Senior Clinical Scientist (Biochemist)

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

It is an exciting time to join the University Hospitals Dorset as there are several new developments including the creation of a new state-of-the-art clinical laboratory - the One Dorset Pathology (ODP) hub and future alignment with laboratories within the Southern Counties Pathology Network. The transformation of the hospitals in the region has already seen a new LIMS installation across the networked sites in Dorset and standardised equipment procurement.

The candidate will be joining a One Dorset Pathology (ODP) Clinical Biochemistry team comprising of one medical consultant, one consultant clinical lead clinical scientist, one consultant clinical scientist and two principal clinical scientists.

Main duties of the job

As Senior Clinical Scientist you will work with the Consultant and Principal Clinical Scientists in supporting and developing a quality Clinical Biochemistry Service. A specialist interest will be encouraged, in keeping with the needs and resources of the department and those of the other scientists. There are opportunities for research both within the department and collaboratively with Clinical Colleagues.

Job responsibilities

There are opportunities to develop expertise in Point-of-Care testing (POCT), general laboratory service provision, quality assurance management and protein electrophoresis. The new incumbent will be fully encouraged to work towards attaining full FRCPath and provided with a supportive training environment.

Please note that trainees nearing completion of the Scientist Training Programme (STP) will be appointed at band 6 and then transitioned to band 7 upon completion and registration with the HCPC.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• First or second-class degree in Science or related subject.
• Completed clinical scientist training (STP or Grade A) or due to complete within 6-months.
• Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Biochemistry with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (or expected within next 6-months).

Experience

• Participation in a pre-registration training scheme in Clinical Biochemistry.
• Experience of working within a healthcare laboratory environment.
• Experience of UKAS accreditation.
• Experience of reporting serum protein electrophoresis.
• To be able to initiate and carry out research and development projects.
• To have good oral and written communication skills.
• To be computer literate.
• To have a good knowledge of statistical techniques.
• Teaching and training ability.
• Ability to develop clinical laboratory skills in a specialist area.

Knowledge

• To have a thorough knowledge and experience of general clinical biochemistry.
• Recognise patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical situations.
• To have analytical skills relevant to the practice of clinical biochemistry.
• Thorough knowledge of chemical, immunoassay, and other techniques routinely employed in healthcare laboratories.

Other requirements specific to the role

• Prepared to rotate as specified between laboratories if required by the service.
• Able to work as a team in a multidisciplinary service.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients, relatives, GPs, nurses and other agencies.
• Research/critical review of literature.
• Able to prepare and present scientific information at meetings or as part of a teaching session.
• Evidence of involvement in and understanding of research methodology and publication of findings.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivation: able to identify and pursue own educational development.
• Ability to form constructive and effective professional relationships with patients and staff.
• Honest, reliable and trustworthy.
• Supportive, tolerant and able to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Evidence of satisfactory CPD and a commitment to personal / unit CPD.
• Enthusiasm and ability to work under pressure.

Language requirement

• Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role.

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.