Haematology Higher Specialist Clinical Scientist Trainee

Job summary

We are looking to recruit a Haematology Trainee Clinical Scientist who will work alongside our Principal and Consultant Clinical Scientists within the department of Haematology at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, supporting the Haematology medical team.

Main duties of the job

The role includes providing scientific advice to clinicians, participating in the duty scientist rota, and contributing to patient management through effective communication of complex findings.

They will advise on and interpret a range of specialist haematology and transfusion investigations.

The post holder will support quality management, service development, and staff training, ensuring compliance with ISO 15189, BSH guidance, and MHRA requirements. A strong focus on patient safety and clinical governance is essential. The role also supports professional development. The post holder will be encouraged and supported to develop advanced practice skills and to apply for the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme at an appropriate stage in their career. Support will include mentorship from senior/consultant clinical scientists. Opportunities to gain advanced clinical, leadership, and audit experience. Involvement in complex cases, MDT work, and service development. Access to research and presentation opportunities. Guidance with the HSST application process (including feedback and preparation). Development time, where service allows, to build a portfolio.

About us

Physical Effort

Restricted position for long periods; frequent light effort for several short periods; occasional moderate effort for several short periods

Microscope or similar work; lifts, moves boxes, trays, pushes trolleys; manoeuvres patients for tests

Mental Effort

Frequent requirement for concentration, work pattern unpredictable; occasional/frequent requirement for prolonged concentration

Concentration for tests, investigations, frequent interruptions for urgent tests; microscope or equivalent work for lengthy periods

Working Conditions

Occasional/frequent exposure to unpleasant conditions

Handles contained or controlled hazardous materials, contact with body fluids, verbal abuse

Emotional Effort

Occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances

May work with terminally ill, upset, distressed patients, carers

Job responsibilities

Provide and receive complex information where tact and persuasive skills are required, barriers to understanding; provide and receive highly complex information/ present complex information to large groups

Communicates test, other technical information to patients who may have sensory, physical or learning disabilities, relatives & carers; exchanges specialist information with colleagues from own and other disciplines/ presents research findings to conferences or other large groups.

Highly specialist expertise underpinned by theoretical knowledge & experience

Understanding of specialist healthcare science activities acquired through training to masters degree or equivalent level of knowledge in Haematology/Transfusion.

Complex facts or situations, requiring analysis, interpretation, comparison of options

Analysis and interpretation of test, investigation results.

Plan straightforward tasks, some ongoing

Plans activity/workload of self and/or others.

Developed physical skills, manoeuvring of people; highly developed physical skills where accuracy important for manipulation of fine tools, materials/ high degree of precision, co-ordination

Skills for positioning patients for tests; hand eye co-ordination for e.g. inoculating specimens, manipulating specimens / use of fine tools, materials requiring high degree of precision and hand-eye co-ordination.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• HCPC Registered as a Clinical Scientist (candidates awaiting IBMS/AHCS equivalence outcome or HCPC registration certificate are eligible to apply for the post).
• Relevant Level 7 (M level) qualification in Haematology accepted by HEE/NSHCS for entry to HSST Haematology/Transfusion programme

Desirable

• Other relevant professional qualifications (e.g. scientific, management and leadership) etc

Skills and Ability

Essential

• Highly professional
• Must work within HCPC Code of Practice
• Patient-centred approach
• Excellent communication skills
• Individual and team working
• Respects confidentiality

Desirable

• Working across organisation
• Multi-professional working
• Networking skills

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Minimum of 3 years experience working as a STP in a Haematology/Blood Transfusion Laboratory/or working at a Band 7 level Healthcare Scientist in Haematology/Transfusion
• Research and innovation
• Quality management, accreditation and regulatory compliance
• Writing procedures, protocols and policies.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Desirable

• Can demonstrate clinical practice experience e.g. direct patient care, advice and guidance, developing clinical pathways, clinical audit, clinical research etc
• Membership of relevant professional organisations (e.g. BSH, BBTS, ISTH etc)
• Change management
• Teaching and training others (multi-professional)
• Leading a team