Principal Clinical Scientist

• be responsible for the day-to-day management of scientific aspects of the toxicology and antenatal screeningservices (incorporating clinical and coronial toxicology, cholinesterase and antenatal screening for trisomies), ultimately responsible to theConsultant Clinical Scientist.
• Contribute to the clinical and scientific leadership of the automated clinical biochemistry service
• Participate in the general biochemistry clinical validation rota, providing interpretation and clinical advice in general biochemistry and endocrinology, and participate in the out-of-hours on-call rota for clinical advice.
• Interpret and report toxicology results and, in conjunction with the Consultant Clinical Scientist, produce postmortem toxicology reports for pathologists and coroners.
• Take a lead role in the laboratory provision of the antenatal screening service (fetal anomaly screening program, FASP)

Essential

• First or second-class honours degree in biochemistry, chemistry or a related subject.
• Master's degree (or assessed equivalent level of knowledge) in the specialty of Clinical Biochemistry
• Satisfactory completion of a formal pre-registration scientist training programme in Clinical Biochemistry
• State Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist (Clinical Biochemistry).

Essential

• To have completed post graduate training approved as appropriate for registration together with supervised in-service experience totalling a minimum of 3 years
• Experience of undertaking research and development and audit
• Extensive IT experience and knowledge of laboratory computer information systems, common software packages (Word, Excel and Sharepoint) and specialist software packages (e.g. statistical packages)

Essential

• The post holder must be able to accurately record, analyse and interpret the results of investigations undertaken within Clinical Biochemistry
• The post holder must be able to process very complex scientific information, as is required in the specialist areas of Toxicology and antenatal screening
• The ability to lead and direct a team of staff, to ensure smooth running of the Department and achievement of goals and targets in the designated section.
• To have developed analytical (technical) skills in general and specialist clinical biochemistry techniques
• To have a good knowledge of analytical methods, quality assurance and problem solving/troubleshooting

Desirable

• Highly developed expertise and knowledge of theoretical, clinical and laboratory analytical aspects of the specialist field of Toxicology
• Highly developed expertise and knowledge of theoretical, clinical and laboratory aspects of antenatal screening for trisomies
• To have developed technical ability in specialist techniques such as tandem mass spectrometry

Essential

• To have experience as a registered clinical scientist acting at a senior level in a range of clinical biochemistry specialties
• Experience of the analysis and interpretation of all aspects of General and Endocrine Biochemistry and its application to clinical practice, such that the post holder can act as an expert within the Trust
• Experience of developing and troubleshooting new methods, for use in research projects or routine clinical biochemistry service

Essential

• A thorough understanding of the basic science that underpins the speciality of Clinical Biochemistry and its application to clinical practice
• An appreciation of other pathology disciplines and diagnostic imaging to view findings in the appropriate clinical context
• Able to advise medical and nursing staff on appropriate investigations and interpretation of biochemical and metabolic processes
• Expert knowledge in a specialist area of work relevant to the role (for example toxicology or antenatal screening)
• Able to initiate and conduct Research and Development activities
• Able to conduct audits of both the laboratory and clinical service
• The ability to critically appraise new information published in the literature
• An up to date awareness of national policies affecting the NHS, Laboratory Medicine, Blood Sciences and Clinical Biochemistry in particular
• Ability to communicate complex information and interpret the significance of results back to requestors
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Able to prepare and present scientific and clinical information at meetings and provide teaching and training for laboratory staff

Essential

• Ability to work independently, managing own workload and that of others within the department
• Ability to work under pressure to deadlines
• Able and confident to challenge established views
• Able to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations
• Able to maintain intense concentration on important tasks despite frequent interruptions
• Good interpersonal skills