Automated Chemistry Section Lead

Are you a suitably qualified and motivated individual looking to further your career within the University Hospitals Plymouth Blood Sciences service?

We currently have an exciting opportunity to join and lead our Automated Chemistry Service. Reporting to the Blood Sciences Laboratory Manager, you will lead on the day to day operations within Automated Chemistry to deliver a high quality and timely service. This is an opportunity to utilise your existing experience and develop your knowledge and skills working within a progressive Peninsula Pathology Network.

This is an exciting time for Pathology in Plymouth where we are in the process of upgrading our current laboratory information management system to an electronic patient record and preparing a full Pathology transition to a newly designed and purpose-built laboratory facility.

University Hospitals Plymouth is the largest hospital in the South West Peninsula, a Cancer Care Centre, a tertiary referral site for many sub specialisms and a Major Trauma Centre. Our laboratories are UKAS accredited, have full HCPC/IBMS training accreditation status and support a range of educational pathways to professional success.

You will hold a postgraduate qualification and will be State Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will be self‑motivated with excellent communication skills and have the relevant experience to lead a busy Blood Sciences, Automated Chemistry department.

Leadership of a high‑volume automated chemistry service within a major acute and tertiary hospital.

Direct line management of Biomedical Scientists, Trainee BMSs and support staff within the section.

Responsibility for section‑level implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS).

Accountability for meeting turnaround times and quality standards within the section.

Monitoring of section expenditure and stock control within delegated limits.

Participation in 24/7 service provision where applicable.

Shared leadership and accountability with the co‑Section Lead for operational, financial and governance responsibilities within the section.

*** Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.

We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

1. Operational Leadership

• Jointly lead the day‑to‑day operation of the Automated Chemistry section with the co‑Section Lead, ensuring clear communication and coordinated decision‑making.
• Plan, prioritise and allocate workload to ensure achievement of turnaround times and service standards.
• Ensure appropriate deployment of staff to meet service demand.
• Monitor performance indicators and take corrective action where required.
• Escalate operational pressures, risks or performance concerns to the 8a Operational Lead.
• Contribute to business continuity and contingency planning within the section.

2. Scientific & Technical Expertise

• Perform and oversee complex automated and specialist analytical techniques.
• Authorise and interpret patient results within scope of practice.
• Identify abnormal or unexpected results and ensure appropriate clinical escalation.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting of automated analysers and associated systems.
• Support evaluation, validation and implementation of new equipment and test methods.
• Maintain advanced specialist knowledge in Automated Chemistry.

3. Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation

• Implement and maintain the Quality Management System within the section.
• Ensure compliance with ISO
  15189 and departmental…