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Job overview

The department provides a Specialist Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology service to both acute and primary care, and to other trusts within the Sussex area and beyond. It holds accreditation with UKAS, and is approved by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as a training laboratory.

The Biochemistry  laboratory at UHS East is divided into four sections: at RSCH: Automation, Sample referrals and Downs screening, Special Reference (including Toxicology, Point of Care, and Separation Sciences) and Immunology: and on the PRH site: Automation.

The post-holder will primarily  be based in the Automated Section at the PRH site, however would be expected to cover shifts at RSCH, after the appropriate training, at short notice.  They would processing the work according to standard operating procedures, producing high quality scientific results.

Applicants must be HCPC registered, hold an IBMS Specialist Portfolio and have extensive post registration experience in a routine diagnostic blood sciences laboratory.

 Registered BMS who have completed 75% of the Specialist Portfolio will be considered.

The successful applicant must be conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team. Applicants must be prepared to work and attend meetings at any sites. They will participate in the extended working shift pattern and is also expected to participate in the 24/7 shift system. 

There may be a possibility of joining the bank.

Main duties of the job

• Analyses samples according to the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (including the requesting of tests and reporting of results) using highly complex analysers, or performing highly complex techniques and informs senior staff of any proposed changes to SOP’s.
• Undertakes/oversees planned preventative maintenance on highly complex, expensive and specialised analysers to ensure correct functioning. Records problems and troubleshoots or refers to senior members of staff.
• Prioritises workload according to national guidelines. Understands the clinical urgency of requests and the impact on patient care (i.e. the 4hr wait in A&E).
• Performs calibrations on all methods, informs senior staff of any problems.
• Performs and verifies quality control samples (including checking quality control charts) to ensure accuracy and precision. Carries out corrective action to ensure all analyses are performing within defined parameters. Understands the use of statistical parameters for mean and SD. 
• Performs external quality assurance analysis on highly specialised analysers
• Volunteers to participates in overtime & out-of-hours arrangements, when assessed as competent to do so
• Undertakes analytical validation of results produced
• Checks all samples before processing for status & suitability
• Interprets results and clinical history to ensure patients receive correct therapy.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.