Senior Biomedical Scientist

Job overview

This vacancy is for a Band 7 Biochemistry BMS and Section Lead (Training) for the Clinical Biochemistry Department in Pathology. The part time (25 hours per week) , fixed term (12 months) post has arisen due to a temporary vacancy to cover Maternity leave. The successful candidate will be an experienced Specialist BMS with a proven track record in training and will have a commitment to out of hours working. As a senior BMS you will exhibit a high level of knowledge and skill required for the management of complex automation. You will have experience of lone specialist working outside of core hours, have a flexible approach, be highly motivated and organised and be a strong team player fully committed to patient care. Previous experience in a supervisory capacity would be a distinct advantage. The post is primarily based at Whiston Hospital with regular cross site working at Southport and the successful candidate will be flexible to work across any of the sites where the Laboratory provides a service. The Pathology Department at MWL is currently undergoing a period of change whilst it develops the Cheshire and Mersey Pathology Network Eastern Hub in collaboration with Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The JD & PS are currently under AfC review and are subject to change.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations on a rotational basis play a lead role in the various sections such as the ‘Hot’ section, Immunology, Immunoassay, Automation, etc. within the Blood Science as appropriate.
• Ensure that equipment is used in accordance with departmental policies and supplier’s instructions.   Undertake routine and more complex maintenance procedures on the analysers within the Department. To carry out appropriate internal maintenance procedures and maintain maintenance records.   Undertake the repair of complex laboratory analysers and installing replacement components as requested by the supplier.
• Ensure prompt technical validation and authorisation of multiple test sets from laboratory investigations ensuring accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols. Also to assess the validity of the results as to whether conflicting information is due to the pathology of the patient, contamination or compromised integrity of the sample prior to release of the results for clinical validation.
• Ensure the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations within the Section using appropriate quality control procedures.  Carry out corrective action and record when the quality control procedures indicate loss of performance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the day to day running of a section of the department, organising and prioritising the workload, allocating workload and resources to ensure the section runs as efficiently as possible with the available resources
• Supervise staff and maintain the skill mix and staffing levels appropriate to the needs of the section on a day to day basis.
• Ensure staff maintain recognised scientific standards, and that agreed Quality Control procedures are carried out, monitored and proactively managed informing the Operational Lead of any concerns.
• Ensure the validation and reporting of results is carried out in a timely manner and in accordance with Quality Control policy.
• Ensure staff in the section deal with abnormal, problem and critical results promptly, deciding what action needs to be taken regarding checking the validity of results and informing clinicians and/or Consultant staff.
• Ensure all work meets defined procedures and standards.
• Allocate and co-ordinate the work of the section such that staff, equipment and materials are used safely and to maximum effect.
• Deputise for the Operational Manager as a named individual when required.
• Liaise in conjunction with the Operational Manager and other seniors between sections to ensure sufficient staff to maintain delivery of service.
• Ensure stocks of reagents and consumables are maintained at satisfactory levels, ordering reagents and consumable items as required. To manage and maintain the computerised stock control system.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMS and MLA staff.
• Carry out Individual performance reviews and ensure objectives and personal development plans are managed appropriately.
• Ensure that ‘Clinical Incidents’ and ‘Near Misses’ are reported to the Trust, SHOT/MHRA and at Departmental Meetings following correct procedures.
• Act as Biochemistry Co-ordinator in the event of a major incident call-out in the absence of more senior Biochemistry Staff

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES

• Section Leads have responsibility for the day to day supervision, education and training of Biomedical Scientists, trainee BMS and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA)
• Section Leads must ensure the delivery of training, development and competence assessment for trainee and probationary Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and  MLA and locum staff.
• Assist as required by the Departmental Manager in the organisation of, and delivery of formal training programmes for BMS, Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners and MLA staff. Manage the completion of IBMS  Registration and Specialist diplomas.
• Undertake tutorial sessions to all department staff and in order to help complete staff competency portfolios. Act as mentors for Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants