Job Description

We are recruiting for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) with experience in Clinical Biochemistry. We have two full-time positions available. One position is permanent and the other is a fixed term contract until 09/11/2026 to cover maternity leave.



This is an opportunity for an accomplished, enthusiastic biomedical scientist to join a friendly and dedicated team in a specialist biochemistry service which is currently based at Guy's Hospital and will be moved to King's College Hospital by late October/November.



The Biochemical Genetics Unit (BGU) forms part of the Synnovis Reference Chemistry Services. The majority of the work in BGU is white cell enzymes testing with the aim of diagnosing lysosomal storage disorders, other assays include Tay Sachs carrier testing, urine glycosaminoglycans and oligosaccharides, galactosaemia, and testing for some other inherited metabolic disorders (IMD).



This position would suit a candidate who has an interest in inherited metabolic diseases and ideally enjoys working in the laboratory and performing more unusual and esoteric tests. The successful candidate will enjoy working as part of a small friendly team. Extensive prior knowledge of lysosomal storage diseases is not expected as full training will be given. We also welcome applications from candidates working towards their specialist portfolio with relevant experience.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role are:

Participation in the lab work including lysosomal enzyme screens, galactosaemia testing, urine glycosaminoglycans



Assisting with the development of new assays/techniques



Checking results, writing reports, recording IQC



Measurement and reporting of EQA samples



Assisting in the training of junior staff/visitors



Assisting with auditing, quality, health and safety



Ensuring that the equipment is well-maintained



We regularly host STP trainees in order that they can complete the relevant part of their training in IMD. We have also hosted clinicians where they have wanted to gain an insight into what is involved in our lab testing.



The BGU workforce is a small team comprising Clinical and Biomedical Scientists and technical staff. We work closely together, and every staff member is valued for the contribution they make to providing our service. The department also has a cell culture section, where cells are cultured from skin biopsies. The cells can be stored long-term, or used for more esoteric testing.



The BGU is one of the main labs within the UK providing a comprehensive service for the diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders. We have a wide repertoire of tests, most of which are manual or semi-automated. Our instrumentation includes a Perkin Elmer fluorimeter with autosampler, Shimadzu spectrophotometer, Hidex liquid scintillation counter, Fluostar plate reader and a Clariostar plate reader. Additional techniques that are used by the team include thin-layer chromatography and electrophoresis.



We provide a service for the south east of London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. In addition, we may be referred samples from anywhere in the country, and some international referrals.



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.



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.



Purpose of the Job



This role delivers specialist 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 hold a variety of responsibilities, including supervision and troubleshooting, 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 and complex specialist biomedical investigations in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and within specific turnaround times



Deliver work autonomously within all regulations and legislative requirements



Operate and maintain complex laboratory equipment within all safety standards relevant to your area, including troubleshooting



Supervise and guide colleagues and answer 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 and specialist 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



Provide technical advice to clinical colleagues as required and within limits of competency



Process specimens and handle sensitive information with care and due diligence, such as patient results, in line with local SOPs



Propose and implement changes to SOPs, policies and work practice 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



Participate in verification and validation work when required.



Day to day supervision of MLAs, APs and BMSs, providing support, training and mentoring to ensure performance is in line with laboratory standards



Observe all safety regulations and ensure others are doing the same. This includes holding people to account when standards fall short of expectations and raising concerns about safety in the laboratory



Ensure compliance for your area of work 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, audits, EQA and IQC procedures 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 period 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, supervising and assisting junior colleagues with the process



Demonstrate ongoing laboratory-based competency against training plans



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.



King's College Hospital



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 develop and perfect your career.



Over the last 170 years, King's has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.