Job summary
We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist to join our dynamic, supportive and friendly Clinical Biochemistry team at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified, motivated Biomedical Scientists to join our well-established team within this busy UKAS-accredited pathology service.

This is an exciting time to join the department following the successful implementation of a new Beckman Coulter automated Biochemistry and Immunoassay platform across Epsom and St Helier Hospitals. Our laboratories now operate with modern Beckman Coulter analysers and automation systems, including DxI 9000 immunoassay analysers, chemistry analysers, DxA/Automate track systems and associated middleware, supporting a high-throughput 24/7 Clinical Biochemistry service.

The post is 37.5 hours per week and will be primarily based at St Helier Hospital, although rotation to other sites within South West London Pathology may be required according to service needs.

Main duties of the job
We are seeking to recruit a suitably qualified Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join the Clinical Blood Sciences team. The successful candidate will work primarily within Automated Biochemistry, with opportunities to work across other specialist areas of Clinical Biochemistry following appropriate training and competency assessment.

The successful candidate will play an important role throughout the analytical pathway, including sample processing, operation and maintenance of complex automated laboratory equipment, quality control, calibration, troubleshooting, analysis, validation and authorisation of patient results.

You will be expected to demonstrate sound scientific and technical knowledge, recognise and investigate analytical problems, take appropriate corrective action and escalate issues when necessary. You will also contribute to maintaining high standards of quality, patient safety and compliance with laboratory procedures and accreditation requirements.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable individual who demonstrates a flexible approach to work and can contribute effectively within a busy multidisciplinary team.

Following appropriate training and competency assessment, the successful candidate will participate in the department's 24-hour, seven-day service, including the out-of-hours rota.

About us
South West London Pathology (SWLP) is an NHS partnership providing a highly dependable, clinically assured and cost effective diagnostic pathology service. SWLP is a pathology partnership between Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which provides a single, integrated pathology service for hospitals and GPs across South West London and beyond.

At Epsom and St Helier, the Clinical Biochemistry laboratories operate modern Beckman Coulter automation systems supporting a busy 24/7 service, including Emergency Departments, acute medicine, obstetrics, inpatient services and primary care.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with modern analytical technology while developing their knowledge and experience within a large networked pathology service.

Find out more about South West London Pathology on our website

Job responsibilities
The role also provides opportunities for continued professional development. You will be expected to maintain your HCPC registration through CPD, participate in relevant training and development activities, and contribute to the training and competency assessment of Biomedical Scientists, support staff and other healthcare professionals.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your technical, scientific and leadership skills within a busy and innovative Clinical Biochemistry service using modern laboratory automation.

Please see the attached supporting job description and person specification document, which contains more information about the role and requirements. Please ensure your application refers to the job description and person specification

Qualifications and Training
Essential

• An Honours degree or equivalent in a biological Science
• HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline or equivalent experience

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Proven experience post HCPC registration in the relevant discipline
• Excellent working knowledge of specialist subject in relevant discipline
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Knowledge of health and safety issues
• Experience of quality management systems

Desirable

• Experience in using Beckman DXA5000, AU5800, DXI9000, DXone

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Practical specialist analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work
• Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to follow written methodologies or protocols
• Able to work as part of a team
• Able to work under pressure
• Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work
• Intermediate level of computer skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Use of enhanced pathology computer systems

Other relevant
Essential

• Good hand eye co-ordination
• Able to perform light physical work.
• Capable of intense periods of concentration

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.