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Job summary

Main area
Pathology
Grade
Band 8a
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
176-F-6534893-B
Employer
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Town
Huntingdon
Salary
£53,755 - £60,504 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
Today at 23:59

Employer heading

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust logo

Operational Lead Scientist, Blood Sciences (Hinchingbrooke)

Band 8a

Job overview

NWAFT have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Biomedical or Clinical Scientist with an interest in operational management and laboratory quality to join our Pathology senior leadership team. This is a key post within our department and will play a pivotal role in the technical and scientific delivery, development and transformation of our blood science and transfusion services on the Hinchingbrooke hospital site to benefit our service users and patients. 

All our blood science laboratories are IBMS accredited training centres committed to education and training excellence. We are a progressive laboratory where all staff are actively encouraged to develop themselves, assist in the education of others and continually improve our service. The department is developing a strong quality management ethos, with the laboratory working towards UKAS/ISO15189:2022 accreditation along with complying to all expected MHRA, HTA and CQC requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable track record of operational leadership and extensive experience of supporting a high performing QMS, meeting ISO, MHRA and HTA standards within a blood science and/or transfusion setting. A strong knowledge of workforce development needs and associated programmes for pathology staff would also be of benefit.  

Main duties of the job

The Operational Lead Scientist is a key member of the Pathology Senior Leadership team responsible for the technical and scientific operations of the 24/7 blood sciences laboratory on the Hinchingbrooke Hospital site. The post holder will ensure a high quality, patient focused service is delivered to  all service users in accordance with the strategies and policies of the wider Pathology department and Trust.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the effective recruitment, retention, and development of all staff within the team. It is expected that the post holder will have a ‘can-do attitude’ with strong change management and excellent communication skills. They will lead by example and support staff in feeling empowered and engaged, at all times, with a desire to maintain equity across all groups within the team.

All applicants should have extensive experience of working in a line management role in at least one of the blood science disciplines and the successful candidate will be required to work across all Trust sites as required. 

Working for our organisation

We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our workforce and warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on encouraging those from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as candidates from our local area.

As part of our commitment to supporting our employees we offer a range of benefits including:

  • Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and increasing to 29 days after five years of service and 33 days after 10 years of service, in addition to the national Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part time staff);
  • Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme;
  • Flexible working opportunities;
  • Enhanced hourly rates for unsociable hours e.g. night shifts, weekends, bank holidays;
  • Opportunities for career development and training to help you progress in your role;
  • Wellbeing support and activities to promote a healthy work environment;
  • Access to our in-house physiotherapy service;
  • On-site canteens offering subsidised meals;
  • Subsidised staff parking (currently free);
  • Free Stagecoach Bus Travel to and from work within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles.  Join us and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See the attached job description and person specification for further information on the main duties, responsibilities and skills required for this role. 

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Appropriate Postgraduate qualifications e.g., IBMS Higher Specialist diploma, IBMS Diploma in Biomedical Science, MSc or equivalent
  • HCPC registration as a Biomedical and/or Clinical Scientist
  • Evidence of mandatory on-going CPD
Desirable criteria
  • Recognised postgraduate training qualification
  • Recognised postgraduate management qualification
  • NEBOSH Certificate
  • Fellowship of the IBMS and/or other relevant professional body
  • Quality Management qualification or demonstrable experience

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Detailed practical and theoretical knowledge of at least one of the clinical specialties within the Blood Sciences department
  • Demonstrable extensive and up-to-date managerial and supervisory experience at a senior leadership level within a clinical laboratory and in line with guidance from the Royal College and other Professional bodies.
  • Experience of managing a service within a framework supporting strong clinical governance
  • Highly developed specialist knowledge of a Pathology Quality Management underpinned by theoretical and demonstrable practical experience.
  • Knowledge of training within Pathology and demonstrable experience of managing an IBMS and/or AHCS accredited training laboratory
  • Awareness of current professional issues
  • Ability to effectively manage budgets and resources.
  • To be proficient in quality and clinical audit, administration, management and development of Pathology services.
  • Proven ability to manage, motivate and train staff
  • Significant experience of working within services which comply with MHRA, ISO/UKAS, HSE, HTA and CQC systems and standards.

Key Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Able to manage staff and lead a team in line with organisational workforce policies and procedures
  • Able to influence senior leaders, internal and external to the department, and across system divides
  • Able to master complex facts, reach appropriate conclusions and formulate required/relevant responses.
  • Able to decide upon and implement policies and procedures within the constraints set by the service, Trust and other regulating and professional bodies.
  • Ability to listen to and influence key stakeholders across the Trust to ensure all support services meet the needs of NWAFT patients and staff.
  • Good practical knowledge of health & safety issues including COSHH, fire regulations and risk assessments
  • Able to plan and organise complex activities
  • Highly developed physical skills required with ability to maintain prolonged concentration and accuracy.
  • Credible leader at internal and external meetings
  • Knowledge of LIMS systems e.g. iSoft/Telepath/ WinPath, Quality Management Systems such as QPulse/ iPassport and PC office applications

Other

Essential criteria
  • Awareness and respect for colleagues, patients and relatives cultural, religious and emotional needs and beliefs
  • Must be eligible to work in the UK
  • Ability to travel within locality on occasions
  • To be enthusiastic, positive and highly motivated
  • Good Communication Skills
  • Be able to relate well to all levels of personnel.
  • Flexible approach to service delivery.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

NHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: GoldMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Stonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.Step into healthDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldArmed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Matthew Smith
Job title
Pathology Services Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01733 678613
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