Job Description

This is a hands-on, bench-based role for someone who understands mass spectrometry and wants to progress in a department delivering specialist laboratory services with a clear focus on patient care.



This exciting job opportunity is within the Biochemical Sciences department of Synnovis Analytics currently based at St Thomas' Hospital. The postholder will join the department as we migrate the services to the new Hub laboratory where the post will be predominately based.



The laboratory is equipped with tandem mass spectrometers, gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography analysers delivering newborn screening for the south east thames region, diagnosis and monitoring of inherited metabolic diseases including purine metabolism and some therapeutic drug monitoring.



This is a unique opportunity for an individual with the appropriate technical skills to contribute to the efficient delivery of specialist services and contribute to the research and development of new and existing services. This role is open to both Biomedical and Clinical Scientists and although HCPC registration is preferred, it is not essential if the candidate has the desired skills for the role.



The successful candidate will need to have proven laboratory experience in sample extraction techniques, chromatography and mass spectrometry applications as well as method development and validation in order to deliver a practical 'hands on' role in this department.



As a Principal Biomedical Scientist or Principal Clinical Scientist, the post holder will contribute to delivering and maintaining a fit-for-purpose medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care.



The post holder will be a subject matter expert and be required to train and motivate staff to meet service requirements and provide a safe and efficient service. This requires the post holder to effectively communicate with a number of stakeholders including laboratory staff, support services, clinicians and industry partners.



The post holder will also undertake analytical and technical troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery as well as lead a team of scientists to further develop new and existing services to ensure the laboratory meets the needs of the community it serves now and in the future. For the right candidate there will be scope to personalise and further define this role.



The post holder will be required to undertake their responsibilities to meet all required standards such as ISO15189:2022.



Your development and learning



You will 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.



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.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

You will hold a variety of accountabilities in the laboratory environment. These include, but are not limited to:



Plan, organise and manage teams of Biomedical Scientists with a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and experience, performing biomedical analyses and processes on more than one site. Ensure a high-quality standard of service delivery, meeting key performance indicators.



Provide professional leadership to Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientists, Specialist Biomedical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants.



Provide an expert level of technical and operational knowledge to the laboratory services in Synnovis. This means being responsible for, and ensuring that, specialist training is delivered to scientific staff and support workers and other healthcare professionals.



Provide expert technical advice and highly specialist information in your area of responsibility to clinical and other healthcare professions where patient care might be affected.



Ensure that all areas of responsibility comply with all relevant current and future legislation and conform with the ISO 15189 medical laboratory standard and the recommendations from recognised professional bodies.



Analyse samples in line with local practices including but not limited to recording results and necessary action on the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring all Information Governance (IG) requirements are met.



Ensure all staff are following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for safe use of laboratory equipment in accordance with manufactures' guidance.



Lead in the strategic development of the analytical service. Manage the introduction and implementation of new techniques, equipment and tests to realise patient and corporate benefits.



Initiate and oversee the implementation of new techniques, equipment, and tests, as directed, including all verification and validation work. Where necessary this will include analysing clinical trial samples.



Be responsible for the scientific overview of procurement of equipment and reagents within the laboratory.



Participate in continuous service improvement initiatives.



Provide expert technical advice and specialist scientific information to clinicians as to the appropriateness of tests, timescales and guidance as required.



Be an ambassador for your area of expertise, presenting at conferences and seminars to share developments, innovations and training.



Ensure all incidents and events are correctly reported by junior staff in Q-Pulse quality management data base and other relevant software and support them in learning quality procedures and investigations.



In conjunction with the Quality team, supervise the monitoring, reporting and actions of errors, hazards, and incidents logged in the CAPA module of Q-Pulse. This may include taking part in investigations of incidents and providing expert insight into making improvements based on outcomes.



Participate in appropriate clinical audits as required.



Supervise and monitor, EQA and IQC reports and ensure any required corrective action is taken.



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



Line manage employees, as required. This includes delivering all aspects of people management, such as recruitment, performance management, absence management, learning and development, employee health and wellbeing.



Encourage junior employees in their scientific expertise, knowledge and professional development, including the safe use of highly complex and sensitive equipment.



Review and authorise relevant documents, including SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments in line with the ISO 15189 standard.



Ensure that all Synnovis policies and procedures are implemented and maintained and where necessary propose policy and service changes.



Attend, and where required, chair regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.



Deputise for the Operations Manager including attendance at meetings, as required.



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.



At the new Hub laboratory, you will be situated 5 minutes from Southwark station where you will have easy access to the vibrant South Bank and local amenities.