Specialist BMS inOxford inOxford PUBLISHED WED 30 OCT 2024

Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6)

Applications are invited from well-motivated Biomedical Scientists who have Health Professions Council State Registration to work in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Applicants will need to demonstrate the ability to work at a competence level equivalent with the Specialist Portfolio in Clinical Chemistry. The Department, which is one of the largest Clinical Biochemistry Departments in the country, processes over 8 million tests per annum with a repertoire covering all areas including Biochemistry screening programmes for the Thames Valley. Successful candidates will be required to contribute to the laboratory out of hours system and work at all three laboratory sites, The John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals in Oxford and the Horton Hospital in Banbury.

• The post holder will act as a State Registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS) who provides a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services throughout all sections of the Department, as an aid/basis for diagnosis.
• Services are provided to hospital clinicians and general practitioners and the post holder is required to liaise with these, other healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives.
• The post holder will be required to perform automated and manual laboratory procedures of varying complexity some of which require a high degree of skill and experience.
• The post holder will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries and will be required to verify and validate completed work.
• In addition, the BMS will be required to staff all laboratories within the Trust as and when required.
• The work may include some weekend and evening or night duties, which requires a flexible approach to the hours of employment, according to individual contract.

About us

Working within one of the largest and complex Clinical Biochemistry services within the NHS England and hub of the South 4 network. Working with colleagues to provide clinically appropriate turnaround times for best patient care. Opportunities to be involved with testing from core lab services, specialist testing, neonatal and FASP screening, progressive point of care engagement and translation work on new markers that improve patient care.

Scientific and Clinical Responsibilities

• Analyses of potentially infectious samples using a range of highly specialised laboratory procedures, by either manual or automated techniques, to produce results of a quality consistent with excellent patient care. Undertakes these duties in all areas of Clinical Biochemistry.
• Ensures efficient use and maintenance of resources, is aware of stock levels and rotation, storage conditions, batch numbers and expiry dates, thus ensuring the viability of the reagents used.
• Exercises own initiative and works in co-operation with other staff members to ensure that the workload is processed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Is fully conversant with departmental policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), ensuring that personal performance complies with ISO 15189 and other professional standards.
• Carries out troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex automated systems. Ensures appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
• Matches samples with request forms and inputs patient and test information into the laboratory computer system, requiring complete accuracy.

Analytical and Interpretative Responsibilities

• Exercises individual skills through the observation and interpretation of clinical material or data, which may include therapeutic drug monitoring.
• Completes the work process by the verification and validation of results and report generation. This involves the interpretation of clinical data and requires in-depth theoretical knowledge.

Role Responsibilities

• Practices in accordance with the professional, ethical and legal codes of the Health Professions Council and the Trusts protocols and guidelines. Is accountable for own practice and maintenance of State Registration status.
• Develops own skills, taking responsibility for Continuing Professional Development and performance.
• Complies with the requirements of internal and external/national quality assurance schemes.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the assessment, planning and prioritisation of tasks.
• Communicates effectively with other staff groups, both internal and external. To include healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, external agencies, commercial suppliers, service engineers and visitors to the laboratory.
• Provides and receives complex scientific and clinical information to and from colleagues and service users. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present information accordingly.
• Provides and receives sensitive information to and from patients and their representatives where empathic and re-assurance skills are required. May include notification of adverse events.
• Displays and maintains a working knowledge of laboratory IT relevant to section.

Teaching, Training and Research Responsibilities

• Participates in the supervision and training of Trainee BMSs, support staff and clinical staff where required.