Job summary
Cambridge University Hospitals is seeking highly motivated and skilled individuals to join our Haematology (Blood Sciences) Department as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a leading healthcare provider, renowned for its clinical excellence and innovative research. You must be HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist and have a relevant IBMS Specialist diploma or equivalent qualification.
Applications may be accepted from HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists who are currently progressing through the Specialist Portfolio in Clinical Haematology or Blood Sciences. Successful candidates that have not yet completed the portfolio will be paid on Band 5 based on their experience at that grade until completion.
Experience working in a NHS diagnostic haematology laboratory would be desirable.
This post will involve rotation into automated haematology, coagulation, morphology and haemoglobinopathy sections. There will be an expectation to participate in the 24/7 shift system.
The laboratory has UKAS accreditation, and the department is an IBMS approved training laboratory and we are committed to supporting the professional development of our staff. This post will allow you to develop transferable skills and experience.
Main duties of the job
1. Processes specialist investigations in department
2. Provides specialist advice to clinicians as to appropriateness of tests and timescales
3. Provides specialist service training, problem solving for specialist requirement
4. Work independently and lead on specialist area as directed by Lead BMS
5. Acts as mentor for more junior scientific and support staff
6. To work flexibly in reflection of service needs this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service
7. Supervises and/or trains less experienced staff in own area of work
8. To work according to Health and Safety policies and procedures as the work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may include blood, pus, urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions
9. Maintain and promote professional image of the CUH Trust.
10. Where required, to lead and supervise a section of the laboratory.
NB: Post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 16th September 2024
Interviews are due to be held on 4th October 2024
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
11. HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
12. Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
13. IBMS Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline or equivalent qualification. (Applicants working towards this may still be considered
14. Evidence of CPD
Experience
Essential
15. Substantial practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory.
16. Experience of Pathology IT systems.
17. Experience of Quality Management Systems.
18. Experience of training and supervision of staff
Desirable
19. Previous relevant experience of working in a Haematology Laboratory
Knowledge
Essential
20. Theoretical knowledge and practical experience of specialist biomedical procedures relevant to post.
21. Good knowledge of Blood Sciences - particularly Haematology
Desirable
22. Knowledge/performance of Risk Assessments
Skills
Essential
23. Willingness to undertake cross training to extend skill set to deliver role.
24. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
25. Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently
26. Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
27. High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques
28. Ability to follow processes and procedures.
29. Ability to supervise less experienced staff, including supporting the training of staff
Desirable
30. Good influencing and negotiating skills
Additional Requirements
Essential
31. Strives for excellence
32. High level of accuracy and attention to detail
33. Integrity and personal credibility
34. Self-motivated and able to motivate others
35. Ability to be flexible and respond to the needs of the service
36. Ability to work with minimal supervision
37. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines where there are competing demands
38. Awareness of self and impact on others
39. The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent
40. Able to work with body fluids and hazardous materials.
Desirable
41. Credible and effective leadership qualities.