The place to work in pathology We are looking for top talent to join the UK’s leading and fastest growing pathology company – a scientific organisation with a clinical purpose. Working in partnership with our service partners, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospitals, King’s College Hospital and Princess Royal University Hospital we aim to set the standard for the future of pathology. Job overview This 12 month (maternity cover) Operational Lead post (band 8a AfC equivalent) is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Biomedical or Healthcare Scientist to further develop their specialist knowledge and skills. This is a fantastic and exciting opportunity to join a dedicated and friendly team You will be joining a team comprising of Biomedical and Clinical Scientists that deliver an Integrated Toxicology service that is essential to patient management and treatment. The post involves managing the service delivery of our Toxicology and Trace Elements Laboratories and delivering a progressive strategy of process change development within the sections. The laboratories use the latest immunoassay and mass spectrometry techniques (LC-MS/MS, LC-HRMS, ICP-MS) to analyse biological samples for Drugs of Abuse, Antipsychotic / Anti-Seizure Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and a wide variety of Trace Elements. The Integrated Toxicology Department is fully accredited against ISO 15189 standards. Applicants must have previous relevant laboratory experience and have HCPC registration or experience of working in a similar laboratory environment. Main duties of the job The post holder will undertake analytical, technical, administrative and managerial duties to help ensure efficient and reliable service delivery standards are met in all sections of the Integrated Toxicology Unit (Toxicology, Trace Elements). To contribute to the development and expansion of all sections within the Unit, their efficiencies (e.g. TATs) and the teaching, training and development of staff. The post-holder will need to regularly review training/motivation of staff and the working practices of the Unit. The post holder will be actively involved with Transformation Activities relating to the Target Operational Model for both Toxicology and Trace Elements laboratories. Working for our organisation Your development and learning 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. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Technical a. To safely handle blood, urine, faeces, other body tissues, unknown substances, hazardous and/or radioactive chemicals as appropriate. b. To ensure that appropriate preventative maintenance is carried out on laboratory instruments and equipment and that service records are maintained. c. To ensure the safe and efficient use of highly complex equipment by staff working in the Integrated Toxicology Unit. d. T o ensure that first line troubleshooting of complex analytical equipment or methods is carried out, including dismantling/reassembling instruments to carry out initial repairs; where necessary to arrange for engineer service visits (in liaison with Procurement/Unity Services teams) and to supervise or participate, if necessary, in the resolution of equipment or method failures. e. To liaise with clinical staff to ensure that priority work is identified and to make alternative arrangements for analysis caused by service delivery failure. f. To establish and maintain system(s) so that appropriate logs are kept up to date: Reagents and stock solutions need to be prepared, stored, used and recorded according to manufacturer, departmental and Home office guidelines. g. To perform complex manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations as/when required. h. To monitor performance of laboratory investigations (accuracy/precision) and to take corrective action, in conjunction with Section and Scientific Leads/Service Delivery Manager, when quality control/assurance procedures indicate poor performance. i. To ensure that management and operational performance data are regularly monitored, for example turn-round times, workloads and ongoing consumable costs: to plan and take corrective action where necessary in association with Section Leads, Service Delivery Manager, Clinical Leads and finance/procurement teams. j. In association with Scientific/Section Leads and Training officer, to support, supervise, train and develop the competence of students, trainee Healthcare Scientists, Healthcare/clinical Scientists and Specialist Registrars in the unit. k. To help initiate, establish and maintain a system that ensures maximal availability and flexibility in operation of departmental chromatographic, mass spectrometric, immunoassay and associated equipment. l. To help maintain a safe and secure physical, fabric and working environment in all sections. m. To recommend and help implement quality improvements in all sections 2. Scientific a. In collaboration with Scientific Lead to propose, plan and implement future development (applications, techniques etc.) of the services offered by the Unit b. To promote and supervise/undertake appropriate research and development to expand service provision in association with Service Delivery Manager, Clinical and Scientific leads. All developmental work needs to be agreed by the Research & Development or Training Committees of the Department. c. To liaise with the Director of Division (Reference Services), Service Delivery Manager, Clinical/Scientific Leads and Finance/Business Development teams to ensure appropriate resources are available for service delivery/development. d. To be involved in the Operational Financial Planning process (including preparation of business cases) and recommending and managing the introduction of new equipment or methods into the department. e. To direct method and laboratory instrument evaluations and to validate Standard Operating Procedures in conjunction with the Service Delivery Manager/Clinical and Scientific Leads. f. To support, supervise, monitor and provide training of staff members/visiting workers within the Unit. g. To keep up to date with scientific/technical developments in separation science/toxicology (including Trace Elements) and to disseminate/promote the scientific/clinical findings of the department (nationally/internationally) via presentations/publication in scientific journals. h. To participate in teaching locally and at external establishments. 3. Clinical a. To undertake clinical validation of results from laboratory investigations in all sections, and to provide clear and helpful interpretive comments where appropriate and to request or suggest further investigations as appropriate. b. To provide advice on the investigation of patients and the interpretation of results to other scientists and clinicians both within and external to the establishment. c. To bring urgent, markedly abnormal or unexpected results to the attention of the requesting clinician or other appropriate person as soon as possible. d. Provide information about toxicology tests to other healthcare professionals, patients and the public or refer more specialist requests to appropriate locations. e. To maintain an up-to-date knowledge regarding specialised toxicology tests, so that expert scientific and clinical advice can be provided to scientists and clinicians working outside the establishment. 