Biomedical Scientist HODS

Job overview

We are seeking a proactive member of staff that can demonstrate team spirit, initiative, flexibility and the enthusiasm to train further. You will be working in a state-of-the-art Haemato-Oncology diagnostic laboratory with 3 main sections: Immunophenotyping, Molecular Genetics and Histology.

You will work with BD FACSLyric analysers, DAKO Omnis analysers, Thermo Fisher Genexus analysers, together with other complimentary instrument systems and a comprehensive integrated software system. The Department provides specialist haemato-oncology diagnostic services for the Merseyside and Cheshire region, and beyond, to provide a comprehensive diagnostic and monitoring service.

On attaining appropriate competences, you will join an extended working week roster (some weekend duties).

You must be HCPC registered and have completed, or working towards, an IBMS Specialist portfolio. Candidates without the above qualification will be paid a percentage of the maximum salary as a Trainee in accordance with Agenda for Change Annex 21 Paragraph 2 (iii).

Hours of work are: 37.5 hours per week, 08:30 – 17:00 Monday – Friday, with an extended working week planned.

Main duties of the job

The post holder must be a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with a BSc in Biomedical Science (or equivalent). They will have knowledge of haematological malignancy diagnosis, being experienced in one or more of the following: Flow Cytometry (immunophenotyping)/histology methods (ideally experience with bone marrow trephine and Lymph node tissue)/ Immunocytochemistry/ Molecular Genetics.

They will perform routine and specialist diagnostic testing to aid the effective diagnosis of Haematological malignancy, through the analysis of biological specimens utilising various manual and automated techniques and equipment. They will certify analytical and technical validity of investigations, report results based on their own and others analysis, liaise with medical and scientific staff from both within the department, the wider Trust and external Trusts and GPs.

They will be required to fulfil all their duties on a rotational basis through the three main sections and partake in some weekend duties.

Working for our organisation

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was created on 1 October 2019 following the merger of two adult acute Trusts, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The merger provides an opportunity to reconfigure services in a way that provides the best healthcare services to the city and improves the quality of care and health outcomes that patients experience.

The Trust runs Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool University Dental Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

It serves a core population of around 630,000 people across Merseyside as well as providing a range of highly specialist services to a catchment area of more than two million people in the North West region and beyond.

To hear more about our achievements click here https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/media/13089/1606-annual-report-booklet_final.pdf

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main tasks

• Build upon the post holders acquired technical and analytical knowledge achieved through specialist training and experience.
• Maintain specialist technical and analytical knowledge by participating in CPD.
• Maintain state registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) by complying with Standards of Proficiency and Conduct.
• Ensure compliance with all local and national standards of work practice e.g. UKAS.
• Maintain the knowledge and expertise necessary to perform specialised procedures associated with a teaching hospital.
• Maintain the necessary specialist knowledge and skills sufficient to work independently, seeking advice only when deemed necessary.
• Participate in Personnel Development Plans and Appraisals

• Assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received, liaising with medical staff as necessary.
• Deal sympathetically during liaison with colleagues, other healthcare professionals and staff from external organisations.
• Use empathy and understanding to ensure that technical, clinical and

• Negotiate with service users resolving contentious issues that conflict with

• Report and explain results to clinicians and other service users.
• Provide specialist advice to clinicians and other service users regarding specimen types, investigations required, appropriateness of test, timing of

• Provide advice and guidance to students, trainees and newly qualified.

• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of a conflict of priorities relating to concurrent demands placed upon the service.

• Use specialist knowledge across a range of procedures, authorise test results integrating and initiating further tests as appropriate.
• Take responsibility for finishing, checking, validating and authorizing colleague’s work as necessary.
• Check validity and reliability of analytical processes, maintaining and monitoring satisfactory performance by internal quality control and external quality assessment.
• Use acquired skills and experience for film reporting, and selection of a complex molecular and immunological techniques for Haematological diagnosis.
• Manipulation of materials and objects such as microscopes, pipettes, gels and columns for accurate and reliable determination of results and diagnosis of congenital disorders
• Set up and check instrumentation for correct operation, troubleshooting and correcting minor faults, reporting major faults to senior staff. Maintain instrument, QC and reagent logs and utilise resources cost effectively.

• Ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system using specialised laboratory software.
• Liaise with IT support in resolving any computer system difficulties.
• Make suitable alternative arrangements in the case of equipment malfunction.
• Monitor and store consumables and reagents.

• Participate in the development and evaluation of new techniques, methodologies and equipment.
• Separate and analyse samples for research and clinical trials.
• Participate in service audits as and when required.

• Assume enhanced responsibility in the absence of supervisory and other staff.
• Participate in the review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Contribute to the review and implementation of Department policies.
• Train, supervise and co-ordinate the activities of support staff and trainee Biomedical Scientists.
• General mentoring and tutoring of trainee members of staff and students.
• Participate in the development and education of other members of staff.
• Act as a Trainee BMS mentor.

• Take responsibility for the Haemato-Oncology service for this Trust and supply a support service to other hospitals / other organisations within the region.
• Prioritise work to help ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
• Inform the Department medical staff of unexpected results or inappropriate requests.
• Maintain the safety and security of the Department and follow fire evacuation procedures informing the appropriate authorities when necessary.
• Responsible for communications and monitoring internal and external alarm systems and take any remedial action to rectify any system failure.
• Notify the Hospital Manager of any untoward incidents within the Department and Trust e.g. water leak, power cut.

Through the course of employment staff may become aware of information

concerning patients or other staff. All such information must be treated as

confidential.

All staff participate in an annual performance review program where Personal Development Plans are agreed.

See the full job description for more details.

Person specification

Qualifications

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
• HCPC state registration

• MSc in Biomedical Sciences

Experience

• Demonstrable Post-Registration experience in a Chemistry or Haematology NHS laboratory
• Experience in validating patient results in Chemistry and/or Haematology

• Evidence of development of Flow Cytometric assays/Research experience in Flow cytomteric techniques/histology/molecular genetics

Knowledge

• Health and safety awareness

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Numerate

• IT skills
• Keyboard skills

Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.

Posts advertised to ‘internal staff’ are open to employees of hospitals within University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and you should confirm your employment within your application form.

Only those applicants who demonstrate clearly how they meet our person specification will be shortlisted for interview.

We reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a minimum number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

Candidates applying for the role of Healthcare Assistant on the staff bank should note that due to the nature of the role, workers must be aged 18 or above when commencing in post. Applicants are therefore welcome from those aged over 18 or within 3 months’ of their 18^th birthday.

Not all roles are suitable for every flexible working opportunity all of the time. Flexible working options may include reduced hours, compressed hours, fixed shifts, time back in lieu and home working.

The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce demography representative of the local community. We encourage applicants from the following groups that are currently under-represented in our workforce black, Asian and minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+), disabled, male and age 16-24.

Bank posts require upfront payment. DBS applications submitted from 2nd December will be subject to the new DBS fee of £26.50 (standard) and £54.50 (Enhanced).

From April 2017, Skilled visa applicants and their adult dependant(s) will be required to provide a criminal record certificate from each country they have lived in consecutively for 12 months or more in the past ten years.

Applicants requiring sponsorship may wish to determine the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship for this position by assessing themselves against the criteria on the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

This organisation has a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff must ensure they adhere to the organisations safeguarding children and adults’ policy and comply with the Local Safeguarding Children and Adult Board procedures.

Staff should be mindful of their responsibility to safeguard children and adults in any activity performed on behalf of the organisation in line with the requirements of statutory guidance and legislation.

All employees (and volunteers)are expected maintain their safeguarding knowledge and skills by completing mandatory safeguarding training which includes understanding and recognising the signs of abuse and neglect and taking appropriate action.

As an organisation, we have adopted the Merseyside Domestic abuse workplace scheme which supports our staff who are experiencing Domestic Abuse /any forms of sexual violence.

If you have any personal requirements that will enable you to participate in our recruitment process please contact a member of the Recruitment Services by phone on 0151 706 4666 at the earliest opportunity to ensure that measures can be put in place to enable your application for this post.

Please note: new entrants to the NHS will commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.