Laboratory Lead Scientist

Location Bracknell
Discipline: Lab Management
Salary: ££54959 - £63792 per annum
Contact name: Thandiwe Major

Job ref: BRC246_1614334784
Published: about 3 years ago
Startdate: ASAP

Fixed Term Contract

We're currently seeking Laboratory Lead Scientist based in and around Bracknell to help support the COVID-19 recovery scheme, working within a high output diagnostics laboratory environment, as part of the UK's NHS Test and Trace programme.

As well as playing a vital role in supporting society's return to a more normal way of life by helping to break the chains of COVID-19 transmission, you will also gain invaluable experience and exposure to some of the country's most highly skilled individuals in the scientific community.

This represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to go above and beyond to support public health, while also developing first-rate technical skills and setting your Scientific career up for future success.

You will be joining a supportive environment and will be provided with training and accreditation for the role and processes you are required to undertake.

Your Responsibilities

As a Lead Scientist you will be part of a new COVID-19 Lighthouse Testing Laboratory in Bracknell, forming part of NHS Test and Trace and managed by Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS). BSPS is a large and established pathology network operating across Royal Berkshire, Royal Surrey, Frimley Health and Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts.

As a Lead Scientist you are expected to use specialist knowledge and skills and act with considerable autonomy in providing clinical advice on the investigation and interpretation of COVID-19 tests. The position is under the overall direction of the Clinical Lead for the Lighthouse Laboratory and operates in response to clinical requests for service development. You will be responsible for ensuring services are delivered efficiently and to the highest possible standards.

On a day to day basis you will be providing a COVID-19 testing service to NHS Test and Trace, promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards of scientific work appropriate for a comprehensive, efficient and cost effective COVID-19 testing service. You will be fully aware of current and developments in professional standards and national policies that pertain to the delivery of COVID-19 testing.

As a Lead Scientist you will need to initiate, direct and collaborate in scientific development, evaluation and audit and research both within the specialty and with clinicians and scientists in the wider organization. You are expected to manage a team of laboratory workers and scientists within the COVID-19 Lighthouse Testing Laboratory.

Your experience:

In order to be successful, you'll need the following education, experience and skills:

Experience:

  • Substantial, broad and up to date relevant laboratory experience
  • Experience of budget management
  • Experience of recruitment processes
  • Experience in training and supervising laboratory staff
  • Appraisal/ staff development experience
  • Experience in using pathology computer systems

Education:

  • MSc Biomedical Science / Medical Microbiology / Virology or Equivalent
  • Higher qualification in relevant specialism, or equivalent extensive laboratory experience
  • Recent evidence of Continuous Professional Development

Skills:

  • Multi-tasking skills, prioritisation skills and initiative
  • Ability to work to deadlines
  • Good keyboard skills
  • Good computer skills
  • Good coordination and dexterity
  • Ability to cope in both stressful and pressured situations
  • Staff training skills
  • Team player
  • Good communicator
  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to stay motivated and your team

In addition, the following education and experience are also desirable but not mandatory:

Education:

  • Management diploma, e.g. DMS
  • Chartered Scientist status · FIBMS
  • State Registration as a Biomedical Scientist (HCPC registered)

Skills:

  • Computer qualification (e.g. ECDL)
  • Lateral thinker

As well as a competitive rate of pay with unsociable hours uplift applied for night working and end of contract bonus, you'll receive comprehensive training on relevant lab procedures and equipment.

This role will work on a 12 hour shift patterns. These will be 8am - 8pm / 8pm - 8am, 4 days on and 4 days off, 1 month days/1 month nights. For more information about the salary and fantastic work benefits please contact a member of the team.

You will also be joining a diverse and hugely welcoming team. Diversity is about reflecting the communities we serve, holding the principles of equality and inclusion at the heart of everything we do and all that we stand for, embracing differences, creating possibilities, and growing together. We aim to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work, feel included and their talents are nurtured, empowering them to contribute fully to our purpose.

This is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity to join a team of highly skilled individuals, all focused on delivering the best possible outcome.