Healthcare Scientist

We are recruiting for a senior healthcare scientist; applications are welcomed from both those eligible for a Clinical Scientist (Band 7) or Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 7). This permanent full-time post is an opportunity for an accomplished, enthusiastic scientist to join a friendly and dedicated team in a specialist biochemistry service based at King’s College Hospital.

The Biochemical Genetics Unit (BGU) forms part of the Synnovis Reference Chemistry Services. The majority of the work in BGU is white cell enzymes testing with the aim of diagnosing lysosomal storage disorders. Other assays include Tay Sachs carrier testing, urine glycosaminoglycans and oligosaccharides, galactosaemia, and testing for some other inherited metabolic disorders (IMD). The department also has a cell culture section, where cells are cultured from skin biopsies. The cells can be stored long-term or used for more esoteric testing. The lab is also equipped to carry out some prenatal diagnosis.

This position would suit a candidate who has an interest in inherited metabolic diseases and ideally enjoys working in the laboratory and performing more unusual and esoteric tests. The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a small friendly team participating in MDT meetings and contributing to the training and development of their colleagues. Extensive prior knowledge of lysosomal storage diseases is not expected as full training will be given.

We provide a wide repertoire of tests, most of which are manual or semi-automated utilising radioactive and non-radioactive techniques. We provide services predominately for the South East of London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex and referred samples from UK and abroad.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role are:

• Participation in the lab work including development of new assays/techniques
• Participation in the duty scientist rota including attending the weekly MDT meetings
• Supervision of junior staff including helping to troubleshoot when required
• Checking and interpretation of results, writing and authorising reports
• Helping with the organisation of participation in EQA schemes
• Assisting in the training of junior staff/visitors
• Assisting with auditing, quality, health and safety
• Ensuring that the equipment is well-maintained

We are UKAS accredited and host STP trainees in order that they can complete the relevant part of their training in IMD. We have also hosted clinicians where they have wanted to gain an insight into what is involved in our lab testing.

The BGU workforce is an Operations Lead, and a small team comprising Clinical and Biomedical Scientists and technical staff. We work closely together, and every staff member is valued for the contribution they make to providing our service.

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.

For further details/informal visits contact: Name: Ashwenia Krishnan Job title: Operations Service Manager Email address: ashwenia.krishnan@synnovis.co.uk