Job summary
We are seeking to appoint a self-motivated Specialist
Biomedical Scientist to join our Cellular Pathology team, within our Cytology
department. The successful candidate will work closely with other Biomedical
Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Pathologists to ensure high quality
testing to aid in the diagnosis of patient samples.
Candidates will work mainly within the cytology pre-screening
department, and therefore experience and competence in this area is essential. There
may also be scope to rotate through other areas of the laboratory including andrology,
microtomy and special stains.
The ideal candidate will be a team player that
possesses excellent communication skills, organisation and manual dexterity
skills and have a keen eye for detail. You will also have the ability to
concentrate for long periods of time and have a keen interest in pathology. You
should be able to demonstrate good keyboard skills and be computer literate. Previous
experience of working in an NHS Cellular Pathology laboratory and particularly
in cytology pre-screening is essential.
Main duties of the job
Main tasks include:
Pre-screening of diagnostic cytology specimens
Preparation and processing of cytology samples for
diagnosis.
Answering telephone queries and liaising with other Trust
staff and engineers.
Organising referral work, packaging and sending of samples
to other Trust sites and to other Trusts nationwide including sending cases for
EQA.
Stock control including receiving and receipting deliveries,
documenting and organising batches of reagents and performing verification
tasks.
Assist in the training and competency assessment of new Band
4 staff within the cytology department.
Error logging and troubloeshooting
Please refer to the Job Description and Personal
Specification for full details.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary £23,200, to apply you must have Right to Work in the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and personal
specification for full details.
This Specialist Biomedical Scientist role involves working
closely with Pathologists, other Biomedical Scientists and Associate
Practitioners. Candidates must be able to follow the laboratory Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete the relevant quality documentation as
required.
The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissue
samples which can be of a sensitive nature. Previous experience and competency
in diagnostic cytology pre-screening is essential as this will be the main duty
of this role. This will be assessed at interview via a pre-screening practical test.
Acceptance testing and validation duties will be carried out
as part of this role. Stock is managed by all laboratory staff. This includes
monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting
goods delivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork is
complete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organised
manner.
The candidate should have good knowledge of the processes
involved when preparing cytology samples for diagnosis as they will be expected
to provide supervision, training and leadership to Associate Practitioner staff
in this area.
In order to perform their daily tasks
effectively, the successful candidate requires the ability to focus for long
periods of time, have great attention to detail and possess the ability to
organise tasks in priority order.Computer literacy skills are also required, as
they are expected to use spreadsheets, access LIMS, write SOPs and perform
audits as needed.
Person Specification
Statutory Registration
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
Essential
- Biomedical Sciences degree
- Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology
Desirable
- Equivalent science qualifications
- Science A'Levels
- DEP Cytology Screening
Experience
Essential
- Previous laboratory experience
- Cytology Pre-screening competency
Desirable
- Previous pathology laboratory experience
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Follow protocols and instructions accurately
- Communication, verbal and written
- Computer literate
- Cytology Pre-screening competency
Desirable
- Microsoft Office applications
- Leadership skills
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to handle tissue and body fluid samples
- Able to work flexibly
Desirable
- Able to participate in shift working, weekend working, bank holidays as required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
University Hospital Of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW