Band 5 Biomedical Scientist-Molecular Pathology

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Service (MPDS) at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust for a suitably qualified and experienced Biomedical Scientist to join our team in a permanent role. MPDS is one of the largest solid tumour genetic-profiling centre's in Europe, processing around 24,000 samples a year. The service provides a range of molecular pathology tests including protein expression, gene mutation, methylation and amplification, and chromosome translocation. The service also provides a circulating tumour DNA service for EGFR mutation analysis. Services are provided for wide range of regional and supra-regional Trusts, being a referral centre, and as such there will be an opportunity to also participate in research and development.

The department has huge expertise in various technologies including real time PCR, pyrosequencing, FISH, immunohistochemistry and next generation sequencing (NGS). The post holder will be joining a dedicated team including scientists, technicians, and molecular pathologists. The Directorate has undergone exciting changes in recent years with the on-going alignment of processes and equipment across the four hospital sites. The laboratories are UKAS accredited to ISO 15189 standards and IBMS accredited for training. We support Continuous Professional Development. Encouragement is given to attend and participate in both internal and external lectures / seminars.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

We are seeking a highly motivated individual, with good range of clinical and scientific skills keen to contribute to the continued success of the service. Whilst previous experience of working with molecular techniques is desirable it is not essential as the post holder is expected to demonstrate scientific ability and skills that are applicable to or transferable to the area of molecular pathology. The post holder is expected to work closely with the clinical scientific team and therefore experience in a cancer diagnostic environment is also useful.

The candidate MUST have a BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent with a completed IBMS registration portfolio or equivalent and HCPC registration. Those who are within 6 months of obtaining HCPC registration will also be considered. Please indicate this in your supporting evidence.

About us

We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.

Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:

Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;
Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.

UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.

Job description

*Please Note*: For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent academic achievement that is ratified by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• State registration with Health Professions Council (HPC)
• Evidence of continuing professional development and proficiency in accordance with HPC guidelines.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in clinical laboratories.
• Experience of laboratory techniques and automation.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.