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Job summary

Main area
Blood Sciences
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
358-7057710-CSI-FIT-BC
Employer
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Town
Leicester
Salary
£46,148 - £52,809 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
12/05/2025 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust logo

Senior Clinical Scientist in Biochemistry

NHS AfC: Band 7

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Job overview

Applications are invited for the post of Senior Clinical Scientist within the Department of Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Diseases, based at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The applicant will contribute to service delivery in all sections of the laboratory. The Department has an established Blood Sciences Laboratory with full implementation of a Blood Sciences solution from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and is one of the largest integrated laboratories of its kind in the country covering the three acute hospital sites in Leicester.

The post holder will also be expected to participate in other activities within the Department including audit, teaching, EQA, research and development.

Main duties of the job

  • The post holder will be a key member of the Department, providing scientific support as well as advice and result interpretation to service users.

  • There will be a commitment to the department’s duty biochemist rota on a weekly basis. The post holder will also be expected to participate in other activities within the Department including audit, EQA, teaching, method development and research.

  • The successful candidate will also contribute to service delivery in specialist sections of the laboratory including the National Centre for Adherence Testing and Forensic Toxicology.

  • Applicants should have a good honours degree in a relevant science subject and hold a MSc in Clinical Biochemistry (or equivalent) or be near completion of pre-registration training in general clinical biochemistry. HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist is desirable but not essential.

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
 
We have four primary goals:
 
  • high-quality care for all,
  • being a great place to work,
  • partnerships for impact, and
  • research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
 
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
 
  • we are compassionate,
  • we are proud,
  • we are inclusive, and
  • we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
 
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
 
 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  • To participate in clinical audit and clinical governance.

  • To participate in the provision and development of both a routine and specialist biochemistry service.

  • To assist in the provision of a high quality 24/7 analytical and clinical biochemistry service. 

  • To participate in the provision of a reliable high quality analytical service that meets nationally accepted standards (UKAS or equivalent).

  • To take all necessary measures to keep up to date with CPD in the discipline. This will include the reading of medical and scientific journals and attendance and participation in courses, seminars and scientific meetings (local, regional and national) as required.

  • To evaluate and troubleshoot methods using specialist techniques and equipment.

  • Critically appraise new information, as published in the literature, and apply this to the development of the Department.

Please see attached job description for more information. 

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • First or second class honours degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related subject Masters degree (or assessed equivalent level of knowledge) in the speciality of Clinical Biochemistry or evidence of near completion
  • Complete or near completion of pre-registration Clinical Scientist training program To be studying towards the appropriate professional qualification (Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists)
Desirable criteria
  • State registration as a Clinical Scientist with the Health Professions Council (HCPC)
  • PhD
  • Mass spec experience

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential criteria
  • Excellent analytical skills
  • To have an understanding of problem solving and quality assurance
  • Able to use laboratory computer systems and standard software packages

Research

Essential criteria
  • To have carried out audit(s), have evidence of science related research and research project(s) undertaken
Desirable criteria
  • Evidence of recent published research undertaken or abstracts/presentations at scientific meetings

Physical skills

Essential criteria
  • Good manual dexterity

Experience

Essential criteria
  • To have knowledge and understanding of clinical biochemistry

Commitment to trust values and behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours

Clinical skills

Essential criteria
  • Able to provide advice to clinicians and users of the service on investigations and interpretation of biochemical data.

Communication and personal qualities

Essential criteria
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Able to present complex scientific and clinical information at meetings and as part of teaching
  • Commitment to the development of the department
  • Good interpersonal skills

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria
  • Able to organise work to ensure that specified targets are met
  • Able to organise own learning time, as well as contributing to teaching/training of other staff of various grades

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential criteria
  • Willing to work in any of the three major hospitals within Leicester and elsewhere if required.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoCare quality commission - Goodhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Dr Paul Smith
Job title
Consultant Clinical Scientist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0116 258 5772
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