Senior Medical Scientist - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:
Provides scientific and technical supervision within the quality function and continuous improvement of quality systems. To adhere to all the quality guidelines as outlined in the Laboratory Quality manual. Work as part of the management team in co-operation with the Consultant Head of Department, Laboratory Manager to ensure the performance of the Laboratory is professional, efficient and operates as cost effectively as possible. Actively contribute to the operation of the quality management system in the laboratory. This quality management system complies with ISO 15189 (2022) and provides the governance framework for all processes in the department. Identify and promote ways of raising the quality of service to patients.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties and Responsibilities
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Be responsible for the quality of their work and perform routine work to the highest standards, as determined by the Laboratory Management Team, in accordance with ISO 15189 (2022) standards.
- Ensure appropriate compliance with international/national guidelines and standards for the provision of the laboratory services in the area in which they are responsible.
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To be able to resolve day to day quality problems including assisting with the investigation and resolution of laboratory errors. To ensure any deviations from policies and procedures are treated as non-conformities, taking appropriate corrective actions.
- Write/update SOPs in the area for which they are responsible, perform regular audits in the area, ensure IQC and EQA in that area is performing correctly and address non-compliance issues effectively
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Oversees quality investigations and non-conformances. Performs root cause analysis and develop correction and preventative actions.
- Supports quality strategy development and implementation. Attend laboratory departmental meetings, discuss and contribute ideas for service improvement.
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Identify opportunities for improvements, continuous improvement projects.
- Provide training to new staff in their responsible area, ensuring training records are signed off as trainee progresses through the bench. Update training records accordingly if any changes are implemented on the bench.
- Monitor the quality of work produced in the laboratory with a goal of maintaining high standards of practice. To alert these issues to the laboratory manager.
- Be responsible for the registration, batch acceptance/ quality control checks and the stock level of kits/reagents and consumables in their area and in other areas across the laboratory.
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To assist with departmental research and development, evaluation of new techniques and evaluation of new laboratory equipment. To validate assays performed, according to manufacturer’s instructions, quality control and acceptance criteria.
- To promote a safe environment and safe patient care by identifying risk, perform risk assessments and suggest improvements for laboratory health & safety.
- To participate as an integral part of the laboratory team and to ensure laboratory resources are used efficiently and effectively.
- Monitor turnaround times and report on these as described in the quality manual.
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Participate in Continuance Professional Development (CPD)
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Promote open communications throughout the Hospital.
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Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
Personnel
Follow uniform policy reference
General
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Staff must produce satisfactory documentary evidence of all training and experience claimed by them, if required to do so by the organisation.
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To respect the organisational values of the Hospital.
Quality & Safety – Safe Culture
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Quality and Safety are rooted in the daily work of all individuals at UPMC.As an employee you are required to actively participate throughout your working day in pursuit of excellence.
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You are required to work in conjunction with your line manager in the planning, monitoring, analysing and improvement of all quality programmes.
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Participate in the development of performance indicators in conjunction with your department manager and the business objectives.
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Initiates, participates in and evaluates audit according to JCI, Hospital policy and Lean requirements under the guidance and supported by an audit lead.
Health & Safety
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UPMC employees are required to ensure that they take reasonable care to protect their own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
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Employees must co-operate with UPMC to ensure safety, health and welfare at work and report anything potentially dangerous at work of which they become aware. Staff are expected to abide by guidelines/policies and all Incidents and near misses.
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All employees are required to attend an education session on Fire Health & safety on an annual basis.
Information Governance
In the course of your employment, you may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and / or staff. Such records and information are strictly confidential, unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff or patients be divulged or discussed
except in the performance of normal duty. In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.
Qualifications & Experience:-
CORU registration
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Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science ,Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science
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Masters in Science (preferrable)
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Knowledge of ISO15189-22 standards and The Joint Commission standards
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Knowledge in either haematology or biochemistry
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Point of Care Testing (preferrable)
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating an ability to work in a team environment.
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Excellent problem solving skills and the ability to deduce and make rational decisions.
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The appointee must demonstrate knowledge and experience working in a GMP/GLP environment.
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Must demonstrate flexibility to work in a demand driven environment, enthusiasm, adaptability and a willingness to co-operate.
Salary: €68,687.28 - €90,688.02 per annum based on a 35 hour week
This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility. As UPMC and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the business.
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.
Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
About UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that’s close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.
