Band 8a​/8b - Specialist Healthcare Scientist in Blood Sciences

Band 8a/8b - Specialist Healthcare Scientist in Blood Sciences

Job
-C-11085-E
Grade Band 8a/8b

Contract:

Permanent

Work hours:

37.5 hours per week

Location:

West Herts - General Staffing Site, Watford and Hemel Hempstead General Hospital, Town Watford
Salary: £59,798 - £79,638 per annum, inclusive of HCA, paid yearly
Closing date: 12/07/2026 23:59

Do you thrive in a fast‑paced, challenging environment? You can make an impact with us as our next Band 8b Clinical Scientist in Chemical Pathology.

We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced applicants, with significant experience of working in a busy Chemical Pathology Department.

The successful candidate will be expected to be an experienced HCPC Registered Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry and have successfully completed the Part 1 FRCPath examination.

This would be an excellent role for a Band 8a Scientist wishing to increase their knowledge, skills, and experience in a stimulating and supportive environment. At a band 8a level this would be a developmental post.

You would be supported to successfully complete a set of competencies prior to obtaining a Band 8b post. Training and supervision would be provided.

Those with Part 1 FRCPath who are actively working towards obtaining Part 2 FRCPath are encouraged to apply. This post will provide full support in preparing for Part 2 FRCPath.

Registration as a Clinical Scientist is essential.

The post holder is expected to lead the Proteins section of the laboratory and play a major role in the department’s Quality Management System.

They will also be expected to undertake protocol development, clinical and scientific liaison within the network including ‘duty’ biochemist.

They will work closely with IT as a data analyst. They will contribute to medical teaching and training trainee clinical scientists.

The appointee will assist the Head of Department and other members of the Consultant team in providing a comprehensive, cost‑effective and high‑quality Chemical Pathology service in our laboratories which is compliant to ISO
15189:2012 standard.

The department is actively working to the ISO
15189:2022 standard. The appointee will represent the Chemical Pathology Department at relevant Trust and Pathology meetings and will contribute to service improvement as well as facilitating delivery of current service provision across the department.

There is a full 24/7 hour acute/urgent analytical service at Watford General Hospital and a Monday to Friday, 08:00 am to 20:00 pm, non‑urgent service provided at the Hemel Hempstead site.

The successful candidate is expected to work across sites as required.

The post holder will be expected to participate in the on‑call roster for the provision of clinical advice out of hours after appropriate training.

The laboratory is fully automated using Roche Cobas platforms for automated chemistry, and immunochemistry and Sebia system for protein electrophoresis.

The Trust is committed to the personal development of its staff at all levels.

A new shared pathology network is created with pathology colleagues across the local Integrated Care System (ICS) including East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB). Health Services Laboratories (HSL) is the newly appointed provider for shared networked pathology service provider.

This role requires working closely with Consultants, Team Leaders, Quality Leads, and Chemical Pathology operation manager and Pathology Board Unit (PBU).

• First Degree or assessed equivalent of knowledge and expertise.
• Master’s Degree or assessed equivalent level of knowledge and expertise in speciality of Clinical Biochemistry.
• Fellow of Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) as required for Medical Consultant.
• Demonstration of Continuing Professional Development at agreed level of participation.
• Registration as a Clinical Scientist with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• PhD.