[ref. h96103702] Healthcare Scientist Quality Assistant - Molecular Pathology, Band 5

apartmentGloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust placeCheltenham calendar_month 

Join us at an exciting time for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust! We have an ambitious plan for our journey to Outstanding and are looking for aspirational, committed individuals to join us, making a real difference to both staff and patients.

As a former winner of England for excellence award: Tourism destination of the year, the beautiful city of Gloucester and the scenic regency spa town of Cheltenham are fantastic places to work and live.

As a hospital Trust we are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and studies, whilst also providing acute elective and specialist services to a population of over 620,000.

By joining Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust new colleagues can look forward to a warm welcome and a future full of opportunities and support.

Job overview

We are looking for a Healthcare Scientist (HCPC registration or equivalent) Quality Assistant to join our team. You will be working with us to provide a service to cancer patients to ensure that they receive their results in a timely manner.

You will be working across all areas of the molecular pathology section and work with other medical, scientific, technical and clerical colleagues across the department and Trust to ensure the administration of the quality strategy.

Will include Saturday working, later working hours until 6pm to provide later cover

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be involved in a range of tasks to support delivery of the technical service and maintain the quality management system for the section, in line with the rest of the department.

You will assist in the delivery of the technical service as well as manage and update quality assurance documentation. Alongside this, you will participate in the audit, research and development activities of the department. You will be a source of advice for colleagues on quality issues.

You will need to be able to demonstrate a good knowledge and a keen interest in, laboratory quality assurance. You will be working within a team and have an ability to prioritise workload and work well under pressure.

Working for our organisation

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a staff of around 8000 and is dedicated to providing the Best Care for Everyone.

The Histology Department is based within the Pathology Department at Cheltenham General Hospital and is one of the biggest within the South West.

We have a team of medical staff, scientists and support staff working in a busy environment and are focused on providing a high quality efficient service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The successful candidate will, amongst other duties, be required to:

  • Assist in the technical delivery of the service, working alongside a team of Clinical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pathologist and Clerical staff.
  • Manage and update quality assurance documentation
  • Support and maintain the quality management system for the section, in line with the rest of the department. Be able to offer advice and training to staff in all aspects of QMS as required
  • Assist in maintaining systems to facilitate the continual improvement of the department
  • Participate in the audit, research and development activities of the department.
  • Generate and analyse quality metrics
  • Participate in specimen processing and the production of histology sections for microscopic examination when require.
  • Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area
  • Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which she/he is working
  • Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for use in the department. Participate in their development and review.
  • Participate in record keeping processes, including maintenance records, electronic and paper based.
  • Lead investigations into non-conformities, errors or incidents and perform corrective actions.
  • Be a source of advice for colleagues on quality issues. Defer to / discuss with the Molecular Pathology Leadership / Quality Lead as required.

Person specification

Qualifications / Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous experience of laboratory quality assurance
  • BSc (Hon) Biomedical Science or equivalent
  • Registered with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist, or with AHCS as a Genetic Technologist (GT) or equivalent
  • Appropriate practise as a trainee/registered Biomedical/Healthcare Scientist/Genetic Technologist
  • Computer Literate
  • Good communication skills and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work flexibly within a team, quickly and accurately
  • Ability to work well under pressure and have good problem-solving skills
  • Ability to use own judgement and initiative
Desirable criteria
  • An understanding of the National Genomic Test Directory and Genomic testing in Cancer

The health and wellbeing of our staff and patients remains the priority of the Trust. Vaccination remains the best chance we have of conquering COVID and the Trust encourages everyone to take up this offer.

Please note, this vacancy may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, so please apply as soon as possible if you are interested. The Recruitment Team are unable to accept any applications after the position has closed on NHS Jobs.

Committed to safeguarding our community

If applicable for the post, all successful candidates will be required to pay for their own Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost will be £29 (standard checks) or £46 (enhanced checks), and will be recovered through two instalments from the candidate's salary.

Please contact [email protected] for further information.

The Trust is a safeguarding employer committed to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust is committed to safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults, and any appointment will be subject to satisfactory clearance.

As part of the organisation's commitment to Safer Recruitment, candidates may request copies of relevant policies and procedures by contacting the Recruitment Team at [email protected]

Committed to supporting service personnel

As part of our commitment to support Service Personnel, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with the Career Transition Partnership, offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for all qualifying Service and Ex-Service Personnel.

To qualify for a guaranteed interview, candidates must meet the essential criteria for the post and be either a current member of the Armed Forces, or be within the two year period of resettlement. If this applies to you please email the job reference number and your AR number to the Recruitment Team at [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter: @GHNHSFTCareers

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