Job Summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 8b Clinical Scientist in Chemical Pathology and invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced applicants, with significant experience of working in a busy Chemical Pathology Department.
The successful candidate will be expected to be an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry and have successfully completed the Part 1 FRCPath examination.
Those with part 1 FRCPath who are actively working towards obtaining part 2 FRCPath are encouraged to apply. This post will provide full support in preparing for part 2 FRCPath.
Main Duties of the Job
The post holder is expected to lead the Proteins section of the laboratory and play a major role in the department's Quality Management System.
They will also be expected to undertake method development, protocol development, and clinical liaison including 'duty' biochemist.
They will work closely with IT as a data analyst. They will contribute to medical teaching and training for both trainee clinical scientists and biomedical scientists.
The appointee will assist the Head of Department and other members of the Consultant team in providing a comprehensive, cost-effective, and high-quality Chemical Pathology service in our laboratories, which is compliant with ISO15189:2012 standards.
The department is actively working to the ISO15189:2022 standard. The appointee will represent the Chemical Pathology Department at relevant Trust and Pathology meetings and will contribute to service improvement as well as facilitating the delivery of current service provision across the department.
About Us
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imaging models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes, and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional, and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
At West Herts, we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work-life balance and the ability to work flexibly.
Job Responsibilities
There is a full 24/7 acute/urgent analytical service at Watford General Hospital and a Monday to Friday, 08:00 am to 20:00 pm, non-urgent service provided at the Hemel Hempstead site.
The successful candidate is expected to work across sites as required. The post holder will be expected to participate in the on-call roster for the provision of clinical advice out of hours after appropriate training.
The laboratory is fully automated using Roche Cobas platform for automated chemistry, Siemens Atellica platform for immunochemistry, and Sebia system for protein electrophoresis.
This role requires working closely with Consultants, Team Leaders, Quality Leads, and Chemical Pathology operation manager and Blood Sciences manager.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
* First Degree or assessed equivalent of knowledge and expertise.
* Master's Degree or assessed equivalent level of knowledge and expertise in the specialty of Clinical Biochemistry.
* Fellow of Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) as required for Medical Consultant.
* Demonstration of Continuing Professional Development at agreed level of participation.
* Registration as a clinical scientist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Desirable
* PhD
Knowledge
Essential
* Thorough knowledge of human biochemistry and chemistry including metabolic processes, physiology, pharmacology, and drug interference.
* Sound basic knowledge in other areas of Pathology.
* Extensive knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods, quality assurance, and problem solving.
* Able to perform risk assessments on a variety of laboratory situations.
* Fully conversant with COSHH regulations and their application to laboratories.
* Able to perform clinical risk assessments and resolve problems or investigate complaints relating to the service as part of Clinical Governance.
* Extensive knowledge of national professional and NHS guidelines relating to service provision and quality.
* Knowledge of resource allocations and procurement.
Desirable
* Expert knowledge in a highly specialised area e.g. Protein electrophoresis, chromatography, endocrinology.
Experience
Essential
* Completed a minimum of 5 years in post as a Registered Clinical Scientist of which 2 years should have been at advanced practitioner level (8A).
Desirable
* Attained status as a national or international expert or adviser.
* Developed expertise in one or more specialised analytical or clinical areas to a point of acting at an expert level within the Trust.
* Good record of achievement in research, development, and audit activities, through presentations at national or international conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. #J-18808-Ljbffr