Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

We're looking for a Senior Biomedical Scientist to join our team at Synnovis, working within the Reference Biochemistry Laboratories. This role offers a chance to take on more responsibility, particularly within our Immunochemistry section, which delivers a range of specialist tests in areas such as endocrinology, liver fibrosis, and cancer.

You'll be part of a collaborative team, contributing to clinical authorisation, supporting service development, and helping to train and guide junior staff. The role also involves maintaining quality standards, managing resources, and ensuring a safe working environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone with HCPC registration who's ready to take the next step in their career, broaden their experience, and work across a variety of specialist areas in a well-supported and forward-thinking lab network.

Main duties of the job

• Provide scientific leadership within the Immunochemistry section of Reference Biochemistry.
• Perform complex manual, semi-automated, and fully automated laboratory investigations, including highly specialised tests.
• Measure and monitor accuracy and precision using appropriate quality control and assurance procedures.
• Participate in clinical authorisation and contribute to service development.
• Support research and development activities within the department.
• Undertake analytical, technical, and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery.
• Liaise with senior staff and clinicians to meet service requirements and turnaround times.
• Maintain adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
• Aid in maintaining the laboratory's quality management system and ensure compliance with national standards (e.g. UKAS).
• Train and supervise junior staff, promoting a safe and efficient working environment.
• May be required to deputise for senior colleagues when necessary.
• Subject to contract and competence, may perform analytical duties independently or as part of a small team.
• May work across other specialist sections or sites within the Synnovis network as needed.

About us

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

Your development and learning

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Technical

a. To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous and or radioactive chemicals.

b. To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.

c. In collaboration with the team to ensure first line troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment or methods is carried out, to arrange for engineer service visits and to supervise and if necessary to participate in the resolution of equipment or method failures.

d. In collaboration with the team to ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.

e. To perform when required highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.

f. In collaboration with the team to measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.

g. To undertake technical validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.

h. To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure. e.g. to liaise with clinical staff to ensure that priority work is identified and/or make alternative arrangements for an analysis to be done.

i. In collaboration with the Training Officer to train and develop the competence of trainee Biomedical and Clinical Scientists and Healthcare Scientists in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.]

2. Scientific

a. To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation, write SOPs, as directed by the Operations Lead.

b. To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department.

c. To participate in teaching of all staff within the Department of Clinical Biochemistry.

d. To assist in the development of Immunochemistry related assays in its broadest sense within the department and to facilitate the development and clinical use of analytical methods based upon immunoassay techniques in collaboration with junior and senior colleagues.

e. As required, to develop and/or assess new applications or new techniques in the field of Immunochemistry as applied to clinical biochemistry in collaboration/consultation with senior staff.

f. To undertake specific research and development projects, agreed by the Research & Development or Training Committee of the Department as appropriate, within the bounds of the required service provision and available resources. The laboratory research will be under the direction of a Consultant Clinical Scientist and supervised by a Service Delivery Manager/Divisional Manager or Consultant Scientist/Consultant Chemical Pathologist.

Clinical

a. Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialist requests for information out with their area of responsibility.

3. Quality Assurance

1. Maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the section. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations in section using appropriate quality control procedures.

b. Investigate adverse incidents and laboratory errors as necessary, communicate findings to the Section Lead, Immunochemistry team, Operations Manager and Quality Manager, and implement any changes agreed to reduce the likelihood of repetition.

1. In conjunction with the Quality Manager and Training Officer, educate staff in section of the function and practice of the quality management system.

1. The post holder will conduct and present audits to the departmental Quality committee as required by the audit schedule.

1. The post holder is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of internal quality assurance schemes in their section (as per IQA SOP). They will present IQA findings to the EQA committee as required.

1. The post holder will be responsible for Health and Safety issues in their section and report to the designated H&S officer as required.

1. In collaboration with the Section Lead the post holder will ensure that all staff in section read and sign Quality Management Documentation and check compliance through the appraisal system.

1. The post holder will be required to delegate various task to the Immunochemistry team as and when required.

1. The post holder will be responsible for relevant document management (through the use of QPulse) and ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use within the section
2. To monitor turnaround times of laboratory investigations and act on information to improve the service provided.

