Band 8a - Haemoglobinpathy Lead Scientist, UK NEQAS inWatford inWatford PUBLISHED 30 OCT 2024

Band 8a: £55,877 to £62,626 a year inc HCA  PERMANENT 
Effective planning and organisational skills for managing multiple work streams are essential, and a self-motivated, adaptable mindset will enable you to excel in our dynamic environment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, versatile individual and experienced HCPC registered Healthcare Scientist with a strong interest and track record in the laboratory diagnosis of inherited red cell disorders to join the UK NEQAS Haematology scientific team.

Reporting directly to the Scheme Director, you will be responsible for co-ordinating the UK NEQAS Haemoglobinopathy and Red Cell Enzymopathy programmes ensuring that the UK NEQAS Haemoglobinopathy service is delivered in a timely, cost-effective and professional manner.

UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) is an impartial, independent, and self-financing expert centre for the provision of external quality assessment (EQA) for all aspects of Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratory testing. UK NEQAS Haematology and Blood Transfusion deliver a diverse and extensive programme of EQA services and advice to over 1400 participating laboratories in the UK and worldwide.

The Haematology and Blood Transfusion services are operated by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and the unit is based in a bespoke unit designed and built specifically for our use in the Croxley Business Park in Watford.

The unit consists of approximately 30 people, which includes 12 Haematology staff, 6 Blood Transfusion staff, and the remainder who work in the joint Receipt & Dispatch (R&D), Administration, and IT teams.

The post-holder will coordinate the UK NEQAS Haematology haemoglobinopathy and red cell enzymopathy programmes, which includes the implementation and development of new techniques and pilot initiatives.

This role presents a chance for candidates to highlight their leadership, analytical, and communication skills, alongside their understanding of laboratory techniques and the principles of quality management.

While prior experience in staff management and team leadership is beneficial, we invite applicants who are eager to develop these skills and demonstrate their potential.

Effective planning and organisational skills for managing multiple work streams are essential, and a self-motivated, adaptable mindset will enable you to excel in our dynamic environment. We value those who enjoy exchanging ideas, influencing policy, and are ready to embrace change.


Applicants should indicate in their application how they meet the person specification and why they feel they are suitable for this role.

About us

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Core hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday, 09:00 am to 17:30 pm.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, versatile individual and experienced HCPC registered Healthcare Scientist with a strong interest and track record in the laboratory diagnosis of inherited red cell disorders to join the UK NEQAS Haematology scientific team.

Reporting directly to the Scheme Director, you will be responsible for co-ordinating the UK NEQAS Haemoglobinopathy and Red Cell Enzymopathy programmes ensuring that the UK NEQAS Haemoglobinopathy service is delivered in a timely, cost-effective and professional manner.

UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) is an impartial, independent, and self-financing expert centre for the provision of external quality assessment (EQA) for all aspects of Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratory testing. UK NEQAS Haematology and Blood Transfusion deliver a diverse and extensive programme of EQA services and advice to over 1400 participating laboratories in the UK and worldwide.

The Haematology and Blood Transfusion services are operated by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and the unit is based in a bespoke unit designed and built specifically for our use in the Croxley Business Park in Watford.

The unit consists of approximately 30 people, which includes 12 Haematology staff, 6 Blood Transfusion staff, and the remainder who work in the joint Receipt & Dispatch (R&D), Administration, and IT teams.

The post-holder will coordinate the UK NEQAS Haematology haemoglobinopathy and red cell enzymopathy programmes, which includes the implementation and development of new techniques and pilot initiatives.

This role presents a chance for candidates to highlight their leadership, analytical, and communication skills, alongside their understanding of laboratory techniques and the principles of quality management.

While prior experience in staff management and team leadership is beneficial, we invite applicants who are eager to develop these skills and demonstrate their potential.

Effective planning and organisational skills for managing multiple work streams are essential, and a self-motivated, adaptable mindset will enable you to excel in our dynamic environment. We value those who enjoy exchanging ideas, influencing policy, and are ready to embrace change.


Applicants should indicate in their application how they meet the person specification and why they feel they are suitable for this role.

About us

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Core hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday, 09:00 am to 17:30 pm.



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