Job vacancy: Healthcare Scientist Quality Assistant - Molecular Pathology, Band 5, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham

Job summary

Main area: Histology
Grade: Band 5
Contract: 12 months (1 year fixed term)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (May include Saturday working, later working hours until 6pm to provide later cover)
Job ref: 318-25-T0267

Employer: Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Cheltenham General Hospital
Town: Cheltenham
Salary: £29,970 - £36,483 (pro rata if part time)
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 13/04/2025 23:59

Healthcare Scientist Quality Assistant - Molecular Pathology, Band 5

Band 5

Join us at an exciting time for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust! We have an ambitious plan for our journey to Outstanding and are looking for aspirational, committed individuals to join us, making a real difference to both staff and patients.

As a former winner of England for excellence award: Tourism destination of the year, the beautiful city of Gloucester and the scenic regency spa town of Cheltenham are fantastic places to work and live.

As a hospital Trust we are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and studies, whilst also providing acute elective and specialist services to a population of over 620,000.

By joining Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust new colleagues can look forward to a warm welcome and a future full of opportunities and support.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The successful candidate will, amongst other duties, be required to:

· Assist in the technical delivery of the service, working alongside a team of Clinical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pathologist and Clerical staff.

· Manage and update quality assurance documentation

· Support and maintain the quality management system for the section, in line with the rest of the department. Be able to offer advice and training to staff in all aspects of QMS as required

· Assist in maintaining systems to facilitate the continual improvement of the department

· Participate in the audit, research and development activities of the department.

· Generate and analyse quality metrics

· Participate in specimen processing and the production of histology sections for microscopic examination when require.

· Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area

· Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which she/he is working

· Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for use in the department. Participate in their development and review.

· Participate in record keeping processes, including maintenance records, electronic and paper based.

· Lead investigations into non-conformities, errors or incidents and perform corrective actions.

· Be a source of advice for colleagues on quality issues. Defer to / discuss with the Molecular Pathology Leadership / Quality Lead as required.

Person specification

Qualifications / Experience

Essential criteria

Previous experience of laboratory quality assurance
BSc (Hon) Biomedical Science or equivalent
Registered with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist, or with AHCS as a Genetic Technologist (GT) or equivalent
Appropriate practise as a trainee/registered Biomedical/Healthcare Scientist/Genetic Technologist
Computer Literate
Good communication skills and interpersonal skills
Ability to work flexibly within a team, quickly and accurately
Ability to work well under pressure and have good problem-solving skills
Ability to use own judgement and initiative

Desirable criteria

An understanding of the National Genomic Test Directory and Genomic testing in Cancer

The health and wellbeing of our staff and patients remains the priority of the Trust. Vaccination remains the best chance we have of conquering COVID and the Trust encourages everyone to take up this offer.

Please note, this vacancy may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, so please apply as soon as possible if you are interested. The Recruitment Team are unable to accept any applications after the position has closed on NHS Jobs.

Committed to safeguarding our community

If applicable for the post, all successful candidates will be required to pay for their own Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The cost will be £29 (standard checks) or £46 (enhanced checks), and will be recovered through two instalments from the candidate's salary. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

The Trust is a safeguarding employer committed to the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust is committed to safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults, and any appointment will be subject to satisfactory clearance. As part of the organisation's commitment to Safer Recruitment, candidates may request copies of relevant policies and procedures by contacting the Recruitment Team at [email protected]

Committed to supporting service personnel

As part of our commitment to support Service Personnel, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with the Career Transition Partnership, offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for all qualifying Service and Ex-Service Personnel. To qualify for a guaranteed interview, candidates must meet the essential criteria for the post and be either a current member of the Armed Forces, or be within the two year period of resettlement. If this applies to you please email the job reference number and your AR number to the Recruitment Team at [email protected]