Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic and adaptable HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join UK NEQAS Haematology as a Band 8a Automated Haematology EQA Lead Scientist.

The UK National External Quality Assessment Unit (UK NEQAS) is operated by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is based in a bespoke unit at Croxley Business Park in Watford.

The post holder will provide senior scientific and operational leadership for the automated counting EQA programmes, supporting their delivery, development and continual improvement.

You will require extensive senior-level laboratory haematology experience, with specialist knowledge of automated cell counting platforms, together with a strong understanding of EQA, performance assessment and laboratory quality management.

This is a full-time position. You will be required to work from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, although flexible working arrangements will be considered. Full details will be discussed at interview.

We are also recruiting to a separate Band 8a Morphology Lead EQA Scientist post within UK NEQAS. Applicants whose experience and interests span both Automated Haematology and Morphology are welcome to apply for both posts; however, a separate application should be submitted for each role. If you apply for both posts, please indicate this in your application.

Main duties of the job
You will lead and coordinate the day-to-day operation of the automated counting EQA service, including programmes covering FBC, WBC differential, platelet counting, reticulocytes, ESR and infectious mononucleosis.

The role includes line management and staff development; analysis and interpretation of EQA data; investigation of complex participant queries; preparation and review of performance reports; validation of new parameters, methods, equipment and survey materials; and contribution to service development.

You will work with manufacturers and suppliers on technical issues and performance trends and contribute to Scientific Advisory Groups, specialist working groups and national/international activities.

About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, 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. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net 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. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job responsibilities
The responsibilities include:

• Providing senior scientific and operational leadership for automated haematology EQA programmes.
• Deputising for the Haematology Service Manager within the specialist portfolio and supporting wider service delivery as required.
• Line managing, training and assessing the competency of EQA Scientists and support staff.
• Coordinating preparation, testing and distribution of survey material and verification of participant-generated data.
• Analysing EQA data and interpreting participant performance.
• Investigating complex participant queries and systemic performance trends.
• Validating new parameters, methods, equipment and survey materials.
• Authoring, reviewing and maintaining SOPs and controlled documents.
• Investigating non-conformances, quality incidents and complaints and contributing to CAPA.
• Supporting service development, reporting/analytics and IT validation.

Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• MSc, FIBMS Special in Haematology or equivalent qualification.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Evidence of active participation in CPD.

Desirable

• Management or leadership qualification.
• Formal training or demonstrable experience in quality management, EQA statistics, method comparison, performance assessment or data analysis.

Knowledge:
Essential

• Specialist knowledge of laboratory haematology theory and practice, including the principles of operation of automated cell counting systems
• A comprehensive understanding of laboratory quality management systems and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of staff management and the capability to handle conflict resolution.
• A comprehensive understanding of the role of EQA and performance assessment within laboratory medicine.
• Basic statistical knowledge including analysis of data sets and measures of central tendency.

Desirable

• Knowledge of project management.
• Knowledge of intermediate to advanced statistics.

Experience:
Essential

• Extensive senior-level experience in laboratory haematology, with a specialist knowledge of automated cell counting platforms.
• Experience of staff management and supervision.
• Experience of the use of laboratory information or data management systems.
• Experience of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Desirable

• Experience in report writing and/or oral presentations.
• Experience in conflict resolution.

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.

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).