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 departments 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 data analyst. They will contribute to medical teaching and training both trainee clinical scientist and biomedical scientist.

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 to ISO15189:2012 standard.

The department are 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 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.

We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact .

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants.

If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job description

Job responsibilities

There is a full 24/7 hour 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.

The Trust is committed to the personal development of its staff at all levels.

A new shared pathology network is being created with pathology colleagues across the local Integrated Care System (ICS) including East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB). Health Services Laboratories (HSL) is the newly appointed provider for this forthcoming shared networked pathology service

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 speciality 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

To have a thorough knowledge of human biochemistry and chemistry including metabolic processes, physiology, pharmacology and drug interference. To have a sound basic knowledge in other areas of Pathology. To have an 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

To have expert knowledge in a highly specialised area Protein electrophoresis, chromatography, endocrinology.

Experience

Essential

To have 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

To have attained status as a national or international expert or adviser. To have developed an expertise in one or more specialised analytical or clinical areas to a point of acting at an expert level within the Trust. To have attained a good record of achievement in research, development and audit activities, through presentations at national or international conferences and publication in peer reviewed journals