FRCPath or equivalent.
• PhD in related subject.

Experience

• Minimum of 2.5 years in a routine Clinical Biochemistry laboratory, including interpretation and validation of patient results.
• Completed/near to completion of STP training program (or equivalent).
• Experience of performing audits, writing SOPs and other lab documentation.
• Problem solving/troubleshooting.
• Performing IQC/EQA performance review.

Desirable

• Manual sample preparation techniques.
• Method development/research and development experience.
• Experience of liquid chromatography and/or LC-MS/MS.

Skills & Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of human biochemistry and chemistry, including metabolic processes, physiology and pharmacology.
• Thorough knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance, and problem solving.
• Ability to conduct and report research and development activities.
• Ability to lead, motivate and communicate within the team to deliver effective service.
• Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Synnovis Analytics
Friars Bridge Court 41- 43
Blackfriars Road
London
SE1 8NZ