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Job summary

Main area
Cellular Pathology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
179-7205986-C
Employer
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Bury St Edmunds
Town
Bury St Edmunds
Salary
£47,810 - £54,710 Per annum, pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
04/08/2025 23:59

Employer heading

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust logo

Senior Biomedical Scientist

NHS AfC: Band 7

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for the position of Senior Biomedical Scientist - Quality lead within Cellular Pathology at West Suffolk Hospital. Previous experience within quality would be advantageous but not essential. The suitable applicant would be expected to act as Quality lead for Cellular Pathology however quality tasks however are shared within the team and support would be given. Acting as quality lead would be a portion of the role, the suitable candidate would however be given opportunity to use / develop technical skills, with senior BMS staff spending a portion of their time on bench tasks.

The department is progressive, with a strong support for BMS lead dissection. The successful candidate will be given opportunity to perform this task / develop within this area. 

There are ongoing large projects within the department, which the successful candidate will be given opportunity for involvement and be expected to support with;

-'Digital pathology' is utilised within the department, with the implementation project ongoing. 

-'Tracking System,' to support digital pathology. The specimen tracking system will also be utilised to implement and support LEAN working.

-'LIMS upgrade' The department is in the process of upgrading their LIMS; which will offer improvements to Cellular pathology workflows. 

 

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate would be expected to work directly with the Laboratory manager, acting as Quality lead. The successful candidate would also be expected to cover and lead technical tasks and would be a key member of the team. Experience of specimen dissection would be advantageous.  

Working for our organisation

#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community

We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.

The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.

Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.

We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.

 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to attached job description and personal specification . 

This role would suit either a BMS with previous experience of Cellular pathology; this could be someone currently working at senior level or someone wanting to take the next step. Candidates with an awareness / interest in modernisation advancements within Cellular Pathology would be welcomed to apply.

With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.

We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.

Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?

Person specification

Education & Qualification

Essential criteria
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
  • Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent.
  • Appropriate post registration IBMS Specialist Diploma or demonstrable equivalence to the learning outcomes of the Specialist Diploma.
  • Appropriate post graduate qualification / or evidence of significant progress towards such a qualification, for example:IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma Appropriate Masters Degree Or demonstrate equivalence to the learning outcomes of an IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or an MSc accredited by the IBMS.
  • Evidence of CPD.
Desirable criteria
  • Quality Management Qualification.
  • Training Qualification.
  • Health and Safety Qualification.

Experience & Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Highly specialist knowledge and experience across a range of work procedures and practices underpinned by theory and practice relevant to post.
  • Extensive practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory.
  • Experience of Pathology IT systems.
  • Practical experience of Quality Management Systems.
  • Experience of performing and evaluating Risk Assessments.
  • Experience of performing audits and addressing non-conformances identified
  • Experience of training and mentoring.
  • Experience of incident reporting and investigation.
  • IT competent, able to effectively use, Microsoft Word and Excel.
Desirable criteria
  • Relevant experience of working in the NHS.
  • Experience of managing people.

Skills & Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Excellent interpretation and analytical skills.
  • Able to prioritise own workload and that of others to meet needs of the service.
  • Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time.
  • High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques.
  • Self-motivated and proactive
  • Professional, friendly and approachable.
  • Demonstrable mentoring skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Excellent organisational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as being a strong team player.
  • Ability to respond flexibly to problems and issues raised and respond appropriately.
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to work to tight and often challenging timescales.

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Strives for excellence.
  • Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
  • Ability to meet targets and deadlines.
  • Ability to be flexible and respond to the needs of the service.
  • Ability to learn and assimilate new information.
  • Organised but able to cope with interruptions.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines where there are competing demands.
  • Awareness of self and impact on others.
  • Flexible approach to working hours/duties.
Desirable criteria
  • Credible and effective leadership qualities.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardDisability confident employerArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Claire Beverstock
Job title
Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01284713091
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