Senior Biomedical Scientist - ParasitologyNHS
Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a full time Senior Biomedical Scientist in the Department of Clinical Parasitology in Central London on a permanent contract.
The successful applicants will join a specialist reference unit delivering a varied parasitology service out of the Halo building, HSLs flagship laboratory. The department operates a standard working day of 7.5 hours (generally 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. In addition, the successful candidate would be expected to cover one On Call Session per week for urgent malaria diagnosis when fully trained.
The Department of Clinical Parasitology serves as a national reference centre offering expert diagnosis and identification on human parasites and the diseases they cause. The department services requests from users worldwide. In the UK these users include general practitioners, PHE and medical laboratories in the NHS and the independent sector.
We offer an extensive portfolio of diagnostic investigations including microscopy, culture, immunological and nucleic acid based procedures. This portfolio includes many specialist techniques specific to this department.
Main duties of the job
We constantly seek to develop, evaluate and advise upon new parasite diagnostic techniques, a role greatly facilitated by our extensive archive of diagnostic specimens that can be used in the development and validation of assays. Recent collaborations include the development of the first CE marked LAMP based nucleic acid test for malaria with the Foundation for Innovative and New Diagnostics (FIND) and the development of a molecular EQA scheme for malaria diagnosis with both WHO and UKNEQAS. Most recently we are undertaking an evaluation of Artificial Intelligence to aid staff in the analysis of samples.
The ideal candidate will be committed to and have a genuine interest in Parasitology and want to expand their knowledge further. It is a rewarding opportunity while providing a learning platform which could be considered as an insight into furthering your career. The candidate must be HCPC Registered with a Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent and an MSc. The candidate will have the opportunity to rotate around our serology, microscopy and molecular sections, gaining expertise, carrying out a diverse range of diagnostic techniques and directly observing parasites rarely seen outside of tropical locations.
Experience in serology or microscopy is desirable although full training will be given for all procedures carried out.
Job description
Overall Job Purpose: To manage staff and various sections within the Department of Clinical Parasitology as directed by the Operational Lead or Deputy, working in collaboration with the other senior scientific staff in providing an efficient and effective service within the resources available and to ensure the maintenance of scientific standards of HSL. The post holder will be required to work within any section of the department including core and unsocial hours as required. Main duties To include, but not be restricted to, the following duties: 1. To supervise various grades of scientific & support staff 2. To participate in all areas of laboratory bench work, whilst adhering to standard operating procedures and participating in their regular review and update. 3. To participate in multidisciplinary working as required. 4. Techniques and testing that include: a) Microscopy based diagnosis of parasites, parasite material, and parasite eggs, ova and cysts, b) Rapid diagnostic tests and western blots to detect the presence of parasite antigens and anti- parasite antibodies, c) Serological diagnosis by ELISA, Western blot and IFAT to detect the presence of anti-parasite antibodies, d) Molecular diagnosis to detect the presence of parasite DNA, e) Research and development as required to develop new assays or improve existing ones f) On call malaria diagnosis by blood film microscopy 5. To communicate patients results and answer enquiries from health care professionals within the hospital and in the community, providing information regarding appropriate investigations required and explanation of results, within departmental guidelines and professional code of conduct, recognising own boundaries. 6. To interpret clinical information and use scientific knowledge to process specimens for appropriate tests, seeking advice from senior staff and clinicians when necessary. 7. Undertake specimen preparation and analysis for a range of sample types. 8. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department. 9. To operate and maintain analytical equipment in the department. 10. To evaluate and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures. 11. To interpret complex scientific data and enter test results on pathology computer system 12. To check reports for further action by the Clinicians, and to authorise reports as delegated within HSL departmental policy. 13. To assist in the evaluation of new equipment and advise the head of service, senior scientific colleagues on the need for new equipment and maintenance of existing equipment. 14. To ensure that the department meets all the standards required by CPA/UKAS and to participate in the regular review of all the procedures performed in the laboratory including the establishment and monitoring of effective internal and external Quality Control and Quality Assurance schemes. Training And Education 1. To train new laboratory and clinical staff, this involves explaining and teaching complex technical/analytical procedures and motivating staff by promoting healthcare sciences in an interesting and positive manner. 2. To acquire an up-to-date knowledge of developments in discipline and pathology in general as reflected by CPD. 3. To possess and keep up-to-date specialist skills and knowledge to work independently 4. To attend courses, conferences and give presentations as required by HSL. 5. To identify the training needs within the team. 6. To maintain registration with the HCPC, including a personal development portfolio as proof of competence to practice.
About us
At HSL we offer a variety of excellent staff benefits including:
Training and development opportunities including the funding of Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and IBMS Specialist Portfolios for Biomedical Scientists
Annual performance related salary review
Discounted gym membership we have a corporate gym membership scheme with Better Gyms
Cash healthcare plan
Sick Pay Entitlementone months full pay and one months half pay after probation
Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)
Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
Season Ticket Loan Scheme
Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
Company Pension Scheme company and staff contributions which increase with years of service
Competitive annual leave allowance -29 days annual leave
Flexible working hours 37.5 hours standard working week. With a variety of working patterns available, options to review working flexibly will always be considered.
Please read the job description and person specification carefully and ensure that your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
We respect and value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from diverse communities.
PLEASE NOTE: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THIS VACANCY AT ANY TIME EVEN IF A CLOSING DATE IS SHOWN HERE OR IN ANY OTHER MEDIA