Specialist Biomedical Scientist- Biochemistry

Job Title: Specialist Biomedical Scientist Band 6 Blood Sciences- Biochemistry

Location: Taunton, Somerset

Hours: 37.5 permanent

At Southwest Pathology Services (SPS), we offer a rare opportunity to join our team of passionate professionals as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry.

Our laboratories boast a rich and diverse test repertoire, making every day varied and intellectually stimulating. Located in a beautiful rural setting, SPS offers the perfect blend of peaceful countryside living with easy access to stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and vibrant cities.

We’re looking for individuals ready to take the next step in their career and become part of an innovative, dynamic organisation committed to excellence in patient care and scientific innovation.

Our Blood Sciences team operates a 24/7 service across our three laboratories, Musgrove Park Hospital, Yeovil District Hospital and our Hub site located in Taunton. We have a fantastic opportunity for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our team. This position is based in Blood Sciences (Biochemistry) at our essential services lab in Musgrove Park Hospital and our Hub laboratory.

You will have the opportunity to work in a laboratory which takes a leading technological approach with state-of-the-art Beckman Coulter analytical systems in Biochemistry. This includes DxA500 Automated Track system, AU5800, DxC700, DxI800 and Access 2 analysers. We also utilise Winpath LIMS system. The department supports testing for the local NHS trust and primary care providers.

SYNLAB UK & Ireland have extensive experience of working in partnership with the NHS to deliver and improve pathology services through its existing pathology joint ventures, including Southwest Pathology Services (SPS).

Our team at SPS have been fundamental to the principle of making a positive difference to healthcare in Somerset for over a decade. We hold ISO15189 UKAS accreditation and are an HCPC approved training Laboratory for both IBMS Registration and Specialist Portfolios.

At SYNLAB, we believe in nurturing a culture of well-being and ensuring our employees are supported both professionally and personally. We offer a Wellbeing Allowance worth up to £1500 per annum for our esteemed team members working in Band 2 - 6 roles.

In addition to a competitive pay structure, we offer a joining bonus of up to £10,000, relocation package and access to SYNLAB benefits scheme.

Responsibilities:

As a Biomedical Scientist within the Blood Sciences team, you will perform and interpret routine and specialist testing providing patient centred scientific excellence whilst maintaining high quality standards in accordance with ISO15189.

You will supervise, mentor and support other Biomedical Scientists, Trainee Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Medical Laboratory Assistants within your department, sharing your knowledge, experience and passion for your work.

As a registered Biomedical Scientist, you will have the responsibility of maintaining fitness to practice and are required to participate actively in CPD. SPS will commit to support you in developing your skills and knowledge in line with your professional growth and our business interests. A dedicated Training team and extensive resources are available to support this.

Qualifications:

• HCPC Registration within Biomedical Science
• IBMS approved Biomedical Sciences Degree or Equivalent in Clinical Biochemistry

Knowledge and experience:

• Evidence of CPD in accordance with HCPC
• Post-registration experience in Biochemistry as a BMS
• Have extensive working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed
• Able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic physiology, pathology, and scientific principles relevant to Clinical Biochemistry
• Able to operate and maintain complex automated equipment
• Display experience and competency in all laboratory areas.
• Able to contribute to assessing and suggesting changes to laboratory operating procedures
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge and application of quality systems, with reference to ISO/UKAS
• Knowledge of Laboratory IT programmes

Skills

• Evidence of working as part of a team
• Good communication skills including ability to communicate with peers and senior staff and clinical service users
• Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory equipment. Also, must be adept and precise when handling samples etc
• Able to work unsupervised, to organise workload, and to organise and train less qualified, or less experienced staff
• Able to demonstrate a high degree of skill and knowledge regarding result interpretation
• Able to prioritise analytical work and plan day-to-day organisation of area of work

Candidates must be in possession of an IBMS specialist portfolio in Clinical Biochemistry or equivalent to be appointed at Band 6 however, candidates working towards their specialist portfolio will be considered for appointment at band 5. SPS offer automatic progression to Band 6 upon successful completion of the Specialist portfolio along with a retention bonus.