Permanent

Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland

Not disclosed


Job Title:                                             Senior Medical Scientist
Reference No:                                                04.014 (2024)
Department / Directorate:               Cellular Pathology Department, Laboratory Directorate
Reports to:                                         Chief Medical Scientist or Deputy

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is an exciting and dynamic place to work. The team at the Hospital are in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy that has already delivered on the opening of a new renal unit, day surgery centre, step down facility in the community and a new ICU extension. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.

TUH is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals with adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 50 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a national urology centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, a regional orthopaedic trauma centre and a designated trauma unit.

TUH is one of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin,  specialising in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as medicine nursing, health and social care professions, emergency medicine and surgery, amongst many others. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. 

TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement is central to everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

purpose of the role:
The Senior Medical Scientist will be involved in the analysis of patient samples in order to detect disease and to monitor the effectiveness of any treatment prescribed by clinicians (doctors).  The Senior Medical Scientist will also assist in the supervision of Medical Scientists, medical Laboratory Aides and Students and participate in their continuing professional training and development.



overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Participate in the implementation of the Laboratory service that supports the clinical needs of our patients and is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Hospital
  • Participate in leading and training a team of skilled staff, creating and promoting healthy working relationships
  • Participate with the Consultant, Head of Department and Chief Medical Scientist in identifying and implementing operational processes to the standards of ‘best practice’ in order to optimise use of resources
  • Participate, as required, with the Consultant Head of Department and Chief Medical Scientist in costing methods for the department laboratory service to other Hospital Departments / Clinical Units
  • Participate in the implementation of a ‘quality management’ programme, which is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and user satisfaction
  • Actively participate in and promote continuing education and research activities consistent with the position
  • Report on quality issues to the Chief Medical Scientist
  • Report to the Chief Medical Scientist in the Department
  • Manage day to day issues in the Cellular Pathology Department as required by the Chief Medical Scientist
  • Assist in developing Quality Systems as required by the Competent Authority
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with current EU and National legislation
  • Be familiar with quality requirements and ISO 15189 current edition
  • Participate as required on laboratory working groups (e.g. quality, ICT, safety, equipment, process analysis)
  • In accordance with your position as a medical scientist, maintain participation for on-going professional development, in a recognised CPD / CE programme
  • Be responsible for ensuring you participate in training programmes as required by the hospital (e.g. fire training, manual handling, on call training)
  • Perform routine, specialised and research/development work to the highest professional standards, as determined by the Laboratory Management Team
  • Be responsible for the quality of your work and carry out your duties in accordance with Hospital policy
  • Observe the strictest confidence when dealing with all aspects of Patient or Hospital information
  • In co-operation with the Laboratory Management Team, Consultants and Chief Medical Scientist:
  • Lead and co-ordinate scientific staff and/or support staff within the Laboratory. Ensure that the team is allocated according to patient needs and applying maximum delegation compatible with safety
  • Promote a professional, punctual and dedicated team with good open communication
  • Create and promote healthy working relationships and stimulate initiative among Laboratory staff
  • Motivate team members on a day-to-day basis, by agreeing goals and objectives, in keeping with the hospitals anticipated performance system
  • Maintain teamwork and act in accordance with the Hospital’s disciplinary policy
  • Participate in developing and leading the introduction of new ideas and methods according to hospital policy
  • Ensure that policy relating to record keeping is followed
  • Facilitate arrangements, where appropriate, to introduce professional and/or other visitors to the Laboratory
  • Develop & co-operate as appropriate with procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the laboratory area
  • Co-ordinate and carry out the Major Emergency Plan according to Laboratory Management Team Policy for isolated incidents or multiple trauma
  • Facilitate relevant courses in the appropriate colleges
  • Facilitate arrangements in the Laboratory area for educating and training Laboratory & Clinical Staff
  • Encourage professional development of Laboratory team members, through promoting self-learning, formal courses, or formal and/or informal on-the-job training
  • Participate on Hospital and/or external committees as required
  • Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Chief Medical Scientist

Qualifications & Experience required
Must:
  • Be registered on the Medical Scientists Register maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU
See https://coru.ie/aboutus/registration-boards/medical-scientists-registration-board/apply-forregistration/
Or
  • Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, must submit proof of application for registration with the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU.  The acceptable proof is correspondence from the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU confirming their application for registration as a Section 91 applicant was received by the 30th March 2021
And
  • Possess one of the following NFQ Level 9 post graduate qualifications or equivalent qualification at minimum Level 9 validated by the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine;
    • MSc Clinical Laboratory Science, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)
    • MSc Clinical Chemistry, University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
    • MSc Biomedical Science, University of Ulster (UU)
    • MSc Biomedical Science, Cork Institute of Technology/University College Cork
    • MSc Molecular Pathology, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)/University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Or
  • An equivalent qualification at minimum Level 9 validated by the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM)
Or
  • Possess Fellowship of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine awarded before July 2018
Or
  • Have attained the Fellowship examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science (Awarded prior to 1999)
And
  • Possess four years full time clinical experience (or an aggregate of four years’ full time clinical experience) as a medical scientist in a clinical diagnostic laboratory since qualifying as a medical scientist
  • Demonstrate evidence of Continuous Professional Development
  • Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
  • On appointment, practitioners must maintain annual registration on Medical Scientists Register maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU

 Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3877.
  • Full time, permanent and pensionable
  • The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
  • Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

















Application process
Applications must  be submitted online at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the Onine Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated reply acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to:                       Ms Sarah Delaney - Telephone (01) 4143992 or email sarah.delaney@tuh.ie
Closing Date:                                      Before close of business on:  1st May 2024

TUH Core Competencies:
Core AreaCompetencyLevel
Managing the serviceQuality & Safety of Service3
Managing the serviceDelivery of Results3
Managing ChangeProblem Solving & Decision Making3
Managing ChangeCommunications & Influencing 3
Managing YourselfTeam player3
Managing YourselfPlanning and Organising 3
Managing PeoplePeople Management 3
Managing PeopleLeadership 3

Please go to www.tuh/careers for details of the core competencies
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the  office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.


Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by 1 months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.




Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b)        Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c)        Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a)        If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b)        If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c)        If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.

Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality.  To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.


Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated           Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others.  This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015.  Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first.  It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.