Job Description

Are you an HCPC registered Clinical Scientist in H&I looking for a change?



Are you nearing registration and looking for your next career move?



We are seeking a proactive, motivated and enthusiastic Clinical Scientist to join our team of 21 scientists in the Clinical Transplantation Laboratory based at Guys' Hospital in Central London.



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 500 solid organ transplants a year and currently expanding. 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, pancreas, heart, lung, 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 and the Harefield Cardiothoracic Transplant team to provide advice on a range of highly complex transplant scenarios, including through an active ABO and/or HLA antibody incompatible transplant programme. In addition we carry out HLA and disease association testing and provide support for a number of research groups.



The successful candidate would be expected to hold HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, however applications from candidates nearing registration would also be considered.



You will be joining a small, friendly, dynamic and committed team of scientists, embedded with the Clinical Team, working in a fascinating and specialised area of pathology.



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



The department runs as two sections - DNA and Serology. As a state registered Clinical Scientist the post holder would initially rotate between the sections performing duties including sample testing, analysis, authorisation and reporting, in addition to time spent liaising with the clinical teams and patient management on the waiting list. Following training, and by agreement, it may then be possible to specialise more in one area and take responsibility for specific aspects of the service.



The department has core opening hours of 9 - 5 Monday - Friday, and 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 7 commitment across three rotas.



Staff development is important to us. Locally we are accredited as a training laboratory for a variety of schemes, with a proven track record of successful candidates in a variety of qualifications, we can support higher training for a suitable candidate. The lab also runs fortnightly whole lab learning sessions alongside other regular in-house training opportunities.



You will also have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development 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 Future Leaders programme is also a unique and attractive group to join, giving participants experience in developing, leading and managing a number of innovative activities across pathology.



The post holder will be expected to undertake the duties of a registered Clinical Scientist, performing a comprehensive range of tests, and carrying out analysis and reporting to support the provision of the Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Service (H&I). These include HLA genotyping, HLA antibody screening and identification, flow cytometric crossmatching of living and deceased donors and recipients, and patient registration and maintenance on the waiting list. They will be expected, with training, 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 would also be expected to take part in service development activities, directed research, training of junior staff and ensure the maintenance of service quality.

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.

If you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal visit please contact Dr Olivia Shaw (olivia.shaw@synnovis.co.uk) or Corinna Freeman (corinna.freeman@synnovis.co.uk)



Core Duties and Responsibilities



1. To participate in the routine laboratory rotation.



2. To test for HLA alleles using DNA based methods.



3. To test for HLA specific antibodies using Luminex based methods.



4. To crossmatch renal transplant recipients with potential donors by flow cytometry.



5. To participate in an on-call rota and liaise effectively with the renal transplant teams and ODT as necessary, providing appropriate clinical advice based on the results when required.



6. Planning and participation in all aspects of work in the routine sections.



7. Monitoring reagent and consumable stock levels, prepare reagents and ensure compliance with the use of the stock management system.



8. To analyse tests performed in the prescribed manner.



9. To report results for the tests performed in the prescribed manner.



10. To support and facilitate the development of techniques as directed.



11. To assist with the implementation of research.



12. To take part in continuing professional development and remain HCPC registered.



13. To assist with the training of junior staff and visiting trainees.



14. To participate in laboratory and clinical audit.



15. To ensure safe working practice and implementation of COSHH and other regulations in accordance with the relevant codes of practice in the Department.



16. Assist in reviewing SOPs when required and making change requests when appropriate.



17. Troubleshooting for Luminex, Flow cytometers and other laboratory equipment, and liaising with company representatives when required.



18. Ensuring that all equipment within the relevant sections is well maintained and highlighting potential problems with the section leads when appropriate.



19. Use Q-pulse regularly to acknowledge documents and report non-conformancies.



20. Take responsibility for work undertaken and ensuring that all work is carried out to a high standard, complying with the current SOPs and working practices.



21. Adhere to HR and other Synnovis policies and procedures.



22. Ensure that professional knowledge is continuously updated and training undertaken if appropriate.



23. Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed.



24. To participate in regular competency assessments - including both being assessed and assessing others, and participate in both IQA and EQA schemes.



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!