4. Risk Management/Health & Safety

a. To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.

b. Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.

c. To report adverse incidents as set out in the Trusts adverse Incident Policy.

d. To ensure that the work within the section is performed in accordance with current health and safety regulations and guidance and to take corrective action where necessary.

e. To liaise with the departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the section.

f. To take appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals in order to minimise the risk to staff and the public

g. To conduct regular risk assessments and take appropriate corrective action when required.

h. Liaise with department Safety Officer on issues around fire safety within the department.

5. Continuing Professional Development

a. Develop knowledge of the significance of medical laboratory work in order to offer the best possible service to the user.

b. Understands own role and is aware of the management structure of the department.

c. Contributes to service initiatives within the laboratory setting.

6. Laboratory Informatics

a. To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.

b. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.

c. To maintain and enhance competence in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.

7. Staff Training

a. Together with the Training Officer, to support and participate in staff training and development.

b. To participate with supervision of the work and performance monitoring of trainees and students in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.

8. Administrative

a. To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with ISO 15189 standards and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

b. To monitor and control the efficient use of financial, material and staff resources in the section and to take corrective action in consultation with the section manager.

c. To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating with colleagues and managers, arranging alternative provision in the event of a situation arising preventing timely reporting of results.

d. To ensure that training schedules are kept up to date and that documentation is validated signed on a regular basis as competencies are achieved.

e. To be responsible for the organisation and delivery of effective stock control of reagents and consumables in the section and to arrange alternative means of obtaining reagents from other sources if necessary.

f. To assist the Operations Lead prepare and monitor management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, plan and take corrective action if required.

g. To participate in the selection and recruitment of Healthcare Scientists and support staff.

h. The post holder must maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in work load, patterns and requirements, and will undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Operations Lead.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.

Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.

Job description
Job responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Technical

a. To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous and or radioactive chemicals.

b. To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.

c. In collaboration with the team to ensure first line troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment or methods is carried out, to arrange for engineer service visits and to supervise and if necessary to participate in the resolution of equipment or method failures.

d. In collaboration with the team to ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.

e. To perform when required highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.

f. In collaboration with the team to measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.

g. To undertake technical validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.

h. To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure. e.g. to liaise with clinical staff to ensure that priority work is identified and/or make alternative arrangements for an analysis to be done.

i. In collaboration with the Training Officer to train and develop the competence of trainee Biomedical and Clinical Scientists and Healthcare Scientists in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.]

2. Scientific

a. To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation, write SOPs, as directed by the Operations Lead.

b. To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department.

c. To participate in teaching of all staff within the Department of Clinical Biochemistry.

d. To assist in the development of Immunochemistry related assays in its broadest sense within the department and to facilitate the development and clinical use of analytical methods based upon immunoassay techniques in collaboration with junior and senior colleagues.

e. As required, to develop and/or assess new applications or new techniques in the field of Immunochemistry as applied to clinical biochemistry in collaboration/consultation with senior staff.

f. To undertake specific research and development projects, agreed by the Research & Development or Training Committee of the Department as appropriate, within the bounds of the required service provision and available resources. The laboratory research will be under the direction of a Consultant Clinical Scientist and supervised by a Service Delivery Manager/Divisional Manager or Consultant Scientist/Consultant Chemical Pathologist.

Clinical

a. Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialist requests for information out with their area of responsibility.

3. Quality Assurance

1. Maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the section. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations in section using appropriate quality control procedures.

b. Investigate adverse incidents and laboratory errors as necessary, communicate findings to the Section Lead, Immunochemistry team, Operations Manager and Quality Manager, and implement any changes agreed to reduce the likelihood of repetition.

1. In conjunction with the Quality Manager and Training Officer, educate staff in section of the function and practice of the quality management system.

1. The post holder will conduct and present audits to the departmental Quality committee as required by the audit schedule.

1. The post holder is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of internal quality assurance schemes in their section (as per IQA SOP). They will present IQA findings to the EQA committee as required.

1. The post holder will be responsible for Health and Safety issues in their section and report to the designated H&S officer as required.

1. In collaboration with the Section Lead the post holder will ensure that all staff in section read and sign Quality Management Documentation and check compliance through the appraisal system.

1. The post holder will be required to delegate various task to the Immunochemistry team as and when required.

1. The post holder will be responsible for relevant document management (through the use of QPulse) and ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use within the section
2. To monitor turnaround times of laboratory investigations and act on information to improve the service provided.

