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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The role:
The Biochemistry Department in South Glasgow offers a repertoire of over 200 tests and is one of the largest, busiest and most diverse in the UK. Services include specialist metabolic testing for the majority of Scotland’s population, confirmatory toxicology testing for all of Greater Glasgow and Clyde and other boards and further specialist services which are available to the whole of Scotland. The Department has integrated its pre-analytical processes with Haematology and works closely with Immunology and Neuroimmunology services. Your base will be the state of the art laboratory building which was built to support the flagship Queen Elizabeth University Hospital which opened in 2015.
The laboratory is uniquely equipped with one of the largest Abbott tracking system in the world. The new hospital has been directly funded by the Scottish Government at a cost of approximately £800 million pounds with approximately £80 million of this total being used to build the laboratory building. The new hospital co locates adult and paediatric services in adjoining buildings.
You will provide direct supervision and management of Biomedical Scientists and Assistant Practitioners, and be responsible for the daily operation of specialist and/or automated sections of the laboratory. You will work individually as well as part of a team to analyse and validate a broad range of specialist and routine laboratory diagnostic investigations, using a range of analysers and technical procedures.
It is essential that you have a relevant Master of Science degree or Higher Specialist Diploma with current HCPC registration and significant post registration experience within Biochemistry. Consideration will be given to candidates who have completed the Masters of Science Degree but have not been awarded the degree provided they have a letter of award from the supporting University prior to the agreed start date.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
- Location based in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- Permanent Contract
- Full-time Position (36 hours per week)
- Shift pattern for this post are Monday-Sunday, variable hours 24/7
Key responsibilities:
- Supervises Medical Laboratory Assistants, Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists.
- Deploy staff on a daily basis to ensure that appropriate staffing levels are maintained in all sections of the laboratory
- Trains Medical Laboratory Assistants, Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists, including ongoing training on new equipment and techniques.
- Perform routine and specialist analytical and validation functions in each section of the laboratory and rotate between these sections on a regular basis.
- Perform highly specialist analytical and validation functions, e.g. iso-enzyme electrophoresis, immunofixation, drugs of abuse by GCMS, Metabolic tests and CSAH spectrophotometry, in each section of the laboratory and rotate between these sections on a regular basis. These techniques require accurate hand to eye co-ordination.
- Assess internal quality control performance using agreed Departmental rule bases.
- Ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken where quality control rule bases indicate unacceptable performance.
- Participate in monthly staff meetings.
- Participate in annual formal appraisal and personal development planning.
- Continue to enhance technical and scientific knowledge through Continual Professional Development (CPD) in order to maintain HPC registration.
- Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details.
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
Essential
- Possession of a relevant Masters Science Degree or demonstrable equivalent level of knowledge.
- Possession of an I.B.M.S. Certificate of Competence.
- Registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health Professions Council.
- Relevant post registration experience.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Effective keyboard skills.
- Ability to understand and follow complex Standard Operating Procedures and NHSGG Policies and Protocols.
- Required to undergo a period of in house practical and theoretical training on all laboratory equipment and techniques to the level required by the Laboratory Training Manual. · Show evidence of continuing professional development to the standards required by the Health Care Professions Council. This may be accomplished by a combination of self study, courses, tutorials, seminars and workshops.
Desirable
- Membership of the I.B.M.S.
- Registration as a Chartered Scientist
What we offer:
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact: Louise Boughen, On Laboratory Sector Manager & POCT Lead, ON 0141 354 9025 or email Louise.boughen@nhs.scot
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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