Job overview

A BMS Section Lead is an experienced clinical/ scientific and technical professional who has developed their own skills and theoretical knowledge to a very high standard, performing a highly complex role. They will be continuously developing clinical, scientific and technical practice within a defined field and/or having management responsibilities for a section / team / small department. They will have their own caseload or work area / operation management responsibilities and have attained a masters or higher level postgraduate qualifications or equivalent level vocational/professional qualifications and awards.

The post holder may be required to rotate to work in the Mohs service laboratories at the Guy’s Cancer centre building

Main duties of the job

The department has full UKAS accreditation. It is also a fully accredited training institution and deals with both certificate of achievement and certificate of competence and specialist portfolios. In addition, the department supports MSc courses as well as being active with Synnovis Apprenticeship schemes. Finally, the department also supports PhD doctorate opportunities.

The laboratory staffing includes a team of 22 staff in total, representative of all grades from MLA band 3 through to band 8 staff. The department performs technical work on both the Guy’s Hospital (Mohs surgery) and St. Thomas’ sites (routine paraffin processed histopathology and immunocytochemistry)

The department has been shortlisted for the forthcoming IBMS awards 2024 in two categories, The laboratory of the year and also best use of Research, innovation or technology.

Working for our organisation

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.

The key duties include

Technical 

Knowledge of a range of biomedical procedures in addition to specialised knowledge of unusual or specialised techniques/diseases. The post holder will also participate in the transfer of this knowledge to junior grade staff

Use laboratory information system according to protocols

Advise service users on sample preservation and transportation to laboratory

Where appropriate, undertake accurate and precise sample preparation of a complex nature and allocate testing procedures accordingly

Undertake accurate and precise data entry and technical validation of results on laboratory computer system, which requires frequent periods of concentration

Analyse and make judgments on complex scientific issues on a range of options including anomalous test results in accordance to departmental protocols

In accordance with departmental protocol, authorise results, request additional testing and add appropriate clinical comments (escalate as appropriate)

Discuss with service users complex scientific, medical and sensitive information relating to patient care in accordance with departmental protocols

Perform automated, semi-automated and manual processing of specimens, ensuring accuracy of test results obtained, which frequently requires being in a restricted position for prolonged periods of time

Process samples for clinical trials and research and development projects as and when required

Take part in the research, development and evaluation of new techniques presenting information in a clearly documented form for discussion with senior staff.

Ensure quality control measures are carried out to monitor analytical performance, take corrective action where applicable and report any major failures to a senior member of staff

Use of expensive equipment for analysis

Set up equipment for use by other members of staff

Undertake preventative maintenance of automated analysers as and when required

Responsible for troubleshooting of expensive analytical instruments, automated analysers and assay failures

Ensure sample filing and discard is carried out in accordance with departmental protocols

Ensure clinic and satellite laboratories have sufficient staff to maintain a service in them

Post holder is responsible for day to day management of clinics and satellite labs. They will ensure that there is a sufficient level of staff available to run the area and provide troubleshooting support as and when necessary

Present laboratory findings at departmental and multi-disciplinary meetings if required

Undertake audits and participate in surveys as and when required

Undertake validation testing of new equipment as and when required

Liaise with the co-ordinators of clinical trials and research and development projects to discuss their requirements for sample processing and disseminate to all staff within relevant section of the laboratory

Responsible for delivery of the Operational Performance Management System [OPMS] within the departmentSpecialist skills and responsibilities of post holder

Within their specialised service the post holder will be the Quality officer and have responsibility for oversight and day-to-day management of quality & governance issues in the laboratory.

The post holder will need to have a close working relationship with other officers in their service, the Operations Manager and Quality Manager who will guide and direct them in the management of the above area.

