Trainee Biomedical Scientist (Biochemistry) inPlymouth inPlymouth PUBLISHED WED 15 JAN 2025

We are excited to be recruiting to the role of a Fixed Term (12 months) Trainee Band 5 Biomedical Scientist in the Biochemistry Department at Derriford Hospital.

The candidate will have an IBMS accredited degree and will be expected to complete the IBMS registration portfolio.

Trainee Biomedical scientist candidates will have an IBMS accredited degree. Demonstrable experience of quality management is also desirable to monitor and maintain the highest standards of quality across the ISO 15189:2accredited clinical chemistry service.

The department has full HCPC training status for pre and post registration IBMS portfolios and full ISO 15189 accreditation.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Job Purpose:1. To undertake scientific duties in any section, comprising the speciality of Clinical Chemistry of the Department as required in order to facilitate the smooth running of the service.2. To provide a clinical technical service by performing routine and specialist analytical testing on a range of biological samples.3. To maintain and run specialist equipment up to a value of £1 million.4. To supervise, mentor and support Trainee Biomedical Scientists and support staff.

Key Dimensions: 1. The post holder will work together with senior staff and support staff in all sections of the Combined Laboratory to produce a timely, high quality, accurate and cost effective service.2. The post holder will ensure the timely processing of patient samples, typically 7500 a day, serving all those patients attending UHP, PCTs representing 100 General Practices and specialist assays referred to us from other Trusts within the Peninsula. The department performs 7.5 million tests annually and employs 123 wte.

About us

1. To process biological samples including blood, urine, faeces cerebral spinal fluid and other tissues, taking personal responsibility for the quality and authorisation of the results, which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease.
2. The post holder will demonstrate the high level of skill to perform complex manual, semi automated and automated analytical techniques as applicable, meeting turnaround times with prompt reporting of results used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
3. The post holder will be required to provide complex information relating to test results, which may be sensitive in nature.
4. As a state registered Scientist with the Health Professions Council understand the pathology of disease in relationship to the results produced whilst being aware of their significance in the authorisation of patients results with reference to the normal ranges.
5. Will be aware of the clinical significance of results produced and using this knowledge to perform appropriate supplementary tests/investigations relevant to providing a complete report to requesting clinicians.
6. To prioritise work and perform urgent analyses, reporting results to requesting clinicians as appropriate.
7. Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure prompt reporting, follow up and referral to medical staff as required.
8. Following protocols, request additional tests or samples to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of disease.
9. To understand the principles underlying the analytical processes used in your area of work so as to maintain their operation and quality of results.
10. To receive requests forms and accompanying samples, to book those into the Path Computer system, to prepare the samples (including centrifugation) for analysis, to load and unload samples from analysers, to sort into racks and transfer for storage on completion.
11. Answer telephone enquiries regarding results and other general laboratory issues e.g. giving advice on the correct conditions and sample type for a particular test request.
12. To operate analytical equipment within your section, within your discipline and within the department, some of which will be highly complex and require specialist training.
13. To perform front line troubleshooting and repairs of analysers of highly complex, expensive automated equipment e.g. multichannel analysers, used in the day-to-day function of the laboratory.
14. To participate in and understand the quality assurance programs of the department, both internal and external i.e. NEQAS (National External Quality Assurance Schemes).
15. To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance.
16. To continually update their knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in their Continual Professional Development folder
17. To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.
18. To communicate with other health care professionals in transmission and in response to telephone enquiries relating to results and the service.
19. To assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis.
20. To assist senior colleagues in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables to ensure continuous service provision.
21. To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times and as directed by senior staff and contribute to their formulation. Propose any changes to these SOPs in order to maintain the quality of the service and maximise efficiency.
22. To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.
23. To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.
24. To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.
25. To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.
26. To assist in the process of continual quality improvement. This will include audit, corrective action, preventative action and improvement processes.
27. To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time.
28. To participate in the training of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and new staff.
29. To assist senior staff in the supervision of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Assistant Technical Officers.
30. To assist in audit carried out by internal and external agencies.
31. To rotate through sections of the Combined Laboratory as required.
32. Subject to the principle statement of employment, or within the local agreements pertaining to 24/7 provision, participate in this service.
33. Participate in clinical trials or any research & development undertaken by the department, including sample preparation, analysis and collating data as necessary.
34. At the direction of senior departmental staff undertake work from any source commensurate with the knowledge and skills of a state registered Biomedical Scientist.
35. Ensure issues and problems are resolved satisfactorily and referred through your line management structure as appropriate.
36. Cover for senior staff and be prepared to work on your own when necessary.
37. To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.