Job Description

We invite applications for a Senior Clinical Scientist role from enthusiastic and motivated individuals with HCPC Clinical Scientist registration or those expecting to obtain registration within the next 6-12 months. STP trainees reaching the end of their training are actively encouraged to apply.



The Reference Biochemistry Laboratories at King's College Hospital (part of Synnovis Analytics LLP) provides specialist service delivery using latest technology in a variety of laboratories (Metabolic, Immunochemistry, Porphyrins,

Gastrointestinal, Steroids, Diabetes, POCT, Toxicology and Trace Elements).



The successful candidate will be expected to participate in all areas of Reference Biochemistry including clinical authorisation. The post holder will also be required to provide scientific leadership to our Metabolic Laboratory which is responsible for the delivery of a broad range of complex, specialised diagnostic procedures including biogenic amines and markers of excess of alcohol intake, based predominantly on LC-MS and capillary electrophoresis techniques. We are looking at introducing quantitative FIT testing in light of recent NICE guidance in the near future and the post holder will be critical in delivering this advancement. You will also be expected to participate in original research / coordinate collaborative research (both locally and nationally).



Previous experience is not necessary as full training will be provided. More important is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! We have a number of training activities in place in the department to help individuals progress towards FRCPath examinations.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

To ensure first line troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment or methods is carried out, to arrange for engineer service visits and to supervise and if necessary to participate in the resolution of equipment or method failures, including dismantling instruments to carry out initial repairs.



To perform highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.



To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures. E.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments in area(s) of responsibility, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requester of clinically significant results.



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.

King's College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK's leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King's has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to perfect your career.



Your development and learning



You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme which is used across Synnovis to enable you to reach your potential, learn new skills and achieve your goals. We have a number of training activities in place in the department to help individuals progress towards FRCPath examinations.

This is managed between you and your line manager in line with your own personal and professional development ambitions.

You can apply for finance to drive innovation and service development for the benefit of patients through our Innovation Accelerator Fund.



At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.



Technical



To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissue, hazardous and or radioactive chemicals.



To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance has been carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.



To ensure first line troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment or methods is carried out, to arrange for engineer service visits and to supervise and if necessary to participate in the resolution of equipment or method failures, including dismantling instruments to carry out initial repairs.



To ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures.



To perform highly specialised manual techniques, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations.



To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.



To undertake technical validation of the results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory quality procedures and protocols.



To take corrective action when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods.



To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may or has caused a service delivery failure. e.g. to liaise with clinical staff to ensure that priority work is identified and/or make alternative arrangements for an analysis to be done.



To train and develop the competence of trainee Biomedical and Clinical Scientists, Healthcare Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.



To help initiate, establish and maintain a system that ensures maximal availability and flexibility in operation of departmental chromatograph, mass spectrometers, and associated equipment.



Scientific



To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation, write SOP's, as directed by the Section Manager.



To participate in research and development as directed by the Consultant Clinical Scientist/ Section Manager.



To participate in the introduction of new equipment or methods to the department.



To keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments including through participation in scientific meetings if appropriate.



To participate in teaching of all staff within the Department of Clinical Biochemistry.



To assist in the development of metabolic related assays in its broadest sense within the department and to facilitate the development and clinical use of analytical methods based upon immunoassay and separation science techniques in collaboration with junior and senior colleagues.



As required, to develop and/or assess new applications or new techniques in the field of metabolic function as applied to clinical biochemistry in collaboration/consultation with senior staff.



To maintain awareness of current developments in separation science and to ensure such knowledge is communicated to appropriate personnel.



To disseminate knowledge and research findings through presentations at local, national and international meetings and by publication in scientific journals.



To undertake specific research and development projects, agreed by the Research & Development or Training Committee of the Department as appropriate, within the bounds of the required service provision and available resources. The laboratory research will be under the direction of a Consultant Clinical Scientist and supervised by a Service Delivery Manager/Divisional Manager or Consultant Scientist/Consultant Chemical Pathologist.



Clinical



To interpret laboratory results and take appropriate actions in line with laboratory policies and procedures. E.g. authorisation of results, ordering relevant follow-up laboratory procedures, adding technical and clinically relevant comments in area(s) of responsibility, referring results for clinical interpretation or opinion, informing the requestor of clinically significant results.



Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public and to refer on to appropriate specialists requests for information out with their area of responsibility.



To authorise, biochemical tests; requesting or suggesting further investigations or referral as appropriate.



Quality Assurance



The post holder will work with the Quality Manager to ensure the section remains CPA compliant at all times



Maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the section. Measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations in section using appropriate quality control procedures



Investigate adverse incidents and laboratory errors as necessary, communicate findings to the Service Delivery Manager and Quality Manager, and implement any changes agreed in order to reduce the likelihood of repetition



In conjunction with the Quality Manager and Training Officer, educate staff in section of the function and practice of the quality management system



The post holder will conduct and present audits to the departmental Quality committee as required by the audit schedule

The post holder is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of internal quality assurance schemes in their section (as per IQA SOP). They will present IQA findings to the EQA committee as required



The post holder will be responsible for Health and Safety issues in their section and report to the designated H&S officer as required

The post holder will ensure that all staff in section read and sign Quality Management Documentation and check compliance through the appraisal system



The post holder will be responsible for relevant document management (through the use of QPulse) and ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use within the section

To monitor turnaround times of laboratory investigations and act on information to improve the service provided.



Risk Management/Health & Safety



To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.



To be aware of the relevant health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies.



Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times.



To report adverse incidents as set out in the Trust's adverse Incident Policy.



To ensure that the work within the section is performed in accordance with current health and safety regulations and guidance and to take corrective action where necessary.



To liaise with the departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the section.



To take appropriate action if there is a spillage of body fluids or hazardous chemicals in order to minimise the risk to staff and the public



To conduct regular risk assessments and take appropriate corrective action when required.

Liaise with department Safety Officer on issues around fire safety within the department



Administrative



To supervise the ongoing operation of a section of Clinical Biochemistry.



To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the standards of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (UK).



To monitor and control the efficient use of financial, material and staff resources in the section and to take corrective action in consultation with the section manager.



To prepare and review laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines.



To ensure that all results are reported within the agreed turnaround time, and to take appropriate action, for example communicating with colleagues and managers, arranging alternative provision in the event of a situation arising preventing timely reporting of results.



To ensure that training schedules are kept up to date and that documentation is validated signed on a regular basis as competencies are achieved.



Together with the Training Officer to supervise the work and monitor performance of trainee Healthcare Scientists, Healthcare Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible.



To be responsible for the organisation and delivery of effective stock control of reagents and consumables in the section and to arrange alternative means of obtaining reagents from other sources if necessary.



To assist the Section Manager prepare and monitor management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, plan and take corrective action if required.



To participate in the selection and recruitment of Healthcare Scientists and support staff.



The post holder must maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in work load, patterns and requirements, and will undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Section Head.