Biomedical Scientist

We are recruiting for a fixed term (Until 31 st December 2024) Biomedical Scientist post (band 5/6 AfC equivalent, dependent on experience / qualifications). This is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual to join a dedicated and friendly team working within the Reference Biochemistry/Integrated Toxicology Department at Synnovis, King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust. The post holder would be required to perform the following:
Please note: Candidates will be expected to have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio, as this is a requisite for employment at Band 6 Biomedical Scientist AfC equivalent grade in Reference Biochemistry. Candidates without the IBMS Specialist Portfolio are invited to apply, and will initially be paid on the Band 5 Biomedical Scientist AfC equivalent grade. On completion of the IBMS Specialist Portfolio, the expectation is that the salary will be converted to Band 6 Biomedical Scientist AfC equivalent grade at this stage.
To process biological samples including but not limited to; blood and urine samples for Reference Biochemistry/ Integrated Toxicology investigations.
To support, and assist the Senior Biomedical Scientist in sample processing using automated and manual methods.
The post holder will also undertake analytical, technical and administrative troubleshooting to ensure a reliable delivery service.
The post holder is required to meet service requirements and turnaround times. This requires the post holder to liaise with senior laboratory staff and clinicians as well as contributing to maintaining adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
The post holder will be required to aid in the maintenance of the quality management system.
When necessary, the post holder may be required to deputise for a more senior colleague.
Subject to contract and competence assessment the post holder may perform analytical duties either working alone or as part of a small team.
Your development and learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
At Synnovis, we are currently 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. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
Technical
To safely handle, use or dispose of blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous and or radioactive chemicals.
To undertake preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.
To carry out first line equipment and method troubleshooting, advise line manager of situations requiring further action.
To prepare store and use reagents required for laboratory investigations.
To perform manual and semi-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 protocols and quality procedures.
To undertake preliminary fault finding and corrective action when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance.
To report to the Section Lead any instance or event, which may cause a service delivery failure.
Scientific
To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as directed by the Section Manager.
To participate in research and development as directed by the Section Manager/Consultant Clinical Scientist.
To keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments including through participation in scientific meetings if appropriate.
Clinical
To interpret first line 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 approved pre-defined clinically relevant comments, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant result.
Provide approved departmental information and advice to other biomedical professionals, and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out with their area of responsibility.
Quality Assurance
Maintain the quality assurance procedures of the department. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
To carry out audits to highlight deficiencies in the pre-examination, examination and post-examination processes, as required by the Section Manager.
To monitor turnaround times of laboratory investigations and act on information to improve the service provided.
To participate in audits of the Quality Management System.
Risk Management/Health and Safety
Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.
To report any adverse incidents as set out in the trust’s Adverse Incident Policy.
Maintain laboratory equipment in a safe clean working condition. Maintenance schedules performed as outlined in relevant SOP. Equipment decontaminated and ‘permit to work certificate’ issued to engineer prior to servicing. Refrigerator freezer and waterbath temperatures logged daily and fume cupboards weekly.
To participate in the review of policies and procedures, COSHH and workplace risk assessments.
Continuing Professional Development
Develop knowledge of the significance of medical laboratory work in order to offer the best possible service to the user.
Understands own role and is aware of the management structure of the department.
Contributes to service initiatives within the laboratory setting.
Laboratory Informatics
To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
To use the Laboratory Information System (e.g. EPIC) according to the authorised protocols.
To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
Staff Training
To support and participate in staff training and development.
To participate with supervision of the work and performance monitoring of, trainees Biomedical Scientists and students in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.
Administrative
To ensure that records are kept up to date and stored safely to ensure compliance with good work practices required for the standards of ISO 15189.
To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating appropriately with colleagues and managers.
To use departmental resources efficiently and advice the Section Manager when stocks of reagents and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels.
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 services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
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. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.