Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, experienced and capable Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist in the Blood Transfusion Laboratory at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. This post is based at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, although the postholder may be required to work across sites.

The successful applicant will be a suitably qualified and experienced HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist who may hold or be working towards an MSc in Biomedical Science and an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology/Blood Transfusion. It would be advantageous to have other qualifications such as the BBTS Specialist Certificate in Transfusion Science Practice.

The role involves management and deployment of staff within the Haematology and Blood Transfusion laboratories. You will lead the Blood Transfusion sections and will ensure that all aspects of the technical performance, training and quality of those areas are of the highest standard. The postholder must have an interest in Quality and Training and will support the needs of the department in these areas.

The department is an approved IBMS/HCPC training laboratory and continuous professional development is actively encouraged.

Main duties of the job

• Assist the Lead Scientist and other senior grade staff in the management of the department's sections.
• To manage and deploy staff within a section(s) of work assigned to you.
• To be familiar with the local application of all relevant Trust policies, e.g. health and safety, HR (personnel), and ensure that thesepolicies are adhered to by yourself and the staff in your section.
• You may be required to deputise for the Deputy Head BMS in their absence and take direct responsibility for the department.
• You will provide cover for other senior specialist within your department.
• You will perform a range of senior specialist activities and provide highly specialist advice to clinicians and other service users.
• You will be responsible for delivering training to Specialist Diploma level within your area of expertise.
• You will lead a specialist section of the department and will ensure that all aspects of the technical performance of that area are of thehighest standard.
• You will undertake equipment evaluation and activities which underpin the appropriate selection of methodologies and/or adaptation of procedures used in the department.
• You will drive service improvements and innovation within your specialist section of the department.

About us

The Haematology and Blood Transfusion Laboratory comprises of a friendly team of staff providing a high quality, 24/7 service for our patients. The department uses the Sysmex XN Haematology analysers, the CN Coagulation analysers and the Grifols blood grouping system in Transfusion.

The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital is set within the beautiful town of Shrewsbury close to the Welsh border and surrounded by stunning countryside. Shrewsbury has access to great transport links for travel by road and rail across Shropshire and beyond.

Our Poppy's Promise Commitment

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team -- clinical or non-clinical -- plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values -- ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.

Job responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc(Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (IBMS approved) or equivalent
• MSc in relevant discipline or equivalent qualification
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Relevant IBMS Specialist Diploma(s) or Equivalent
• Evidence of relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Desirable

• Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science or equivalent professional body.
• Relevant Higher Specialist Diploma

Experience

Essential

• Extensive practical experience of Biomedical procedures in a relevant discipline; gained through working in an NHS environment or equivalent for a minimum of five years post registration.
• Experience of managing/supervising junior staff and students.

Desirable

• Familiar with instrumentation used in the department, or similar.
• Experience of using Pathology IT and Hospital PAS systems.
• Experience of supporting staff with registration and specialist portfolios

Knowledge

Essential

• Advanced theoretical knowledge and practical experience of Biomedical procedures gained through MSc or equivalent and consolidated through the completion of an IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software in particular Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems, Quality Assurance & Laboratory accreditation.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Pathology IT systems

Skills

Essential

• Able to work autonomously and lead specialist section(s).
• Adept at problem solving, taking the initiative and sound decision making.
• Able to train and support staff to attain full potential.

Desirable

• Able to adapt and develop new ideas to improve the service.