Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

Purpose of the Job
This role delivers specialist biomedical investigations and provides first line people management as part of the laboratory team in Synnovis. Reporting to the Principal BMS or Operations Manager, you will have a high level of responsibility, including leading in an area of expertise, to ensure the successful delivery of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives.

What you will do

You will hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. These include, but are not limited to:

•    Responsible for a specialist area, providing specialised technical scientific services and communicating complex information that will aid and determine clinical diagnosis.
•    Contribute to the development of specialist investigations, identifying better ways of working and finding efficiencies in service delivery.
•    Manage day-to-day staffing with the Operations Manager to ensure all resourcing needs are met, manage workflow and relevant training to meet turnaround times, cover bench work and where required supervise others as part of early or late or weekend shifts.
•    Take part in other activities such as audits, training, and potentially clinical trials as required.

Key Responsibilities 
•    Analyse samples in line with local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including but not limited to recording results and necessary action on the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), ensuring all Information Governance (IG) requirements are met.
•    Maintain standards of conduct required by the HCPC to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist.
•    Provide technical advice to clinical colleagues as required and within limits of competency.
•    Participate in the strategic development and service improvement of the analytical service, be responsible for the implementation of new techniques, equipment, and tests, as directed including all verification and validation work. Where necessary this will include analysing clinical trial samples.
•    Ensure all incidents and events are correctly reported by junior staff in Q-Pulse quality management database and other relevant software and support them in learning quality procedures and investigations.
•    In conjunction with the Quality team, monitor, report and action errors, hazards, and incidents logged in the CAPA module of Q-Pulse. This may include taking part in investigations of incidents and providing expert insight into making improvements based on outcomes.
•    Participate in appropriate clinical audits as required and directed.
•    Monitor, and report on EQA and IQC procedures and be responsible for correcting problems that have been identified.
•    Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including:
o    Care Quality Commission
o    UKAS
o    Synnovis policies and SOPs
o    Any other body in area of responsibility.
•    Provide supervision for all employees, including participating in early, late and weekend shifts if necessary and as required.
•    Line manages employees, as required. This includes delivering all aspects of people management, such as recruitment, performance management, absence management, learning and development, employee health and wellbeing.
•    Encourage junior employees in their scientific expertise, knowledge and professional development, including the safe use of highly complex and sensitive equipment.
•    Develop, prepare, write, and review relevant documents, including SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments in line with the ISO 15189 standard.
•    Demonstrate ongoing laboratory-based competency against training plans.
•    Ensure that all Synnovis policies and procedures are implemented and maintained.
•    Demonstrate professionalism, patience and empathy when explaining complex subjects, and in particular when communicating with people who do not share same level of knowledge or understanding.
•    Attend, and where required, chair regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
•    Work closely with Operations Manager to ensure stock inventory compliance.
•    Deputise for the Operations Manager including attendance at meetings, as required.
•    Take part in CPD activities to ensure that your practices and knowledge are always relevant and up to date to your specific area.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Princess Royal University Hospital is a District General Hospital, which proudly provides quality care to patients within the boroughs of Bromley and Bexley as well as Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.  

Orpington is located within South East London with a great range of shops, markets and a place where various sports can be enjoyed. It is a great place to live and work.