4. Risk Management/Health & Safety

a. To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.

b. Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.

c. To report adverse incidents as set out in the Trusts adverse Incident Policy.

d. To ensure that the work within the section is performed in accordance with current health and safety regulations and guidance and to take corrective action where necessary.

e. To liaise with the departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the section.

f. To take appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals in order to minimise the risk to staff and the public

g. To conduct regular risk assessments and take appropriate corrective action when required.

h. Liaise with department Safety Officer on issues around fire safety within the department.

5. Continuing Professional Development

a. Develop knowledge of the significance of medical laboratory work in order to offer the best possible service to the user.

b. Understands own role and is aware of the management structure of the department.

c. Contributes to service initiatives within the laboratory setting.

6. Laboratory Informatics

a. To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information.

b. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.

c. To maintain and enhance competence in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.

7. Staff Training

a. Together with the Training Officer, to support and participate in staff training and development.

b. To participate with supervision of the work and performance monitoring of trainees and students in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.

8. Administrative

a. To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with ISO 15189 standards and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

b. To monitor and control the efficient use of financial, material and staff resources in the section and to take corrective action in consultation with the section manager.

c. To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating with colleagues and managers, arranging alternative provision in the event of a situation arising preventing timely reporting of results.

d. To ensure that training schedules are kept up to date and that documentation is validated signed on a regular basis as competencies are achieved.

e. To be responsible for the organisation and delivery of effective stock control of reagents and consumables in the section and to arrange alternative means of obtaining reagents from other sources if necessary.

f. To assist the Operations Lead prepare and monitor management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, plan and take corrective action if required.

g. To participate in the selection and recruitment of Healthcare Scientists and support staff.

h. The post holder must maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in work load, patterns and requirements, and will undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Operations Lead.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.

Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) in subject relevant to Biomedical Sciences.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio
• MSc or equivalent in subject relevant to Biomedical Sciences.
• State Registration (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

• Quality or Management qualification
• Demonstration of Continuing Professional Development

Experience

Essential

• Significant post HCPC registration experience
• Demonstrable experience of analyser / method experience and evaluations
• Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals.
• To have an extensive knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods
• Demonstrable experience in analytical procedures including immunoassay and separation science technology and mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrable experience in analyser / method problem solving
• Ability to undertake technical validation of results
• Experience of training and audit

Desirable

• Experience of line management of staff
• Cultivating junior colleagues with skills in areas of specialty

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge of tests utilised in Clinical Biochemistry.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Able to prioritise and manage work related challenges.
• Able to interrogate Quality Control and External Quality Assurance data.
• Ability to adapt service to changes to workload and solve problems with the minimum of help.
• Able to maintain concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions
• Have excellent practical skills and the ability to use analytical judgement.
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of the management of laboratory procedures in your own areas, including following health and safety legislation and procedure
• Knowledge of the correct policies and procedures to implement in relation to quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience of manual immunoassay and electrophoresis techniques
• Advanced use of Analyse-it Software or equivalent.

Person Specification
Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) in subject relevant to Biomedical Sciences.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio
• MSc or equivalent in subject relevant to Biomedical Sciences.
• State Registration (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

• Quality or Management qualification
• Demonstration of Continuing Professional Development

Experience

Essential

• Significant post HCPC registration experience
• Demonstrable experience of analyser / method experience and evaluations
• Ability to communicate technical information and results with other health professionals.
• To have an extensive knowledge of routine and specialised analytical methods
• Demonstrable experience in analytical procedures including immunoassay and separation science technology and mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrable experience in analyser / method problem solving
• Ability to undertake technical validation of results
• Experience of training and audit

Desirable

• Experience of line management of staff
• Cultivating junior colleagues with skills in areas of specialty

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge of tests utilised in Clinical Biochemistry.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Able to prioritise and manage work related challenges.
• Able to interrogate Quality Control and External Quality Assurance data.
• Ability to adapt service to changes to workload and solve problems with the minimum of help.
• Able to maintain concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions
• Have excellent practical skills and the ability to use analytical judgement.
• Advanced use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of the management of laboratory procedures in your own areas, including following health and safety legislation and procedure
• Knowledge of the correct policies and procedures to implement in relation to quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience of manual immunoassay and electrophoresis techniques
• Advanced use of Analyse-it Software or equivalent.

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.
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Additional information
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.
UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

Employer details

Employer name

Synnovis Analytics
Address

Friars Bridge Court

41-43 Blackfriars Road

London

SE1 8NZ

Employer's website