Administrative 

Communicate effectively laboratory results, which may be of a complex and/or sensitive nature, to internal and external clients, as per departmental protocol

Ensure laboratory record keeping is accurate and in compliance with accreditation standards

Supervise work file management to ensure all results are reported with agreed turnaround time

Responsible for day to day management of laboratory section including staff within that area

Perform staff appraisals

Produce weekly staff rotas to assist in day to day management of work area

Monitor staff sickness levels within section and carry out Return to Work interviews as directed Operation Manager / Head of Service

Review, document and maintain all laboratory procedures e.g. SOPs and policies in an acceptable form for accreditation, as directed by operations manager

The post holder will have also act as a mentor / coach / trainer to lower grade employees

Ensure staff rotating through area complete and maintain relevant training programmes and competency assessments

Effective communication with laboratory and medical staff to ensure that specimens are dealt with appropriately and in a timely fashion

Enter patient results onto laboratory computer system as and when required

Handle telephone enquiries from service users

Liaise with GP surgeries, hospital clinics and other departments within Synnovis.

To use information systems, specialist and general software, in data entry and the collection and interpretation of information to assist in the provision of laboratory services

General 

Maintain HCPC registration and undertake Continual Professional Development

Compliance with local and national policies for the safe secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information

Maintain integrity and accuracy of laboratory database where appropriate

Be proactive in escalating any possible issues that may impact on service delivery to the relevant Operations Manager

Implement and propose changes to policies and procedures impacting on other service areas in addition to implementing and proposing changes to policies within own specialist area

Participate in the review of local policies and procedures, COSHH and workplace risk assessments

Prioritise own workload and workload of members of staff within department ensuring emergency and urgent work is carried out according to protocol

Undertake complex staff planning by allocating staff and resources appropriately within the area in order to meet service need and organisational requirements

Maintain high scientific and quality standards

Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes

Perform audits of laboratory process and procedures

Ensure workplace and workbench areas are kept at laboratory standards

Build and maintain working relations with all members of staff, and promote effective teamwork

Undertake mandatory training as required by Synnovis

To maintain and promote the professional image of Synnovis

Undertake staff training, including training in specialised processes

Work within remits of confidentiality when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature

Undertake a period laboratory training and competence assessment

To participate in an annual appraisal cycle, and be assessed against competences of the role.

Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by the appraisal cycle

Observe and adhere to local and national health and safety policies

Key Working Arrangements

Works independently and autonomously

Responsible for managing a team of BMS and MLA staff. This may also include during Out of Hours and shifts

Follows occupational policies and protocols including health and safety policies

Special Working Conditions

Frequently undertake tasks which require repetitive, mental or physical effort within the boundaries of health and safety policy

Some tasks require frequent periods of concentration

Exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances are rare due to limited need for contact with patients

Undertake frequent handling of biological specimens in a controlled environment

Undertake frequent handling of biological specimens which have pathological risks

May be required to work shifts or provide out of hours cover as determined by departmental service need and as directed in individual contracts of employment

The post holder may have to carry out additional duties in line with their role

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites,Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.

The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.

The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site.

You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences or equivalent. MSc or equivalent in relevant biomedical sciences discipline. State Registration (Health & Care Professions Council) Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable criteria

Membership of Institute of Biomedical Sciences.

Experience

Essential criteria

Working as a member of a team. Relevant post HCPC registration experience in specific field. Problem solving.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential criteria

Ability to undertake technical validation, interpretation and clinical authorisation of results. Comprehensive knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques. Good communication – verbal and written – and interpersonal skills. Good theoretical knowledge of subject area. Keyboard and mouse. Command of English language. Writing and numeracy. Basic use of Microsoft Word and Excel. Quality Control and Assurance. Knowledge of Health and Safety Procedures.

Applications are welcomed from applicants with a disability.We can make reasonable adjustments and offer support and advice in a variety of ways throughout the application process. All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Equality of opportunity is our policy.

Our Bank workers enjoy competitive market rates and flexible contract assignments across all of our sites, dependent on your availability and location.

For our Permanent workforce we offer a competitive benefits package.

All employees are entitled to:

Contributory pension scheme Generous annual leave entitlement Ground breaking development
opportunities

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.