Biomedical Scientist

at  Synnovis

St Thomas’s Hospital Biochemical Sciences/Nutristasis and King’s College Hospital Reference Biochemistry/Immunology laboratories (part of Synnovis Analytics) provides specialist assay services delivery using latest technology and methodologies (experience in mass spectrometry techniques and method evaluation is desirable by not essential).
We are recruiting for a fixed term (5 months) Biomedical Scientist post (band 5/6 AfC equivalent, dependent on experience / qualifications) to support laboratory service delivery during Validation and Verification (V&V) activities in our Specialist Biochemistry and Immunology laboratories as we move to a new Hub laboratory facility in Blackfriars, London.
Please note: Candidates will be expected to have completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio, as this is a requisite for employment at Band 6 Biomedical Scientist AfC equivalent grade in Reference Biochemistry. Candidates without the IBMS Specialist Portfolio are invited to apply, and will initially be paid on the Band 5 Biomedical Scientist AfC equivalent grade. On completion of the IBMS Specialist Portfolio, the expectation is that the salary will be converted to Band 6 Biomedical Scientist AfC equivalent grade at this stage.
This year, many of these services will transfer to a purpose-built hub laboratory at Friars Bridge Court, Blackfriars, as part of Synnovis’ plan to create a world-leading integrated pathology network that will deliver for South East London and beyond. Transfer of these existing laboratories will involve significant amounts of validation and verification. This is a unique opportunity for you to contribute and help us deliver this project! Experience in mass spectrometry techniques and method evaluation is desirable by not essential.
We are inviting applications for a Biomedical Scientist role from enthusiastic and motivated individuals. We are also interested to hear from those with previous laboratory experience that may be pre-HCPC state registration.
The post holder will be part of the Reference Services (STH Biochemical Sciences & Nutristasis and KCH Reference Biochemistry & Immunology), supporting with the transformation of services to a Hub and Spoke model.
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.
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.
1. Technical
a. To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous 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. 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, including dismantling instruments to carry out initial repairs.
d. To ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.
e. To perform highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.
f. 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 corrective action when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods.
i. 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.
j. To help initiate, establish and maintain a system that ensures maximal availability and flexibility in operation of departmental chromatograph, mass spectrometers, and associated equipment.
2. Scientific
a. To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation, write SOP’s, as directed by the management team
b. To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department.
c. To keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments including through participation in scientific meetings if appropriate.
d. To assist in the development of specialist biochemistry assays in its broadest sense within the department and to facilitate the development and clinical use of analytical methods based on separation science techniques in collaboration with junior and senior colleagues.
e. To maintain awareness of current developments in separation science and to ensure such knowledge is communicated to appropriate personnel.
3. Clinical
a. Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out with their area of responsibility.
4. Quality Assurance
a) As required, the post holder will work with the Quality Management Team to ensure the section remains accredited by UKAS to the ISO15189:2022 medical laboratory standard at all times in order to maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the section.
b) In conjunction with the Quality Manager and Training Officer, aid in the education of staff in section of the function and practice of the quality management system
c) The post holder may be asked to conduct audits and present to the departmental Quality committee as required by the audit schedule
d) To support the implementation and monitoring of internal quality assurance schemes in their section.
e) The post holder will be responsible for their own relevant document management (through the use of QPulse)
5. 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 Trust’s 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 use the Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols.
c. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases.
d. To maintain and enhance competence in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.
8. Staff Training
a. Together with the Training Officer, to support and participate in staff training and development (as required)
b. To participate with supervision of the work and performance monitoring of trainees and students in the procedures for which the post holder is competent.
9. Administrative
a. To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of UKAS and ISO15189.
b. To aid in the preparation of laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines.
c. To aid in the organisation and delivery of effective stock control of reagents and consumables in the section.
d. To assist the Section Manager to prepare and monitor management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption.
e. 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 Section Head.
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.
King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s 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, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London

Please refer the Job description for details