Job summary We are seeking to appoint a self-motivated Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our Cellular Pathology team, within our Cytology department. The successful candidate will work closely with other Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Pathologists to ensure high quality testing to aid in the diagnosis of patient samples. Candidates will work mainly within the cytology pre-screening department, and therefore experience and competence in this area is essential. There may also be scope to rotate through other areas of the laboratory including andrology, microtomy and special stains. The ideal candidate will be a team player that possesses excellent communication skills, organisation and manual dexterity skills and have a keen eye for detail. You will also have the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and have a keen interest in pathology. You should be able to demonstrate good keyboard skills and be computer literate. Previous experience of working in an NHS Cellular Pathology laboratory and particularly in cytology pre-screening is essential. Main duties of the job Main tasks include: Pre-screening of diagnostic cytology specimens Preparation and processing of cytology samples for diagnosis. Answering telephone queries and liaising with other Trust staff and engineers. Organising referral work, packaging and sending of samples to other Trust sites and to other Trusts nationwide including sending cases for EQA. Stock control including receiving and receipting deliveries, documenting and organising batches of reagents and performing verification tasks. Assist in the training and competency assessment of new Band 4 staff within the cytology department. Error logging and troubloeshooting Please refer to the Job Description and Personal Specification for full details. About us If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary £23,200, to apply you must have Right to Work in the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents Date posted 03 October 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £35,392 to £42,618 a year pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9439-24-0999 Job locations University Hospital Of North Durham North Road Durham DH1 5TW Job description Job responsibilities Please see the attached job description and personal specification for full details. This Specialist Biomedical Scientist role involves working closely with Pathologists, other Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners. Candidates must be able to follow the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete the relevant quality documentation as required. The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissue samples which can be of a sensitive nature. Previous experience and competency in diagnostic cytology pre-screening is essential as this will be the main duty of this role. This will be assessed at interview via a pre-screening practical test. Acceptance testing and validation duties will be carried out as part of this role. Stock is managed by all laboratory staff. This includes monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting goods delivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork is complete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organised manner. The candidate should have good knowledge of the processes involved when preparing cytology samples for diagnosis as they will be expected to provide supervision, training and leadership to Associate Practitioner staff in this area. In order to perform their daily tasks effectively, the successful candidate requires the ability to focus for long periods of time, have great attention to detail and possess the ability to organise tasks in priority order.Computer literacy skills are also required, as they are expected to use spreadsheets, access LIMS, write SOPs and perform audits as needed. Job description Job responsibilities Please see the attached job description and personal specification for full details. This Specialist Biomedical Scientist role involves working closely with Pathologists, other Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners. Candidates must be able to follow the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete the relevant quality documentation as required. The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissue samples which can be of a sensitive nature. Previous experience and competency in diagnostic cytology pre-screening is essential as this will be the main duty of this role. This will be assessed at interview via a pre-screening practical test. Acceptance testing and validation duties will be carried out as part of this role. Stock is managed by all laboratory staff. This includes monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting goods delivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork is complete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organised manner. The candidate should have good knowledge of the processes involved when preparing cytology samples for diagnosis as they will be expected to provide supervision, training and leadership to Associate Practitioner staff in this area. In order to perform their daily tasks effectively, the successful candidate requires the ability to focus for long periods of time, have great attention to detail and possess the ability to organise tasks in priority order.Computer literacy skills are also required, as they are expected to use spreadsheets, access LIMS, write SOPs and perform audits as needed. Person Specification Statutory Registration Essential HCPC registration Desirable IBMS membership Qualifications Essential Biomedical Sciences degree Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology Desirable Equivalent science qualifications Science A'Levels DEP Cytology Screening Experience Essential Previous laboratory experience Cytology Pre-screening competency Desirable Previous pathology laboratory experience Special Skills & Knowledge Essential Follow protocols and instructions accurately Communication, verbal and written Computer literate Cytology Pre-screening competency Desirable Microsoft Office applications Leadership skills Special Requirements Essential Able to handle tissue and body fluid samples Able to work flexibly Desirable Able to participate in shift working, weekend working, bank holidays as required. Person Specification Statutory Registration Essential HCPC registration Desirable IBMS membership Qualifications Essential Biomedical Sciences degree Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology Desirable Equivalent science qualifications Science A'Levels DEP Cytology Screening Experience Essential Previous laboratory experience Cytology Pre-screening competency Desirable Previous pathology laboratory experience Special Skills & Knowledge Essential Follow protocols and instructions accurately Communication, verbal and written Computer literate Cytology Pre-screening competency Desirable Microsoft Office applications Leadership skills Special Requirements Essential Able to handle tissue and body fluid samples Able to work flexibly Desirable Able to participate in shift working, weekend working, bank holidays as required. 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. Employer details Employer name County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Address University Hospital Of North Durham North Road Durham DH1 5TW Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)