4. Quality Assurance a. The post holder will work with the Quality Manager and Service Delivery Manager to ensure the section remains UKAS ISO 15189 compliant at all times. b. The post holder will be responsible for relevant controlled document management through the use of QPulse and ensure no uncontrolled documentation is in use within Toxicology Unit. c. Maintain the Quality assurance procedures of the sections. To measure and monitor the accuracy and imprecision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures (IQC and EQA), taking corrective actions (and documenting) where necessary. d. Investigate adverse incidents, adverse performance or laboratory errors as necessary and communicate findings to the Service Delivery Manager and Quality Manager, and to implement any changes agreed in order to reduce the likelihood of repetition. To attend and present findings at departmental quality meetings, as necessary. e. In association with the Quality Manager to ensure that scheduled audits for the Unit are carried out in a timely fashion, to present audits to the departmental quality committee as required by the audit schedule and address any non-conformances. f. Ensure operational performance and in particular turnaround times are monitored regularly and addressed regularly. g. In conjunction with the Quality Manager, EQA and Training Officers, educate staff in the sections of the function and implementation of the quality management system. h. The post holder will be responsible for Health and Safety issues within the Integrated Toxicology Unit, and will report to the designated H&S officer as required. i. The post holder will ensure that all staff in Toxicology read and sign Quality Management Documentation and check compliance through the appraisal system 5. Risk Management/Health & Safety a. To be aware of the relevant Trust/Synnovis health and safety and security regulations, guidelines and policies. b. Work within the Departmental Health and Safety Code of practice. Awareness of hazards inherent in the laboratory and use of adequate precautions at all times. c. To report adverse incidents as set out in the Synnovis’s Adverse Incident Policy. d. To ensure that the work within Toxicology is performed in accordancewith current health and safety regulations and guidance and to take corrective action where necessary. e. To liaise with the departmental Safety Officer in the assessment, documentation and review of the risks associated with the work performed in the Unit. f. To take appropriate action (in association with key personnel) if there is a spillage of body fluids, hazardous chemicals or radioactive material, in order to minimise risk to staff and the public g. To conduct regular risk assessments and take appropriate corrective action when required. h. Liaise with the departmental Safety Officer on fire safety issues within the department. i. To ensure that all staff complete the required Health and Safety mandatory training. 6. Continuing Professional Development a. Develop knowledge of the significance of laboratory investigations in the Unit in order to offer the best possible service to user. b. Understand own role and to be aware of the management structure/strategy of the department and of Synnovis c. Contribute to operation/service initiatives within the Unit. d. The performance of the post holder will be continually assessed for professional competence, and formally reviewed annually at the Performance Review undertaken by the Service Delivery Manager. 7. Laboratory Informatics a. To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing, and storage of patient and other laboratory information. b. To use the Laboratory Information System according to the authorised protocols. c. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. d. To contribute to the development of systems and processes for transferring, recording and storing laboratory information. e. To maintain and enhance competence in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software. 8. Staff Training a. To help ensure that new staff induction is performed in accordance with local induction policy. Induction records stored to meet UKAS requirements. b. To participate in the supervision of the work and performance monitoring of trainees, students and other staff in the procedures for which the post holder is responsible. c. To assist in the preparation of Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and portfolios. To carry out 1:1s and annual appraisal for direct reports. Recommend appropriate internal and external courses to staff in accordance with PDPs. Organise and develop CPD activity. d. To prepare/review and modify training schedules and procedures to assist in staff training and to record activities and competencies. To assist in the assessment of competence in areas of own expertise. To ensure documentation is validated and signed on a regular basis as competencies are achieved. 9. Managerial a. To help manage the team of students, SATOs and Biomedical/Clinical Scientists in the Unit b. To ensure compliance with good work practices in accordance with the UKAS ISO 15189 standards c. To maintain a flexible approach in order to rapidly assimilate changes in work load, patterns and requirements, and undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Service Delivery Manager. This may entail requirements for additional staffing or equipment. d. To monitor and control the efficient use of financial, stock and staff resource in the sections and to take appropriate actions in consultation with the section lead(s)/Service Delivery Manager/Financial & Procurement teams. e. To prepare and review laboratory policies and procedures following national and local quality system guidelines. f. To ensure that results are reported within the agreed turnaround times as far as possible, and to take appropriate action (e.g. communicating with colleagues and managers, arranging alternative provision in the event of instrument downtime) to facilitate timely reporting of results. g. To assist the Service Delivery Manager to prepare and monitor management and operational performance data, for example turnaround times, workload and materials consumption, and to plan and take corrective action, if required. h. To participate in the selection and recruitment of Healthcare Scientists and support staff. 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. King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career. Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria BSc (Hons) in subject relevant to Healthcare Science MSc in subject relevant to Healthcare Science Minimum of 2 years post HCPC registration Desirable criteria Doctorate / PhD in Clinical Biochemistry or Toxicology Experience Essential criteria Demonstrable experience in immunoassay, separation science technologies Comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of analytical techniques including troubleshooting of complex assays Desirable criteria Experience in Toxicology service delivery Proven track record of recent peer reviewed publications Skills & Knowledge Essential criteria Comprehensive knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry theory and application Evidence of teaching and training of technical and scientific staff Desirable criteria Ability to undertake technical and clinical validation of patient results Comprehensive knowledge of Clinical Toxicology theory and application Ability to undertake method evaluation of new assays 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 w e 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. Please apply for this post on-line. If you have problems with using the online process, or need any assistance, please email [email protected] Your e-mail address is important to us. We communicate to all job applicants via the e-mail address which has been provided on the application form. Please ensure that you check your e-mail on a regular basis. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in Synnovis. 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. Further details / informal visits contact Name Colin Stone Job title Service Delivery Manager Email address [email protected] If you have problems applying, contact Address Synnovis Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Telephone 01629 702340