Clinical Scientist in Transplant Immunology

We are recruiting a Band 7 Clinical Scientist to support the Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Laboratory. The ideal candidate will be HCPC registered as a Clinical Scientist in H& I or working towards HCPC registration. Following appropriate training, the post holder will participate in the emergency on-call rota for the supra-regional solid organ transplantation programme.

The successful candidate will hold a relevant BSc Hons in Biological Sciences or Biomedical Sciences, and preferably have post-registration practical experience in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, as well as Transplant Immunology.

Main duties of the job

The Band 7 Clinical Scientist will be responsible for providing specialist support in Transplant Immunology, Histocompatibility, and Immunogenetics. Key duties include performing laboratory tests, such as HLA typing, antibody screening, and crossmatching, as well as contributing to research and development. The post holder will also participate in the emergency on-call rota for solid organ transplantation, ensuring efficient service delivery and high standards of patient care.

About us

At the Oxford Transplant Centre, you will join a leading team providing exceptional care in clinical transplantation, including kidney, pancreas, intestinal, islet cell and uterine transplants. As part of the National Organ Retrieval Service (NORS), we play a critical role in organ retrieval for abdominal organs, with Europe's most active pancreas transplant programme.

Within the Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Laboratory, you will contribute to essential services such as HLA typing, antibody screening, and crossmatching, while participating in a 24-hour on-call rota. Affiliated with the University of Oxford, we offer a dynamic environment that supports ongoing professional development and cutting-edge research in clinical transplantation.

Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibilities

1. Use laboratory computer systems to record patient specimens and provide clinical advice on sample selection and necessary laboratory tests for patient diagnosis and management.
2. Perform all sample processing procedures required in the laboratory.
3. Conduct HLA and HNA antibody screening and specification.
4. Carry out flow cytometric crossmatching.
5. Perform genotyping using molecular methodologies and assist in the maintenance and development of in-house genotyping as required.
6. Ensure the accuracy of patient test results entered into hospital, regional, and national computer systems by laboratory staff.
7. Validate and verify relevant laboratory tests.
8. Independently perform a wide range of specialised tests according to standard operation procedures (SOPs), analysing, interpreting, and reporting results.
9. Assimilate highly complex information to produce accurate reports.
10. Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes (e.g. UK NEQAS for H& I) and collaborate with senior staff to act on results.
11. Monitor consumable supplies and equipment to ensure laboratory function.
12. Oversee day-to-day performance and ensure tasks are performed to a high standard.
13. Independently perform emergency out-of-hours on-call duties for solid organ and islet transplantation, including advising surgeons on transplant rejection risks based on complex data.
14. Evaluate patient-related data to assist in therapeutic decision-making.
15. Maintain flexibility with working hours and participation in the 24/7 on-call rota.
16. Respond to on-call notifications within one hour at any time.
17. Liaise with a wide range of clinical and non-clinical staff, including Specialist Nurses in Organ Donation (SNODs), surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, locally and nationally, in and out of working hours.
18. Present information about the laboratory's role to clinical users.
19. Participate in public open days, presenting and explaining the service's functions.

Administrative and General Duties:

1. Ensure all duties are performed to the highest standard, following relevant SOPs.
2. Order consumables and laboratory equipment in consultation with senior staff.
3. Maintain accurate records of all work and general laboratory activities. Prepare workload and audit data as required.
4. Create, format, and maintain databases for clinical audits and patient records.
5. Liaise with senior staff to address any problems in the laboratory.
6. Train and provide practical instruction to colleagues and visiting research scientists, ensuring efficient and cost-effective resource use.
7. Develop and maintain relevant SOPs in consultation with senior staff.
8. Adhere to safety policies for handling infectious tissue samples and hazardous chemicals, maintaining relevant COSHH and risk assessment documentation.
9. Actively participate in laboratory meetings.
10. Contribute to research projects and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, as directed by senior staff.
11. Engage in appropriate CPD schemes, present articles at the laboratory journal club, attend local and national meetings, and maintain the required level of professional attainment.
12. Perform any reasonable duties related to the position, as requested by senior staff.

Special Duties

1. Design and implement internal quality assurance schemes to ensure service compliance with national and international accreditation standards in consultation with senior staff.
2. Communicate effectively and accurately with users, including attending Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and acting as a point of contact for users.
3. Organise and plan workload to ensure efficient service delivery.
4. Initiate service development by reviewing and costing laboratory tests and planning laboratory procedure improvements in consultation with senior staff.
5. Evaluate costs and implement new technology in collaboration with senior colleagues.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Close to completion of HCPC registration in H& I

Desirable

• HCPC registration in H& I

Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Completion of STP training in H& I/BSHI Diploma

Experience
Essential

• Clinical H& I laboratory working experience > 2 years

Desirable

• Post-registration H& I laboratory working experience

Skill/Ability/Knowledge
Essential

• Good written communication skills in English

Skill/Ability/Knowledge
Essential

• Detailed knowledge of H& I to STP/BSHI diploma standard

Skill/Ability/Knowledge
Essential

• Proven skills in complex data interpretation

Quality and Attributes
Essential

• Ability to work accurately and reproducibly

Quality and Attributes
Essential

• Ability to work well independently and in a team

Quality and Attributes
Essential

• Effective organisational and time management skills and flexible approach to the work load

Skill/Ability/Knowledge
Essential

• Good verbal communication skills in English

Employer details
Employer name
Address
Churchill Hospital
Old Road, Headington
Oxford
OX3 7LE
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