Job summary
- Main area
- Pathology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (24/7 shifts 365 days per year)
- Job ref
- 252-8227208
- Employer
- Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Darent Valley Hospital
- Town
- Dartford
- Salary
- £41,957 - £50,387 per annum inclusive of allowances
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/09/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Haematology/Blood Transfusion
NHS AfC: Band 6
Job overview
This is a permanent role with successful applicants being based at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford but required to also work at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals for the post of Specialist Biomedical Scientist.
For the Band 6 post you must provide
Completion of IBMS Specialist Portfolio or proven equivalent post registration experience
Experience of working alone during out of hours service
Willingness to participate in the out of hour’s service
Evidence of CPD
We are looking for well-motivated, HCPC registered individuals, with experience of working in an NHS pathology laboratory (or equivalent) to join our Haematology and Blood Transfusion Department based at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford.
In partnership with Beckman Coulter UK (BCUK) our pathology laboratory houses a range of equipment including: Beckman Coulter DxH 900 Analysers and Slidemaker/Stainer (SMS), IL(Werfen) TOP 770 and TOP 550 coagulation analysers, Biorad Variant II for Haemoglobinopathy screening and Ortho Vision blood grouping analysers.
This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship. All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.
Main duties of the job
Successful applicants will be expected to participate in an ongoing quality programme to maintain compliance with the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and United Kingdom Accreditation Standards (UKAS).
This post will require full participation full in a 24/7 shift working pattern and will received enhanced pay in line with Agenda for Change unsocial hours payments for maintaining round the clock services.
Working for our organisation
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you’ll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we’ve achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.
If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
Prioritise samples for processing and results for issuing.
Provide advice about the appropriate use of laboratory tests to users.
Perform tests and assays on all samples as necessary, according to established protocols and required standards.
Enter test results accurately onto the laboratory computer system.
Carry out identification of blood group antibodies and refer to NHSBT as required.
Carry out specialist procedures within Haematology such as blood film morphology and haemoglobinopathy screening.
Deliver accurate results of samples within agreed turnaround times.
Check validity of results and the need for repeat or further testing.
Authorise the release of results for clinical authorisation to the Consultant Haematologist.
Authorise results, which the Consultant Haematologist deems not to require clinical authorisation.
Please see attached job description for further information.
Person specification
Education and Training
Essential criteria
- Specialist portfolio in Haematology or Transfusion Science or equivalent
- State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) specifically as a Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Haematology and/or Transfusion Science
- Evidence of CPD
- BSc Degree in Biomedical Science (or equivalent)
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience in all areas of Haematology & Blood Transfusion in a Pathology laboratory (or equivalent).
Desirable criteria
- Use of Q-Pulse quality management software system.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
- Detailed knowledge of theory and analytical techniques in Haematology & Blood Transfusion
- Knowledge of current trends in Haematology & Blood Transfusion and the requirements of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA), UKAS and MHRA
- Methodical and able to organise own and others’ workload
- Ability to solve problems
- Able to make decisions and refer difficult decisions to their manager
- Interpersonal skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of blood film morphology and haemoglobinopathy screening
- Specialised knowledge and understanding of more complicated techniques used in Haematology & Blood Transfusion
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sarah Haskins
- Job title
- Chief BMS in Blood Transfusion
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01322 428501
- Additional information
Graeme Bain, Chief BMS in Haematology
01322 424887
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