Job summary
- Main area
- Haematology
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 360-C-11089
- Employer
- West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Croxley Park
- Town
- Watford
- Salary
- £40,617 - £48,778 pa inc HCA
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 16/03/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Band 6 - Specialist EQA Biomedical Scientist
Band 6
Job overview
We are looking for a dynamic and adaptable HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join the UK NEQAS General Haematology scientific team.
Under the direct supervision of the Senior EQA Scientist, your role will involve ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and professional delivery of services within the UK NEQAS Haematology program.
The UK National External Quality Assessment Unit (UK NEQAS) are operated by West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is based in a bespoke unit designed and built specifically for our use in the Croxley Business Park in Watford.
You should be able to demonstrate a substantial understanding and experience in clinical Hematology laboratory practices within the UK, encompassing an knowledge of both the theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory Hematology. Additionally, you should display an understanding of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems.
This is a full-time position and will be required to work from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, flexible working arrangements will be considered.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will report directly to the Senior EQA Scientist, with overall accountability to the Scheme Director. The post is based at Croxley Business Park and it is an NHS appointment.
The post-holder will support the effective delivery of UK NEQAS Haematology schemes, contributing to the preparation, testing and distribution of EQA survey material in line with quality and safety standards. You will provide technical advice and respond to participant enquiries, ensuring a professional and responsive service to national and international laboratories.
You will also supervise support staff and coordinate day-to-day activities, maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency. You will require good analytical, laboratory and IT skills, alongside the ability to manage your workload, prioritise competing demands and work collaboratively within a team environment.
You will require effective communication skills, enjoy exchanging ideas and influencing policy, and be self-motivated, adaptable to changing priorities and willing to implement change. Experience of quality management systems and service improvement would be advantageous.
Applicants should indicate in their application how they meet the person specification and why they are suitable for this role.
Working for our organisation
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact [email protected]
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The main tasks and overview of responsibilities include:
Undertakes the:
- preparation and testing of survey material, working with a variety of blood products.
- preparation of paperwork to accompany the survey material prepared for distribution.
- automated and manual bottling of whole blood, red cells and plasma to include checking the material, vial labels and completing the associated paperwork, as required.
- the receipt and dispatch of goods and survey material.
- entering and verification of participant generated data for analysis.
Monitors laboratory reagents and consumables.
Assists with the validation of new survey material or equipment.
Maintains written and electronic records of results.
Investigates quality incidents and performs root cause analysis.
Maintains participant confidentiality and complies with the standards set by ISO17043.
Upholds UK NEQAS Code of Practice.
Person specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential criteria
- Biomedical Science degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- Registration with the HCPC.
- Active participation in CPD.
Desirable criteria
- Professional portfolio, relevant to banding.
- Postgraduate diploma or specialist training or other equivalent qualification or experience.
- Quality management qualification.
Knowledge:
Essential criteria
- Specialist knowledge of automated cell counting.
- Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK.
- Knowledge of blood film morphology.
- Knowledge in the role of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems as part of laboratory quality assurance.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of laboratory diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies and enzymopathies.
- Basic statistical knowledge.
Experience:
Essential criteria
- Broad theoretical and practical experience of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK with experience in automated counting, analysing data, making decisions and providing feedback on findings, blood film preparation and microscopy.
- Draft reports and scientific documents.
- Supervise and train staff Band 5 and below.
- Word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
- Database applications.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in the provision of EQA services and review of EQA data.
- Flow cytometry and haemoglobinopathy laboratory diagnosis.
- Molecular techniques.
- Audit.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Yvonne Hector
- Job title
- Haematology Service Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01923587111
List jobs with West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Health Science Services or all sectors