Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Clinical Scientist to join the Biochemistry team based in Hywel Dda University Health Board. The successful candidate will join a team of 2 Consultant Clinical Scientists and one Principal Clinical Scientist. You must be registered with the Health Care Professions Council as a Clinical Scientist (Clinical Biochemistry). Biochemistry is part of the wider blood sciences department that has laboratories in all four hospitals in South West Wales; Bronglais General Hospital in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest. The biochemistry laboratories have recently undergone an analyser upgrade and are equipped with Roche COBAS Pro, Radiometer Abl 80, Tosoh G8, Sebia Minicap/Capillarys 3 and Binding Site Optilite analysers. Main duties of the job To advise and interpret test results and to discuss their relevance with regard to the patient's clinical condition, treatment and recommend further testing, if appropriate. Please see below for further duties. Although the post as advertised is full time at AfC band 8a we're also open to appointing someone part time, flexible working or to candidates who don't yet have Part 1 FRCPath (under Annex 21 rules). For appointment at AfC band 8a we will require you to have relevant Clinical Biochemistry experience, be HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist, have an MSc or equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry and have obtained FRCPath Part 1. Consideration will be given to appoint under AfC Annex 21 for candidates who are HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist but who have yet to attain the FRCPath part 1 examination but are actively working towards it. Full support will be given to allow the successful candidates to complete their training within a fixed period of time. Please see below for further information on Annex 21. About us Hywel Dda University Health Board is the planner and provider of NHS healthcare services for people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and its bordering counties. Our 12,000 members of staff provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services to almost 400,000 people across a quarter of the landmass of Wales. We do this in partnership with our three local authorities and public, private and third sector colleagues, including our volunteers, through: Four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli and Withybush General in Haverfordwest. Five community hospitals: Amman Valley Hospital and Llandovery Hospital in Carmarthenshire, Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire Hospital Health and Social Care Resource Centre in Pembrokeshire. Two integrated care centres (Aberaeron and Cardigan, Ceredigion). Community facilities, including: 48 General Practices (GP surgeries), 49 Dental Practices, 98 Community Pharmacies (chemists), 44 General Ophthalmic Practices (including eye health and low vision services), 38 sites providing mental health and learning disability services, care within your own homes Highly specialised and tertiary services commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee, a joint committee representing seven health boards across Wales. Date posted 18 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £54,550 to £61,412 a year per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 100-HS004-0225 Job locations TBC TBC SA15 5PU Job description Job responsibilities This post is advertised as a Band 8a and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the FRCPath part 1 examination. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 8a role are encouraged to apply, and if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under the All Wales Annex 21 rules. This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 8a pay, and the second year 75%). And following successful completion of the FRCPath part 1 examination the post holder will then be paid at Band 8a (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 8a role. As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.Failure to achieve the qualification and required competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment. Other duties to include: To support validation and implementation of new methods and assays, overseeing their introduction into routine clinical use. Act independently within appropriate occupational guidelines and policies, whilst remaining accountable overall to the Consultant Clinical Scientists. Identify priority analyses or referral specimens on clinical grounds and liaise with Section Managers if these impact the day to day management of Biomedical Scientists and support staff. Contribute to, monitor and implement medium and long-term service improvement schemes. Contribute to departmental discussions on the diagnostic implications of service development and strategic planning issues, both medium and long-term. You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us. Interviews will be held on 13/03/2025. Job description Job responsibilities This post is advertised as a Band 8a and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the FRCPath part 1 examination. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 8a role are encouraged to apply, and if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 2 years and will be appointed under the All Wales Annex 21 rules. This means they will be supported by a development plan. (During the first year payment will be 70% of the top rate of band 8a pay, and the second year 75%). And following successful completion of the FRCPath part 1 examination the post holder will then be paid at Band 8a (minimum point on the scale). Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 8a role. As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.Failure to achieve the qualification and required competencies in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment. Other duties to include: To support validation and implementation of new methods and assays, overseeing their introduction into routine clinical use. Act independently within appropriate occupational guidelines and policies, whilst remaining accountable overall to the Consultant Clinical Scientists. Identify priority analyses or referral specimens on clinical grounds and liaise with Section Managers if these impact the day to day management of Biomedical Scientists and support staff. Contribute to, monitor and implement medium and long-term service improvement schemes. Contribute to departmental discussions on the diagnostic implications of service development and strategic planning issues, both medium and long-term. You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents. The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us. Interviews will be held on 13/03/2025. Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential Honours Degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or related subject MSc in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or related subject Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath-Part 1) specialising in Clinical Biochemistry HCPC registration Evidence of on-going CPD Basic knowledge of health specialities, clinical governance and support services (HR, Finance, R&D Desirable PhD Experience Essential Experience of working within an accredited Clinical Biochemistry service Experience of procurement and evaluation of new assays, equipment and techniques in all areas of Clinical Biochemistry Experience as a Clinical Scientist Desirable Basic research experience Previous experience in the field of POCT Other Essential Ability to travel Able and prepared to provide cross cover for all HDUHB sites when required Flexible to meet the needs of the service Desirable Welsh Speaker (Level 1) Person Specification Qualifications and Knowledge Essential Honours Degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or related subject MSc in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or related subject Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath-Part 1) specialising in Clinical Biochemistry HCPC registration Evidence of on-going CPD Basic knowledge of health specialities, clinical governance and support services (HR, Finance, R&D Desirable PhD Experience Essential Experience of working within an accredited Clinical Biochemistry service Experience of procurement and evaluation of new assays, equipment and techniques in all areas of Clinical Biochemistry Experience as a Clinical Scientist Desirable Basic research experience Previous experience in the field of POCT Other Essential Ability to travel Able and prepared to provide cross cover for all HDUHB sites when required Flexible to meet the needs of the service Desirable Welsh Speaker (Level 1) 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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Hywel Dda University Health Board Address TBC TBC SA15 5PU Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)