Band 7 - Senior EQA Scientist, UK NEQAS

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We are looking for a dynamic and adaptable HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to become a valuable member of the UK NEQAS General Haematology scientific team.

Under the direct supervision of the Scheme Service Manager, your role will involve ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and professional delivery of services within the UK NEQAS Haematology program.

You should be able to demonstrate a strong understanding and experience in clinical Hematology laboratory practices within the UK, encompassing an extensive knowledge of both the theoretical and practical aspects of laboratory Hematology.

Additionally, you should display a comprehensive understanding of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems.

Experience in personnel management and leading teams, along with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks, would be an advantage.

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.

This is a full-time position, working Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with flexible working arrangements considered and discussed further at interview.

Main duties of the job

Line manages UK NEQAS Haematology scientific staff.

Working with a variety of blood products to assist in the preparation of survey material.

Supervising the :

• preparation and testing of survey material.
• preparation of paperwork to accompany the survey material prepared for distribution.
• the receipt and dispatch of goods and survey material.
• entering and verification of participant generated data for analysis.
• 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.

Monitoring and ordering of laboratory reagents and consumables.

Validating new survey material or equipment.

Maintaining written and electronic records of results.

Investigating quality incidents, performing root cause analysis and implementing appropriate changes to practice.

In this role, you will lead and supervise a team delivering high-quality EQA services in Haematology.

You will plan and manage multiple work streams, ensuring deadlines are met and standards are maintained.

A key part of the role involves interpreting complex data, preparing scientific reports, and contributing to service development, so suitable analytical skills and attention to detail will be beneficial.

Working for our organisation

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.

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.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Applicants should indicate in their application how they feel they meet the person specification and why they feel they are suitable for this role.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Person specification Education and qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• FIBMS in Haematology, MSc in an appropriate subject or equivalent qualification.
• Registration with the HCPC.
• Active participation in CPD.

Knowledge:

• Specialist knowledge of automated cell counting.
• A comprehensive understanding of the role of EQA and the fundamentals of quality management systems as part of laboratory quality assurance.
• Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK.
• Knowledge and experience of using word-processing and spreadsheet applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of laboratory diagnosis of haemoglobinopathies and enzymopathies.
• Knowledge of blood film morphology.
• Basic statistical knowledge.

Experience:

• Broad theoretical and practical experience of general laboratory haematology practice within the UK with extensive experience in automated counting.
• Experience of coordinating day-to-day operational activities, managing competing priorities and ensuring service delivery in accordance with agreed schedules and quality standards.
• Supervisory experience in staff management, including leading teams, monitoring and evaluating staff performance, and conducting staff appraisals.
• Experience of using word-processing and spreadsheet applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with database applications.
• Experience in drafting reports and scientific documents.
• Experience in the provision of EQA services.
• Experience in the provision of EQA services, EQA material preparation, review of EQA data / statistical analysis and the interpretation of EQA reports.
• Experience in project management.

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area. The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire.

As an employer of nearly 6,000 people the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.