Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified, HCPC registered candidate to join the Mid Yorkshire Pathology Team as a Biomedical Scientist, working in the Biochemistry Department of the Blood Sciences Department.

The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust consists of three hospital sites at Dewsbury,PinderfieldsandPontefract. The biochemistry department has laboratories at the Pinderfields and Dewsbury sites and are equipped with Roche Cobas Chemistry/Immunoassay analysers to provide routine biochemistry on inpatient samples at each addition to this, the Pinderfields laboratory is the main hub and provides routine biochemistry testing to outpatients & GP surgeries in the Huddersfield, Pontefract & Wakefield areas.

Blood Sciences is under a managed service contract with Biochemistry instruments supplied by Advanced Instruments, Helena, Northstar Scientific, Roche Diagnostics & Tosoh Bioscience. Pre and post analytic processes are dealt with by a GLP Systems track.

The department operates a 24/7 shift system including weekend and bank holidays across both sites. Following an initial training period, the successful candidate will be required to participate in this rota.

The laboratory has been approved by the IBMS to undertake both registration and specialist portfolio training and is accredited to UKAS 15189 (2022) standards.

Main duties of the job

To carry out a broad range of scientific and technical work within the department, working within Health and Care Professions Council standards of proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.

To evaluate suitability of samples

To identify anomalous results and take appropriate action.

To carry out a range of specialist technical tasks using highly developed analytical skills.

To work independently as required by managers, either as part of the out of hour's service provision or during the normal working day.

To follow the quality control procedures as per departmental protocols.

To attempt to solve analytical and technical problems and failures encountered while working independently.

To interpret clinical information on request forms to ensure appropriate tests are carried out.

To carry out technical validation of assays and investigations based on assessment of quality control results and to produce reports for clinical validation as appropriate.

To work accurately and precisely in a conscientious, disciplined and flexible way.

To maintain high technical standards and ensure that such areas in which you work are kept clean and tidy.

To assist in senior staff in the evaluation of new methods and equipment.

To conduct audit in line with UKAS guidelines and to participate in other internal and external audit activity as required.

To have good organisational and interpersonal skills combined with high levels of concentration and attention to detail.

About us

We are an acute trust caring for over half a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.

We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.

If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.

Application guidance:We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. Its important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will have responsibility for carrying out the scientific and technical work within the Biochemistry Department under the management of senior biomedical staff. Key objectives include:

To provide a high quality and timely service.

To follow departmental procedures and health and safety rules at all times.

To avoid waste and work in a cost-effective way at all times.

To identify problems within the areas that they are working and report them to their manager.

To maintain clear and concise communication with users of the service at all times.

To take part in any training required to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all equipment and techniques used in areas in which they work.

To help to ensure that all work is carried out to the standards necessary for UKAS Accreditation.

To carry out a range of routine technical tasks using analytical skills The range of tasks will be dependent on the area in which you are working.

To work independently as required by managers, either as part of the out of hour's service provision or during the normal working day.

To follow quality control procedures as set out in the departmental instructions.

To attempt to solve analytical and technical problems encountered while working independently.

To work accurately and precisely in a conscientious, disciplined and flexible way.

To maintain high technical standards and ensure that such areas in which they work are kept clean and tidy.

To assist in senior staff in the evaluation of new methods and equipment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Final Examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science, HNC, or equivalent (In appropriate subject). A degree acceptable to HCPC followed by State Registration. Current State Registration by the Health Professions Council.

Desirable

Suitable Qualifications in Information Technology ( CLAIT/ECDL). Suitable Qualifications in Health and Safety. IBMS member

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Can demonstrate ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team. Able to demonstrate good organisational and interpersonal skills. Able to demonstrate good laboratory practice in their work. Able to communicate clearly and precisely both verbally and in writing with service users and colleagues. Able to use own initiative.

Desirable

Able to demonstrate good organisational skills with high levels of concentration & attention to detail. Can also demonstrate willingness to learn and take on new skills.

Personal Attributes

Essential

Able to work well within a small team. Able to work under pressure. Enthusiasm for work. Enthusiasm to undertake appropriate training as required to facilitate service developments. Willingness to work flexibly. Friendly and approachable.

Desirable

Able to multi-task, concentrate, able to focus on the task in hand. Able to adapt to changes during the working day. Participate in the 24/7 rota.

Experience

Essential

Pre-state registration experience of working in a NHS biochemistry laboratory.

Desirable

Experience of working with Roche/Siemens analysers. Competent use of ILAB/APEX/Winpath. Familiar with automated tracking system.

Knowledge & Awareness

Essential

A reasonable knowledge of health and safety principles applicable in working within a Pathology Department. Must understand the nature of patient confidentiality. Understanding of patient results and how to deal with abnormal results. Knowledge of quality control and its uses within the department.

Desirable

A wide knowledge of Health and Safety law and its application to Pathology. Working knowledge of pre- & post-analytical track systems. Experience of working in disciplines of Pathology other than that for which applying. Aware of HCPC guidelines and how they apply in practise.