Senior Medical Scientist - Biochemistry

Beacon Hospital; Sandyford; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Hospital in Ireland seeks a Senior Medical Scientist- Biochemistry on a fixed term contract to assist with day-to-day operations and management of the Biochemistry Laboratory.

The role requires independent work and teamwork with various hospital departments to streamline services under the Laboratory Manager and Consultant Chemical Pathologist.

You will contribute to accreditation processes, quality management, rostering, and IT improvements while supporting patient-centred care.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical Science.
• MSc in a science-related discipline (validated).
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in biochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Biochemistry Laboratory.
• Process biochemistry samples (routine and urgent) and rostering.
• Support ISO 15189 and JCI accreditation activities.
• Improve IT processes to streamline workflows.
• Assist in budgetary control and resource management.
• Participate in quality management and professional development.

Skills

Coordination with lab management

Interpersonal communication

Adaptability to health service changes

Laboratory information systems

Quality assurance awareness

Team player

Safety awareness

Education

Degree in Biomedical Science

MSc in a science related discipline

Tools

LIS familiarity

Job description

Job Title: Senior Medical Scientist- Biochemistry (Fixed Term Contract)

Reports to: Chief Medical Scientist-Biochemistry

Laboratory Manager

Date: Aug 2026

Maternity Cover

Overall Purpose of Role

This role involves assistance with the day-to-day operations and management of the Biochemistry Laboratory.

Performance of role in accordance with the mission, values, vision and strategic plan of the Hospital.

This role will require the ability to work both independently and as a team member interacting with various hospital departments, in order to streamline and improve current Pathology Laboratory services, under the direction of the Laboratory Manager and Consultant Chemical Pathologist.

Responsibilities and Deliverables

• This role involves day-to-day operations and management of the Biochemistry Laboratory. This includes processing of biochemistry samples (routine and urgent), staff rostering, quality activities relevant to ISO 15189 laboratory accreditation and Joint Commission International (JCI)-hospital wide accreditation, introduction/ repatriation of tests including verification, optimisation of IT processes to streamline activities, control and management of budgetary activities etc.
• Assist in applying and implementing operational procedures up to “best practice” standard in order to optimise use of resources.
• Assist in the implementation of a quality management programme that is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and client satisfaction.

Service Delivery

• Perform scientific work to the required JCI Accreditation Standards, as determined by the Laboratory Manager.
• Maintain compliance with INAB Accreditation standards and associated quality activities.
• Prioritise and organise work during busy periods and co-ordinate multiple concurrent testing.
• Co-operate with the relevant staff in new ideas and technologies according to the Hospital policies.
• Receive and record details concerning mishaps, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment, investigate the circumstances as required, and report findings to laboratory management.
• Facilitate and participate with medical and scientific staff in evaluating drugs, equipment, consumable items and research projects.
• Participate in professional development, through self learning and formal courses or informal on the job training.

Staff Management

• Participate as required in the training of the laboratory team.
• Be professional, punctual and dedicated member of the laboratory team promoting good open communications.
• Communicate clearly and courteously to members of the laboratory team and all clients of the hospital.

Health and Safety

• Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as within hospital policy.
• Assist and co-operate with laboratory Management Team in developing procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area.

Quality

• Participate in the compliance of ISO 15189 standards and the quality management programme. Participate in continual laboratory improvements.
• Actively participate in internal and external quality control and assurance programmes
• Ensure adherence to all codes of and guidelines relating to professional practice and including the maintenance of Quality Assurance standards.

Information Technology

• Participate as required in developing the laboratory information system relevant to specific projects.
• Facilitate the collection, interpretation and presentation of data and information relevant to specific projects, activity, staffing and expenditure according to the Hospital’s reporting needs.

Review

• Achievement of laboratory and personal objectives is facilitated by review.
• Participate in review process as outlined by the Laboratory Management team.
• Any other duties deemed appropriate to the post. Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.

Flexibility

• This post requires a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical Science
• MSc in a Science related discipline, as relevant to the role. (Validated by the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine).

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in biochemistry

Skills & Abilities

• Co-ordinate with laboratory management and other hospital departments to ensure delivery of an appropriate laboratory service.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a professional and dedicated attitude.
• Demonstrate adaptability to the rapid changes taking place in the health services.
• Be familiar with laboratory information systems.
• Appreciation of all aspects of the provision of a modern laboratory service.
• Be aware of the application of modern methods in laboratory science.
• Be familiar with legislation as it pertains to the provision of a quality laboratory service.
• Demonstrate the capacity to be part of a team.
• Be familiar with other hospital departments and their relationships with the laboratory.
• Be familiar with current health and safety legislation as it pertains to the laboratory.
• Be familiar with the accreditation criteria and objectives.