Head of BioChemistry

Job Title: Head of Biochemistry

Department: Biochemistry

Job Purpose:

To practise as a registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS) and will be responsible for the management of the Biochemistry Team including Specimen reception at Alderley Lighthouse Labs. To work as a member of the Biochemistry team of qualified staff providing a quality service commensurate with the requirements of Alderley Lighthouse Labs.

Responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Biochemistry Department, being responsible for managing, motivating, and effectively leading the technical and support staff in the delivery and development of high quality service. To be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of practices and procedures i.e. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). To carry out a variety of highly skilled, complex analytical procedures on a range of clinical specimens to guide the clinical management of patients, requiring specialist knowledge with a high degree of competence and technical skill. Makes interpretive judgements and management skills. To be responsible for implementation of Quality Management within the department and work collaboratively across the departments of Pathology when required.

Overview of Essential Responsibilities:

Work closely with the other Managers, the Training Lead and Quality Manager, to observe and implement the policies and procedures relevant to the role.
Be responsible for overall training, development, and supervision of Laboratory Scientists and BMS staff, ensuring adequate numbers of qualified, trained and competent staff that meet the requirements of users.

Strategic:

Research and develop techniques, equipment, practices, and procedures.
Responsible for writing, allocation, and review of all documents i.e. Standard Operating Procedures, policies etc within the department.
Implement and monitor practices and procedures and be responsible for departmental standard operating procedures.
Ensure all standard operating procedures, policies and records of work are complete and up to date.
Ensure staff satisfy the required competency criteria before working without supervision.
Acquire and maintain specialist technical and analytical knowledge.
Participate in the annual appraisal process.
Ensure appropriate and timely performance of duties to meet standards of quality, timeliness of reports and comply with local Health & Safety policies.
Perform and monitor laboratory and clinical audits, trials and research projects as required.
Ensure appropriate turnaround metrics are met and maintained and/or take action to remedy performance issues.
Lead in method and laboratory instrument evaluation as required.
Contribute in the evaluation of new methodologies and equipment and, where possible, improve existing methods.
Contribute in preparing the department for future developments, e.g. accreditation, contract work, computerisation.
Contribute to quality management and maintenance of ISO15189:2012 standard

Operational:

To be responsible for the application and review of performance of National External Quality Assessment Schemes (NEQAS) and to ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken where and whenever necessary.
Ensuring the quality management system (QMS) is implemented and maintained. Reporting at monthly department quality meetings on the functioning and effectiveness of the QMS.
Co-ordinating awareness of the needs and requirements of users.
Defining and monitoring standards of performance and quality Improvement.
Responsible for the introduction of new techniques.
Responsible for implementing maintenance protocols appropriate to best provision of service.
Determine the pathological/ clinical significance of highly complex diagnostic results and use interpretive skills to assess the validity of laboratory results.
Investigate and report incidents and errors in the laboratory with respect to laboratory procedures and clinical governance standards.
Represent the department at meetings as required and to establish and maintain good collaborative working arrangements with other departments.

Staff Management/Training:

Responsible for the management of the Biochemistry laboratory team.
Encouragement of close working arrangements with other Pathology disciplines as appropriate.
Investigate all clinical and non-clinical incidents relating to the section/s and report to the Quality Manager in accordance with the incident reporting policy.
Plan work schedules and determine work priorities in an assigned section, to ensure completion of the day-to-day work of the department.
Responsible for supervising staff performing stock control and managing the operation of ordering and invoicing systems, including liaison with service/supplier representatives and monitoring performance.
Maintenance and development of laboratory computer systems within Biochemistry in liaison with the IT manager.
Responsible for monitoring of staff absenteeism, sick leave and study leave, maintaining records to that effect.
Organise staff, including provision of rotas, and ensure compliance with turnaround times and departmental standard operating procedures and policies.
Participate in recruitment and selection, including liaison with Human Resources department.
To support and lead laboratory team meetings and hold regular 1:1 meetings and appraisals with direct reports.
Take an active part in training and development programmes. Check and monitor staff in technical competency. Monitor working practices and methodologies. Actively assist in facilitating a learning environment conducive to the acquisition of further knowledge and skills.

Health and Safety:

To have significant knowledge of current departmental Health and Safety codes of practice.
Ensure staff adhere to the relevant safety regulation to maintain safe working practices within the section under supervision.
To report all accidents and incidents and ensure accident book or incident forms are completed.
Apply MSDS and COSHH within the laboratory.

Clinical/ Professional Responsibilities:

Maintain registration and a level of conduct consistent with the standards of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Participate in activities appropriate to Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Keep up to date with current developments within Biochemistry and the profession.
Suggests changes to protocols and procedures according to current developments.