Job summary
- Main area
- Haematology
- Grade
- Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 264-8341166-CSS
- Employer
- Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- University Hospitals of Northamptonshire
- Town
- Kettering
- Salary
- £49,387 - £56,515 Per Annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 06/11/2026 23:59
- Interview date
- 10/12/2026
Employer heading
Senior Biomedical Scientist Haematology
Band 7
Job overview
A vacancy exists for a band 7 HCPC registered senior biomedical scientist in the haematology department. This role will require the postholder to perform a wide range of laboratory investigations. Supervision and training of junior staff, both biomedical scientists and medical laboratory assistants will also be required. Deputising for the Lead BMS Haematology will also be part of this role.
The department is accredited to ISO 15189:2022 and all staff are required to adhere to defined quality procedures and processes related to these. Additionally staff must work safely with potentially hazardous samples in line with laboratory COSHH and risk assessments. Knowledge of the regulatory guidelines applicable to pathology is essential.
The department operates 24/7 and is very busy so the postholder must be able to concentrate for extended time periods to successfully complete investigations and report results within laboratory turnaround times. Participation in the out of hours rota is required after suitable training. The postholder will be expected to be conversant with pathology IT systems and different types of automated analysers. Whilst predominantly haematology-based there may be a requirement to work in the blood transfusion department.
In the supporting statement, applicants must describe whether their strengths lie mostly in coagulation or morphology.
Main duties of the job
Responsibility for the coagulation section of the haematology laboratory, which includes specialist coagulation testing. Close collaboration with other senior BMS staff to ensure smooth running of the morphology, haemogobinopathy and routine haematology sections of the laboratory. The post holder will ensure adequate supervision of and participate in the analysis of blood samples within the department.
To assist in the planning and coordination of the day-to-day activities of the Haematology department.
To analyse, interpret and report complex investigations and to be responsible for the standard and quality of results released.
To provide specialist advice to a range of service users as to the appropriateness of tests and timescales.
To organise and participate in the training, supervision, and development of Haematology staff, ensuring that competency records are appropriate and well-maintained.
To work flexibly in reflection of service needs which may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24-hour, 7 day per week service.
To take an active part in the maintenance of the quality management system.
To deputise in the absence of the Lead BMS in Haematology as required
Working for our organisation
Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close adverts once sufficient applications have been received.
We recognise that AI tools can support application writing; however, candidates are asked to keep their use to a minimum. Responses should reflect your own experience, skills and knowledge, as over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in generic answers that do not accurately represent your abilities.
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) brings together Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. As a group, we are committed to improving services for our communities through collaboration, modernising care delivery and striving for excellence. Working together enables us to share expertise, strengthen services and create greater opportunities, and there may be a requirement to work across sites depending on service needs.
Our Excellence Values are Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity and Courage. UHN welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and hold the Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme. Candidates who identify as members of the Armed Forces community and meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To manage the a section within the Haematology Department, including training of new staff.
To ensure that preventative maintenance schedules have been carried out on laboratory instruments prior to them being used for patient investigations.
To ensure that reagents are prepared, stored, and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations.
To take appropriate action when there is a situation which may cause a service delivery failure.
To ensure compliance with good work practices required to meet the requirements of MHRA and UKAS standards.
To prepare and review Standard Operating Procedures, COSHH assessments and risk assessments.
To undertake method and laboratory instrument evaluation. This includes verification, change control, and implementation.
To maintain and promote Continuous Professional Development within the department to ensure an appropriate level of competence.
To train and complete competency assessments on staff and ensure renewal of competency occurs at regular intervals.
To assist the Lead Biomedical Scientists to measure and monitor turnaround times for laboratory results and take corrective action if required.
To report clinical incidents and/or complaints and investigate, if appropriate
Undertake staff appraisals.
Deputise for the Lead Biomedical Scientist for service provision and attendance at meetings.
To complete audits as required and to produce audit reports.
To take an active role in the unsocial hours service at the discretion of the Blood Sciences Manager.
To maintain competency in all areas of the Haematology laboratory competency framework.
To maintain competency in all areas of the Blood Transfusion laboratory competency framework including verification of results and blood product issue.
To assist the Training Lead in delivering training and assisting staff with IBMS portfolios and qualifications.
Person specification
Education and training
Essential criteria
- HCPC Registered
- FIBMS or MSc in Biomedical Science
- Demonstrable CPD activity
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- At least 2 years post Specialist Portfolio (or equivalent) NHS laboratory experience in Haematology
- Able to demonstrate understanding of the requirements of UKAS. Experience of these inspections
- Good organisational skills
- Proven ability to teach and supervise staff
- Use of pathology LIMS
- Proven experience of verification and validation
Skills
Essential criteria
- Knowledge of laboratory related Health and Safety including safe handling of biological material
- Ability to act as scientific lead for haematology
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain a high level of concentration and to prioritise workload in the department
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of HR processes
Key competencies
Essential criteria
- Being able to work as a member of a team
- Ability to work unsupervised including shift working
- Manual dexterity / hand eye co-ordination
- Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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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
- Caroline Stenson
- Job title
- Lead BMS Haematology
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01536 492672
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