Applications are invited from enthusiastic and highly motivated Specialist Biomedical Scientists for the post in the Biochemical Genetics Unit. This is a part-time role for 22.5 hours a week which will include Thursdays and Fridays plus an additional day during the week. You will be part of a roster working approximately every six weeks on Saturdays, a late shift once a fortnight and some bank holidays.
This is a challenging post and offers an aspiring Biomedical Scientist the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to maintain a high-quality service for newborn blood spot screening, metabolic analysis and immunosuppressant monitoring. This role demands both specialist knowledge and technical aspects of laboratory practice including meeting turnaround times, training junior staff, stock take and participate in the quality management system.
The Biochemical Genetics Unit provides Newborn Blood Spot Screening for East Anglia, immunosuppressant drug service and metabolic investigations for hospitals within this area and further afield. The laboratory team is committed to providing a friendly, responsive and efficient service and you will need to demonstrate both leadership qualities and an ability to work as a team player.
Main duties of the job
Processes specialist investigations in the Biochemical Genetics Unit by:
- Providing specialist advice to clinicians as to appropriateness of tests and timescales.
- Providing specialist service e.g. training, problem solving for specialist requirement.
- To work independently and lead on a specialist area as directed by Laboratory Manager.
- To act as mentor for more junior scientific and support staff
You will be required to:
- Work flexibly in reflection of service needs, this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service
- Supervise and/or train less experienced staff in own area of work.
- Maintain and promote professional image of the CUH Trust
- Lead and supervise a section of the laboratory where required
The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may include blood, pus, urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.
You must not work outside your defined field of competence.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 12000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You must be HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist and have a relevant postgraduate qualification at a specialist level(e.g. IBMS Specialist portfolio). The right candidate who is nearing the completion of a specialist portfolio and significant demonstrable experience of working at Biomedical Scientist (AfC B5) within a related field will also be considered, you will remain on AfC B5 until the completion of their portfolio. You will be trained in the use of methodologies including practical experience of using a tandem mass spectrometer, a range of chromatographic techniques and the use of immunoassay but previous experience would be an advantage.
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 12th May 2024
Interviews are due to be on 23rd May 2024
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
- Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent.
- IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent qualification.
Desirable
- IBMS diploma in Biomedical Science.
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post registration practical experience working in an NHS Clinical Biochemistry-based laboratory.
- Experience with Pathology IT systems.
- Experience of Quality Management Systems
Desirable
- Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS
- Previous experience of line managing staff and performing appraisals.
- Previous experience in the use of LC-MS/MS methods in a clinical laboratory.
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable knowledge across a wide range of Clinical Biochemistry analytical techniques.
- Demonstrable knowledge of the clinical reason for performing Biochemistry tests equivalent to that covered by the IBMS Specialist Portfolio.
- Knowledge of Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of quality control procedures used to assess performance of laboratory tests.
- Evidence of CPD.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Interpretation and analytical skills.
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently.
- Able to prioritise own workload and that of others to meet needs of the service.
- Able to follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures, including those for complex analytical techniques.
- Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
- High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques.
- High Level of attention to detail.
- Ability to train and supervise less experienced laboratory staff.
Desirable
- Proven influencing and negotiating skills at all levels.
- Demonstrable mentoring skills
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Desirable
- Effective leadership qualities.
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 the NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hospital-Division B
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Click on the link below to download the supporting documents.
