Principal Clinical Biochemist
Job overview
Coventry and Warwickshire Pathology Service (CWPS) are looking for a dynamic and ambitious Principal Biochemist to work within our Biochemistry and Immunology Department which covers four hospitals; University Hospitals Coventry, Hospital of St Cross, Rugby, George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton and Warwick Hospital.You will join an experienced team of 5 Consultants and 4 Clinical Scientists. The department is one of the largest in England with specialist services including a foetal anomaly screening service (FASP), molecular diagnostics and Immunology. We provide clinical and technical point of care testing support across the partnership trusts.
Key responsibilities for this exciting new opportunity include;- Participation in the Duty Biochemist rota, providing interpretation of results and advice on investigations to medical staff and other service users.
- The role will include leading service developments for Biochemistry and Immunology as well as the FASP service.
- Validation and implementation of new methods and assays, overseeing their introduction into routine clinical use.
- Undertaking and publishing research
- Engaging in quality improvement
We are looking for experienced individuals but will also provide training and development opportunities in these areas. We are a team who are undertaking significant service developments in our department, so there will be many opportunities to contribute to a high-quality service.
Main duties of the job- The post holder will lead the Foetal Anomaly Screening service (FASP) under the management of the Clinical lead of FASP and ensure appropriate adherence to governance for the service under the management of the Clinical Lead of FASP. Which includes:
o Responsible on a day-to-day basis for a specialised programme of the Trisomy Screening Service providing a regional service for Trisomy screening
o To liaise with consultant obstetricians and midwives regarding Trisomy screening and to troubleshoot any problems that arise within the screening service.
o To represent CWPS Trisomy Screening laboratory service in the reporting and investigation of any Trisomy Screening Incidents. This will include knowledge of all National FASP and Quality Assurance reporting procedures, including attendance at review meetings with all interested parties in addition to following local Trust procedures.The full investigation of any incidents will be performed by this individual and the necessary changes instigated to prevent re-occurrence of any incidents.
o To take responsibility for the electronic reporting of all Trisomy Screening results to internal and external service users. This will require liaison with local Pathology IT teams, national and international software engineers. This will include validation and verification of all electronic reporting processes for all service users.
Working for our organisation
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.
We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.
Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.
We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence^® designated organisation – please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence ® - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)
By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.
The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care.We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder performs a range of highly specialist, advanced clinical and scientific duties with specific delegated responsibility for a sub-specialty of clinical activity. The post holder provides highly specialist, expert advice to other healthcare professionals in specialist clinical biochemistry and immunology in their specialist area of activity.The post holder is also responsible for training to his/her own and other professions in his/her specialist area of activity.
The post holder is responsible for the clinical interpretation and authorisation of clinical biochemistry and immunology diagnostic results, liaising with clinical teams as necessary to advise patient care pathways, result interpretation, repeat testing and additional investigations that may be required.
The post holder is required to contribute to the development and provision of a range of laboratory services. As such the post holder is expected to contribute to the development of policies and services.
The post holder is required to manage EQA for sections of the Biochemistry and Immunology department under the direction of the EQA lead for Biochemistry and Immunology.
The post holder is expected to support the Biochemistry and Immunology department to maintain good performance in external quality assessment, compliance with laboratory accreditation standards and Trust clinical governance.
For full details please see attached job description and person specification.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- see supporting documents
- see supporting documents
Experience
Essential criteria- see supporting documents
- see supporting documents
Knowledge
Essential criteria- see supporting documents
- see supporting documents
Experience
Essential criteria- see supporting documents
To ensure that we provide world-class patient care, UHCW recruits people that can demonstrate the Trust’s Values and Behaviours in their everyday life. Therefore, if you are invited to interview, you will be undertaking a Values Based Interview/Assessment, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trust’s Values and Behaviours which can be accessed on the right side of this page under the job description.The Supporting Information Section in your application should therefore reflect your understanding of the Trust’s Values and associated Behaviours. You will be expected to provide us with examples from work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviour.
The Trust is committed to Equal Opportunities within the workplace. All vacancies will be considered for Job Share unless otherwise stated. All applicants who have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be interviewed.Where a post has an overwhelming response, this Trust may use random selection in order to reduce numbers to interview, any disabled applicants will automatically be guaranteed an interview and will be exempt from this process.
In submitting an application form, you authorise University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust to confirm from your previous or current NHS employer and other prior employers; previous NHS service details and personal data held about you, including Occupational Health data (inoculations and screening tests).This data will be transferred using NHS Electronic Staff Record and third-party systems via an automated process and only used for the purposes of obtaining and maintaining accurate employment records, should you be appointed to the post.
UHCW NHS Trust, by virtue of its Green Plan, is committed to ensuring that the way we provide services minimises the impact on the environment and the future health of the public e.g. zero waste to landfill, reducing our carbon footprint and increasing our recycling and reuse percentages.
If you are successful at interview you will receive a conditional offer of employment and we’ll ask you for information so that we can carry out pre-employment checks. You must successfully complete all pre-employment checks to progress to a final unconditional offer.
We must confirm the identity of our staff and their right to work in the United Kingdom. We will ask you to submit proof of your identity and right to work documents via a secure digital platform approved by the Home Office, named TrustID. Alternatively, you may be asked to attend our office with original documents.
Depending on you level of exposure with patients you may be required to undertake a Standard or Enhanced DBS. The cost of this check will be charged to you and will be deducted from your salary over the first 3 months of employment at the current rate.
All correspondence will be sent by email; please check your account regularly including your Junk/SPAM folders