Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Biochemistry)

The department provides a specialist Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology service to both acute and primary care, and to other trusts within the Sussex area and beyond. It holds accreditation with UKAS, and is approved by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as a training laboratory.

The Biochemistry laboratory at UHS East is divided into four sections: at RSCH: Automation, Sample referrals and Downs screening, Special Reference (including Toxicology, Point of Care, and Separation Sciences) and Immunology: and on the PRH site: Automation. The post-holder will work in all areas and sites (PRH and RSCH) of the laboratory on a rotational basis, performing the work according to standard operating procedures, producing high quality scientific results.

Applicants must be HCPC registered, hold an IBMS Specialist Portfolio and have extensive post registration experience in a routine diagnostic blood sciences laboratory.

Registered BMS who have completed 75% of the Specialist Portfolio will beconsidered.

The successful applicant must be conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team. Applicants must be prepared to work and attend meetings at any sites. They will participate in the extended working shift pattern and is also expected to participate in the 24/7 shift system.

There maybe a possibility of joining the bank.

• Analyses samples according to the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (including the requesting of tests and reporting of results) using highly complex analysers, or performing highly complex techniques and informs senior staff of any proposed changes to SOP’s.
• Undertakes/oversees planned preventative maintenance on highly complex, expensive and specialised analysers to ensure correct functioning. Records problems and troubleshoots or refers to senior members of staff.
• Prioritises workload according to national guidelines. Understands the clinical urgency of requests and the impact on patient care (i.e. the 4hr wait in A&E).
• Performs calibrations on all methods, informs senior staff of any problems.
• Performs and verifies quality control samples (including checking quality control charts) to ensure accuracy and precision. Carries out corrective action to ensure all analyses are performing within defined parameters. Understands the use of statistical parameters for mean and SD.
• Performs external quality assurance analysis on highly specialised analysers
• Volunteers to participates in overtime & out-of-hours arrangements, when assessed as competent to do so
• Undertakes analytical validation of results produced
• Checks all samples before processing for status & suitability
• Interprets results and clinical history to ensure patients receive correct therapy.

Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops

At UHSx we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Improving lives: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and no matter the role at UHSx, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

Build a career with us: As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

• Has an extensive knowledge of the disease process and the clinical relevance and appropriateness of diagnostic tests requested. Therefore understands why certain tests (including the abbreviations and medical terminology) are requested in certain pathological situations.
• Communicates with the requesting physician to discuss the suitability of tests requested and discuss the availability of further tests which might contribute to diagnosis/patient management. Also discuss with senior member of staff if appropriate/available.
• Validates results according to the SOP. Interprets results in conjunction with previous results (delta checks). Requests further work according to SOP, refers to senior staff upon completion of further work.
• Handles unsuitable samples for example if taken from drip arm, too old, incorrectly labelled (according to departmental policy), insufficient volume to ensure reliability and validity of sample and will request repeat bloods be taken accordingly.
• Phones highly complex and potentially sensitive results to clinicians ensuring results are understood and transcribed correctly. Acts on or refers phone calls received to appropriate area of lab.

Please see JD and PS for full details.