About this role
Job summary
Neuroimmunology & CSF Laboratory based at the world renowned National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square London (part of UCLH). The laboratory is a national reference centre and has an international reputation for Neuroimmunology testing and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The laboratory provides acute Neurological Laboratory services to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH) and the London region, plus highly specialised diagnostic and monitoring laboratory testing services available to worldwide users. Once trained, the post holder will be a core member of the NHS laboratory team, performing specialist procedures in accordance with departmental SOPs and to participate in their regular update, audit, take on additional duties and to aid in specialised method development. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual with opportunities to take part in translational R&D. The department is directed by a scientist with FRCPath, the Clinical lead is a Professor of Neurology and has the potential for supporting further academic and/or professional qualifications.
Main duties of the job We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic team player who will fulfil the following criteria and skills: o The post holder is a Band 8b scientist required to carry out specialist techniques as dictated by the nature of the Department, requiring highly developed scientific manual skills. o The post holder ideally will have experience in a Neuroimmunology/Biochemistry or Immunology diagnostic or research laboratory and be HCPC registered as a clinical scientist or healthcare scientist, ideally with FRCPath Part 1 or equivalent experience. o The post holder will be expected to perform additional duties in the team. o The post holder will have an interest in aiding the evaluation of new complex laboratory techniques and tests. o They are responsible for training other staff in the team on request o They are to meet service requirements and turnaround times of the Department. o The post holder will undertake clinical, analytical, technical, quality management and administrative trouble-shooting in addition to maintaining adequate supplies of reagents and consumables to ensure reliable service delivery in accordance with ISO 15189:2022.
About us University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research. We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites: o University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing) o National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery o Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals o University College Hospital Grafton Way Building o Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine o University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre o The Hospital for Tropical Diseases o University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology. We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
Job description Job responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England for the third year in a row.
UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff To find out more, visit: Flexible working.
To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?
Person Specification
Knowledge and Qualifications Essential
PhD in Neuroimmunology/ Immunology/Biochemistry or equivalent Higher Degree e.g. MSc or equivalent experience Biological Sciences/Biochemistry or similar degree (BSc) HCPC State registration Detailed understanding of Good Laboratory Practice, knowledge of the policies and procedures of a diagnostic laboratory
Experience Essential
Experience of working as a diagnostic scientist and section manager within a highly specialist clinical technical Diagnostic Laboratory (Clinical Neuroimmunology, Immunology and/or Biochemistry) To have an extensive knowledge of highly complex specialised analytical methods, audit, method/equipment appraisal and evaluation, quality assurance and problem solving. Experience of highly specialist manual clinical diagnostic techniques especially pertaining to Dementia biomarker analysis Experience of leading internal QA scheme, external quality assurance, steering committee and the ability to manage nationwide Sample Exchange schemes as required
Desirable
Proven experience in and teaching staff (including medical) at all levels up to MSc level
Skills and Abilities Essential
Experience of taking responsibility for : The technical analysis and interpretation of highly specialist test results Ability to evaluate, project manage and implement new technologies Ability to troubleshoot, refine and improve experimental protocols Knowledge and understanding of: Immunofluorescence reading, fluorescence based assays, Nephelometry, cell culture, western blots and IEF
Personal and People Development Essential
Maintains an appropriate active CPD programme, attending and participating in seminars, training courses and best practice meetings Ensure supervision and training of staff in the department as Neuroimmunology Training Manager
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 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Neuroimmunology and CSF Laboratory
Queen Square
London
SW2 3ET
Employer's website https://www.uclh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)