About this role
Job summary
Job Title: Advanced Biomedical Scientist - (Immunocytochemistry / Molecular)
Band: 7
Base: Your primary base will be Leicester Royal Infirmary; however travel between UHL's hospital sites will be required
Reports to: Deputy Service Manager Accountable to: Clinical Head of Service/ Operational Head of Service
An exciting opportunity has arisen due to a newly created post, for a highly skilled and experienced HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and dedicated team based at the University Hospitals of Leicester.
The Specials Laboratory processes 50,000 Immunohistochemistry slides per annum, alongside a wide range of special stains, immunofluorescence of skin and renal specimens, and in situ hybridisation techniques including Her2 FISH. We perform testing for Hirschsprung's disease on rectal biopsies, handle muscle biopsies for transport to specialist centres and prepare molecular testing samples for sending to specialist centres also. Currently our platforms include Dako Omnis, Dako AS48, Roche Benchmark Ultra and Ultra Plus, and Dako Artisan.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual who is up for the challenge of our busy and quickly growing laboratory. This newly created post is pivotal for ongoing development of our IHC and molecular service to meet the requirements for faster diagnostics. We are a referral centre for multiple specialisms and therefore have an ever-increasing repertoire of IHC markers. The ability to optimise antibodies is therefore advantageous. We also have a rapidly increasing workload for molecular testing and are due to merge with the Cytogenetics Laboratory at UHL imminently.
The successful candidate must have a passion for, and proven experience in, Special Stains and IHC. Essentially they must be a team player with a positive and confident attitude, able to motivate and inspire the team. This role will involve prioritising and balancing of pressures, moving between technical and leadership skillsets. Demonstration of management/leadership experience is advantageous. Ideally this person will have experience of troubleshooting and quality control of IHC.
Completion of the IBMS Specialist Diploma is essential. An MSc or FIMBS is also required but those without this will still be considered. Candidates must then be willing to undertake the IBMS DEP in IHC (funded and supported by us) and remain on Annex 21 until complete. Training will also be made available where needed in-house and through a related external course prior to undertaking Her2 FISH interpretation.
About us
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
high-quality care for all, being a great place to work, partnerships for impact, and research and education excellence And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
we are compassionate, we are proud, we are inclusive, and we are one team This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Job description Job responsibilities
Provide expert technical advice and interpretation of laboratory investigations for your team and the wider department, with an emphasis on problem solving. Optimise new antibodies and tests, and perform equipment/reagent validations. Lead on IQA and EQA for all specialist techniques. Microscopic QC of all IHC stains and interpretation of Her2 FISH. Monitor workflow and support the team to ensure TATs are met. Passionate about/can engage a team in teaching, training and developing staff. Deputise for the Deputy Service Manager as required and perform any other duties covered by the post holders competencies after consultation and agreement with the line manager.
Person Specification
Physical Skills Essential
Evidence of highly developed physical skills Evidence of ability to maintain concentration for prolonged periods
Training & Qualifications Essential
HCPC registered MSc or equivalent At least 5 years post registration experience Evidence of relevant specialised / expert knowledge
Desirable
IBMS membership Research, development or audit qualifications / experience Other relevant qualifications or knowledge gained through short courses, e.g. scientific symposia, internal (Trust based) training
Experience Essential
Must have up to date knowledge of the technical processes used within the discipline Ability to demonstrate team-building and leadership skills. Be responsive to problems and have ability to meet deadlines Significant post registration experience with demonstration of skill at specialist level
Desirable
Evidence of awareness of NHS finance Demonstrates knowledge of advanced techniques or instrumentation
Communication skills Essential
Evidence of ability to communicate at all levels and with different types of media
Planning and Organisational Skills Essential
Evidence of ability to self direct work Evidence of prioritisation of and working to deadlines (team) Evidence of staff planning in a team / section
Analytical and Judgement skills Essential
Ability to make judgements involving a range of complex facts or situations, which require analysis, and interpretation of a range of options. E.g. actions to be taken in case of technical failures, decisions regarding appropriate methodology, prioritisation of complex work, handling of complaints
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 Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Address Leicester Royal Infirmary
Infirmary Square
Leciester
LE1 5WW
Employer's website https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)