Job Description

Are you a Band 5 BMS with a good quality and training background who is not getting the job satisfaction you deserve?

Do you have a desire to specialise in the area of organ transplantation?

Would you like to work towards the specialist portfolio?

Do you want to gain invaluable experience working in a busy UKAS accredited hospital laboratory which covers all aspects of organ transplantation, working on both diagnostic provision and service development?

Do you want to be recognised and valued for the work that you do?



We are seeking two proactive, motivated and enthusiastic Biomedical Scientists to join our team of 22 scientists in the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory based at Guys' Hospital in Central London. The successful candidate would be expected to hold HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist and ideally would have some experience of working in H&I.



Accredited both to ISO 15189 and EFI standards, the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory is one of the busiest laboratories specialising solid organ transplantation in the UK, supporting over 400 solid organ transplants a year. We provide a comprehensive H&I service for a number of adult and paediatric transplant centres across the South East for a variety of renal, heart, lung, pancreas, islet, liver and multi-visceral transplant programmes. Acting as a referral centre for both national and international cases, we work closely with the Guys Hospital Renal Transplant team to provide advice on a range of highly complex transplant scenarios, including through an active ABO and HLA antibody incompatible transplant programme. In addition, we carry out HLA and disease association testing analysis and provide support for a number of research groups.



The laboratory currently carries out HLA genotyping using a range of PCR based methods, including SSP, SSOP, qPCR and NGS. Luminex and Flow cytometric based methods are employed for antibody analysis and patient crossmatching. We utilise a specialist LIMS, called Manzen, and use Q-pulse as our QMS.



The department has core opening hours of 9 - 5 Monday - Friday, but also provides a 24/7 on-call service. The post holder would be expected to work a 37.5 hour week and, once trained, participate in the out of hours on call service, which currently has a 1 in 8 commitment.



In return you will be joining a small, friendly, dynamic and committed team of scientists, working in a fascinating and specialised area of pathology. We can offer training and development through the organisation's Scientific Learning and Development fund and CPD activities. This includes opportunities to apply for funding towards a variety of qualifications. Locally we are accredited as a training laboratory for a variety of schemes, and support through the specialist portfolio would be available for a suitable candidate.



Your development and learning



You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The ACCE competencies programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.



The post holder will be expected to undertake the duties of a registered Biomedical Scientist, performing a comprehensive range of tests in the provision of the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Service (H&I). These include HLA genotyping, HLA antibody screening and identification, and flow cytometric crossmatching of donors and recipients. They will be expected to develop the competence and confidence in order to perform these procedures with a minimum of supervision, working autonomously or as part of the team, rotating through the various sections of the department.



The post holder will be responsible for maintaining highly complex analytical equipment in the optimal operational condition, and to carry out supervised research and development.



Once fully trained and competency assessed the post holder will be expected to take part in the on-call service providing specialist H&I testing in support of the various transplant programmes supported by the laboratory.



Technical



To undertake the required laboratory investigations.



To follow the standard operating procedures and to participate in their regular review and update.



To undertake routine operative maintenance on laboratory instruments.



To undertake technical validation of the complex results from laboratory investigations ensuring accuracy



Scientific



To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation as required



To participate in research and development as required.



Diagnostic



To use interpretive skills to determine the pathogenic and clinical significance of results of laboratory tests, concentration and attention to detail are essential to these processes and form the greater part of the working day.



Purpose of the Job



This role delivers biomedical investigations as part of the laboratory team in Synnovis. Within this you will be processing specimens, analysing and releasing results whilst maintaining local quality systems. Reporting to the Senior Specialist BMS or Operations Manager, you will be developing your specialist knowledge and skills 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:



Complete routine biomedical investigations in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and within specific turnaround times.



Develop specialist expertise in complex investigations and troubleshooting techniques.



Deliver work autonomously within all regulations and legislative requirements.



Operate and maintain complex laboratory equipment within all safety standards relevant to your area.

Support colleagues with guidance and answering questions as required.



Use cost effective methods in your practice and maintain levels of consumable goods and supplies in your area, and report shortages accordingly.



Key Responsibilities



Perform and interpret routine biomedical investigations by participating in regular daily workloads, as directed by management, in line with your skills, experience and competencies.



Maintain standards of conduct required by the HCPC to practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist.



Process specimens and handle sensitive information with care and due diligence, such as patient results, in line with local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).



Page 2 of 3



Provide input and update SOPs and policies as required.



Participate in development of new tests, as directed, including alignment with accreditation bodies and local management processes. Where necessary this will include analysing clinical trial samples.



Support MLAs, APs and Trainee BMSs by ensuring performance is in line with laboratory standards.



Observe all safety regulations and ensure others are doing the same. This includes raising concerns around safety in the laboratory to the appropriate level.



Ensure compliance with all legislative and quality requirements of regulatory directives, accreditation bodies, and local management including:



Care Quality Commission



UKAS



Synnovis policies and SOPs



Any other body in area of responsibility.



Participate in quality management activities including inspections and audits, as required.



Utilise the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Q-Pulse quality management database and other relevant software to ensure high quality reliable data capture and entry.



Complete data entry accurately to record sensitive patient information, requiring frequent, long periods of concentration whilst maintaining patient confidentiality and following Information Governance (IG) guidelines.



Work closely with colleagues in the quality team to identify best practice and embed a culture of high quality and performance across your area.



Report all incidents and adverse events to management and enter the information in the CAPA module of Q-pulse in a timely manner as directed.



Demonstrate ongoing laboratory-based competency against training plans. o 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.



Prioritise your workload effectively to ensure that deadlines are met and that work is delivered to the highest standards possible.



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.



Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women's Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children's Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy's site.



You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!