About this role
Job summary Job Overview
The Eastern Pathology Alliance (EPA) is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for aSpecialist Biomedical Scientist to join our Multidisciplinary Blood Sciences Team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn.
This role provides the opportunity to work within a modern, forward-thinking laboratory network, delivering high-quality diagnostic services across Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Andrology. As part of the EPA network, you will contribute to an integrated and collaborative service committed to continuous improvement and excellence in patient care.
We welcome applications from experienced Biomedical Scientists with multidisciplinary expertise, as well as from motivated individuals who are keen to undertake further training and development within a supportive environment.
Main duties of the job Key Responsibilities
Perform a range of diagnostic tests across Blood Sciences disciplines in accordance with departmental protocols Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated laboratory analysers, including: Abbott Alinity (Haematology and Chemistry) Werfen TOPS (Coagulation) Grifols (Blood Transfusion) Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 standards, quality management systems, and laboratory accreditation requirements Follow and contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Participate in internal audits, quality assurance, and service improvement initiatives Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team Contribute to training and mentoring of junior staff and students where appropriate Maintain accurate records using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) Participate in out-of-hours, weekend and shift working as required
About us
Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!
The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.
We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity.
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
Flexible working hours Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service Multi Faith prayer room at NNUH Colney Lane site Discounted gym memberships Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH Colney Lane site Free 24-hours confidential counselling support On-site Nursery at NNUH Colney Lane On-site cafes offering staff discounts at NNUH Colney Lane Support in career development Flexible staff bank Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Job description Job responsibilities Key Duties and Responsibilities Clinical / Technical Responsibilities
Perform a broad range of diagnostic investigations across Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Clinical Biochemistry in accordance with SOPs Operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory analysers, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime Authorise and validate patient results within agreed protocols, recognising abnormal or critical findings and taking appropriate action Undertake manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory techniques Ensure correct sample handling, identification, processing and storage Maintain high standards of accuracy, precision and turnaround times Quality and Governance Work in compliance with ISO 15189 standards, UKAS requirements, and laboratory quality management systems Contribute to the development, review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes (EQA/UK NEQAS) Assist in audit activities, incident reporting, root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventative actions (CAPA) Support validation and verification of new equipment, assays and processes Laboratory Information & Digital Systems Use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data entry, validation and reporting Ensure accurate and timely documentation of results and audit trails Assist in maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in line with GDPR and NHS policies Training, Supervision and Leadership Provide training and competency assessments for Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners, Medical Laboratory Assistants and students Act as a mentor and support professional development of junior staff Contribute to staff induction and continuous education programmes Deputise for Senior Biomedical Scientist when required Service Delivery and Improvement Support the delivery of a 24/7 laboratory service, including participation in shift, weekend and on-call rotas Identify opportunities for service improvement, efficiency and innovation Contribute to workload prioritisation and resource management Participate in multidisciplinary working across the EPA network Health & Safety Comply with all Health & Safety policies, risk assessments and safe working practices Handle biological samples, chemicals and equipment safely Report incidents, hazards and near misses promptly Communication Communicate effectively with clinical staff, colleagues and other departments regarding patient results and service issues Provide professional advice and support on laboratory investigations where appropriate Maintain clear, accurate and professional documentation Autonomy and Decision Making Work independently within defined professional boundaries Make decisions relating to technical procedures, result validation and quality issues Escalate complex or non-routine issues to senior staff Professional Responsibilities Maintain HCPC registration and adhere to professional codes of conduct Demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Engage in appraisal and personal development planning Support compliance with organisational and network-wide policies Working Conditions Exposure to biological samples and hazardous materials Requirement to work shifts, including nights, weekends and bank holidays Occasional requirement for prolonged concentration and standing Additional Duties Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post Support wider network initiatives within the Eastern Pathology Alliance Please view the attached job description for full details of the role and use your supporting statement to confirm how you meet the essential and desirable criteria on the job specification.
Please note due to high volume of applications for some posts, this post may close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role asap.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent. State registration with Health Professions Council (HPC) Specialist Diploma from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) or equivalent. Significant post State Registration in a clinical service Competent in Blood Sciences services (Clinical Biochemistry,Haematology and Transfusion) to the level required for Band 6 staff. To be achieved within 6-12 months of starting post
Experience Essential
In depth knowledge of the assays performed within their service. Understands clinical analyser performance evaluation to include complex instrumentation.
Attitude, aptitude Essential
Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH's PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Address Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Gayton Road
King's Lynn
PE30 4ET
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nnuh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)