Biomedical Scientist - Neuropathology

Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week

Job overview

• Working as part of a team, provide core and specialist diagnostic laboratory service in Neuropathology in accordance with national and professional standards.
• Work on a rotational basis in specified sections of the laboratory and deputise for Senior BMSs.
• Assist senior staff in the training and development of junior staff within the department.

Rotation through the department’s routine neurosurgical histology, muscle enzyme histochemistry and immunocytochemistry.

Main duties of the job

• Work rotationally in specified areas of the department.
• Participate in the reception, preparation and documentation of specimens for examination material in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
• Participate in the sectioning of fresh frozen tissue and smears.
• Participate in the entry of data to laboratory computer systems.
• Participate in specimen processing and the production of histology sections for microscopic examination.
• Prepare and maintain stocks of staining solutions and reagents.
• Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment.
• Be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of equipment.
• Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Participate in their development and review.
• Participate in record keeping processes.
• Telephone/email important information to an appropriate person.
• The post-holder may be required to provide occasional technical support for some departmental research activities.
• Participate and aid in planning of validation and verification of new processes.
• Undertake additional duties as are reasonable, and due to staff absence, to cover within the Department.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Participate in internal quality control procedures including taking responsibility for technical authorisation of work.
• Assist in research and development projects.
• Assist in audit.
• Participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
• Participate in quality assurance procedures.
• Participate in risk management of the department including error reporting, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Participate in the supervision of MLAs, support staff, any trainees and non-specialist biomedical scientists. Deputise for Senior BMS staff as required. 
• Participate in the training, teaching and mentoring of trainee biomedical scientists, newly qualified staff, MLAs and other healthcare professionals as required.
• Ensure that the exchange of information is accurate at all times, through competent verbal and written skills.
• Notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of duties.
• Communicate biomedical information of varying degrees of complexity with medical, scientific and secretarial staff within the Neuropathology department, and in other departments both within and outside of the North Bristol NHS Trust. 
• Be responsible for organising allocated work.
• Deputise for senior staff as required.
• Undertake continued professional development.
• Be personally responsible for maintaining Registration with HCPC which is a requirement of employment at this grade.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (Biomedical Scientist).
• BSc honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
• Evidence of competency at a specialist level in Histopathology/Neuropathology- e.g. IBMS Specialist Diploma.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and on-going training in Cellular Pathology/Neuropathology.

Desirable criteria

• A postgraduate level qualification (with specialisation in Cell Path or Neuropath), or a comparable level of knowledge and experience.

Work experience

Essential criteria

• Broad knowledge and competency commensurate with a minimum two years post-registration experience in Cellular Pathology or Neuropathology, including immunocytochemistry and enzyme histochemistry.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation applicable to laboratories.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge and experience of neuropathology.
• Experience of working in an NHS laboratory.

Knowledge/Skillis/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Good interpersonal and communication skills - both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of professional codes of practice and professional guidelines.
• Able to assist in monitoring the training and well-being of junior members of the work area.
• Able to trouble shoot failures of laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Able to provide judgement on a wide range of complex laboratory issues.

Desirable criteria

• Extensive knowledge of quality management and experience in BSN: EN ISO15189:2012.
• Knowledge of Laboratory IT system.
• Experience and knowledge of Validation and Verification.

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

Essential criteria

• Demonstrate a desire for continual service improvement.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team, and independently.
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal development.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Possess good organisational skills.
• Good IT and keyboard skills with efficient data-entry skills.
• Able to undertake detailed work.
• Able to work accurately.
• Able to participate in staff training.
• Ability to follow SOPs.
• Possess highly developed co-ordination skills.

Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances

Essential criteria

• Ability to handle pathology specimens.