Job Description

The Weqas Reference Measurement Laboratory provides a Reference Measurement Service using Gold Standard methodology. This laboratory is currently the only UK laboratory providing this service with accreditation to ISO17025 incorporating ISO 15195 and is part of a limited global network of Reference Laboratories. Such laboratories lead the way in standardisation of routine measurement performance of methods used in pathology laboratories, aiding in global harmonisation of Laboratory Medicine results.
Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist (HSPS) is responsible for providing technical support for the day-to-day functions of the Reference Measurement Laboratory as required under the direction of the Section Head. This will involve operation and troubleshooting of highly complex measurement systems such as Mass Spectrometers and Spectrophotometers. The methodology used will be more complex in nature than that generally found within a routine biochemistry laboratory.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.
Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
Details
Date posted
23 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
39,263 to 47,280 a year Per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
001-HS043-0925
Job locations
Weqas
UNit 6 Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen
Cardiff
CF14 5DU
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reference Measurement * Responsible for the preparation and measurement of client samples (body fluids), using reference measurement methods according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
2. Provide reference measurement results in calibrator, QC and EQA material according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
3. Responsible for timely delivery of reference measurement results on all client supplied study samples. * Liaise with clients for necessary requirements for transport of study samples.

• Maintain the integrity of all study samples and ensure that they are stored in the correct manner prior to measurement
• Perform and develop a wide range of complex scientific work. Employ a range of complex measurement techniques associated with Reference Measurement Methodology within Laboratory Medicine. This involves development of specialist methodologies to a high degree of measurement uncertainty associated with an International definition of reference methodology (ISO 15195, ISO 15193 and ISO 17025).
• Understand the principles of uncertainty of measurement calculation.
• Ensure that all measurements are within desired defined criteria.

Research and Development
9. Research, develop and validate reference measurement methods under the direction of the Senior Scientist / Section Head.
10. Evaluate and interpret (highly) complex results. Reference Measurement techniques are highly specialised requiring specialist skill.
Training
11. Train staff in methods and equipment used within the laboratory as appropriate.
Reference Material Production
12. Produce reference materials (body fluids) in accordance with ISO 17034
13. Provide associated traceable measurement results for reference materials, required for use in routine measurement methods. Such material is used as a QC performance check in routine methods used by other laboratories.
Maintenance
14. Maintain the calibration/maintenance records for all key equipment (required for traceability and quality system documentation).
15. Assist and perform the calibration of highly specialised measurement instrumentation, including: UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Atomic absorption spectrometer, Tandem Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
16. Maintenance of specialised equipment, as listed in section 15, including troubleshooting during routine usage and during instances of equipment failure. Use appropriate remedial action where identified. Where troubleshooting is insufficient, communication with senior staff or external equipment maintenance bodies will be necessary. A large degree of manual dexterity is required to maintain the equipment.
17. Maintain all consumables relating to the Reference Measurement Laboratory.
Quality Management
18. Maintain the Reference Measurement Laboratory Quality System to accreditation standards ISO 17025 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) & ISO 15195 (Laboratory Medicine Requirements for reference measurement laboratories).
19. Compile and manage the associated documentation as appropriate (Standard Operating Procedures, measurement work sheets, equipment control documentation, result reports).
20. Familiarise and adhere to the Quality System and documentation, incorporating current UKAS guidelines..
Weqas Promotion and Marketing
21. Promote Weqas services and research at scientific meetings through oral and poster presentations. Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reference Measurement * Responsible for the preparation and measurement of client samples (body fluids), using reference measurement methods according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
2. Provide reference measurement results in calibrator, QC and EQA material according to internationally agreed protocols and specifications.
3. Responsible for timely delivery of reference measurement results on all client supplied study samples. * Liaise with clients for necessary requirements for transport of study samples.

• Maintain the integrity of all study samples and ensure that they are stored in the correct manner prior to measurement
• Perform and develop a wide range of complex scientific work. Employ a range of complex measurement techniques associated with Reference Measurement Methodology within Laboratory Medicine. This involves development of specialist methodologies to a high degree of measurement uncertainty associated with an International definition of reference methodology (ISO 15195, ISO 15193 and ISO 17025).
• Understand the principles of uncertainty of measurement calculation.
• Ensure that all measurements are within desired defined criteria.

Research and Development
9. Research, develop and validate reference measurement methods under the direction of the Senior Scientist / Section Head.
10. Evaluate and interpret (highly) complex results. Reference Measurement techniques are highly specialised requiring specialist skill.
Training
11. Train staff in methods and equipment used within the laboratory as appropriate.
Reference Material Production
12. Produce reference materials (body fluids) in accordance with ISO 17034
13. Provide associated traceable measurement results for reference materials, required for use in routine measurement methods. Such material is used as a QC performance check in routine methods used by other laboratories.
Maintenance
14. Maintain the calibration/maintenance records for all key equipment (required for traceability and quality system documentation).
15. Assist and perform the calibration of highly specialised measurement instrumentation, including: UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Atomic absorption spectrometer, Tandem Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
16. Maintenance of specialised equipment, as listed in section 15, including troubleshooting during routine usage and during instances of equipment failure. Use appropriate remedial action where identified. Where troubleshooting is insufficient, communication with senior staff or external equipment maintenance bodies will be necessary. A large degree of manual dexterity is required to maintain the equipment.
17. Maintain all consumables relating to the Reference Measurement Laboratory.
Quality Management
18. Maintain the Reference Measurement Laboratory Quality System to accreditation standards ISO 17025 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) & ISO 15195 (Laboratory Medicine Requirements for reference measurement laboratories).
19. Compile and manage the associated documentation as appropriate (Standard Operating Procedures, measurement work sheets, equipment control documentation, result reports).
20. Familiarise and adhere to the Quality System and documentation, incorporating current UKAS guidelines..
Weqas Promotion and Marketing
21. Promote Weqas services and research at scientific meetings through oral and poster presentations.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• BSc or equivalent in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry or Chemistry.

Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable relevant laboratory experience. Broad knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques.
• Measurement troubleshooting and instrument maintenance.

Desirable

• Experience in Laboratory Medicine.
• Experience in developing Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometry techniques.

Skills
Essential

• Good Practical Laboratory Skills, Attention to detail.
• Good IT skills.

Desirable

• Presentation skills
• Teaching or training skills.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
Essential

• Chromatography, spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry

Desirable

• Quality Assurance, Reference measurement methods.

PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential

• Good communicator with all grades of staff and members of the public.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work to deadlines.

OTHER
Essential

• Committed to providing a quality service.
• An understanding of the importance of Health & Safety at Work.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• BSc or equivalent in Biomedical Science, Biochemistry or Chemistry.

Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable relevant laboratory experience. Broad knowledge of laboratory methods and techniques.
• Measurement troubleshooting and instrument maintenance.

Desirable

• Experience in Laboratory Medicine.
• Experience in developing Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometry techniques.

Skills
Essential

• Good Practical Laboratory Skills, Attention to detail.
• Good IT skills.

Desirable

• Presentation skills
• Teaching or training skills.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
Essential

• Chromatography, spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry

Desirable

• Quality Assurance, Reference measurement methods.

PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential

• Good communicator with all grades of staff and members of the public.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work to deadlines.

OTHER
Essential

• Committed to providing a quality service.
• An understanding of the importance of Health & Safety at Work.

Skills Required