Medical Scientist, Senior Biochemistry & Quality
Medical Scientist, Senior Biochemistry & Quality
Employer Active
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Share
Job Alert
You will be updated with latest job alerts via email
Job Description
Medical Scientist Senior
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade
Medical Scientist Senior (Grade Code: 3877)
Campaign Reference
SCH/081/2025
Closing Date
17:00hrs 14th October 2025
Proposed
Interview Date (s)
TBC CVs will not be accepted for this role
Taking
up Appointment
A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Location of Post
Ospidéal Cholm Cille Bóthar Bhré Baile Uí Lachnáin Co. Bhaile Átha Cliath
St. Columcilles Hospital Loughlinstown Dublin 18 D18 V9K1
There is currently a permanent whole-time vacancy available in the Pathology Department for the Biochemistry department and Quality Management.
A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for 12 months from which current and future permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.
Informal Enquiries
Maria ONeill Chief Medical Scientist.
Please contact for informal enquiries.
Details of Service
St. Columcilles Hospital is one of 10 hospitals in the Health Regional Authority Dublin & South East area.
Health regions are responsible for:
coordinating and delivering health and social care services in Ireland.
managing and organising care for people and communities in their area.
ensuring care is of high quality and meets both local needs and national standards.
These regions make it possible to:
plan and deliver services around the specific needs of people in each area.
improve how these services are run and how people take responsibility for them.
strengthen local decision-making by giving regions the power to plan manage and deliver their own care.
provide a consistent quality of care across the country with the HSE Centre being responsible for ensuring standards across the regions.
Each region has its own budget leadership team and responsibility for local decision-making. They continue to work towards the Sláintecare objectives.
St. Columcilles Hospital (SCH) is a Model 2 117 bed hospital providing services to the population of South Dublin and the county of Wicklow. Patients transfer between St. Columcilles Hospital and St. Vincents University Hospital (SVUH) according to their needs.
St. Columcilles Hospital provides the following Services:
General Medicine including Medicine for the Elderly
Medical Assessment Unit
Local Injuries Unit
Medical Observation Unit
Stroke Unit
Endoscopy
Minor Operating Procedures
Weight Management Clinic
Diabetic Clinic
Transgender Clinic
St. Columcilles Laboratory operates on a hub and spoke model with St. Vincents University Pathology Department. The laboratory provides Biochemistry and Haematology diagnostic services to hospital inpatients and clinic patients. This is a multi-disciplinary laboratory Monday to Friday and cross cover between disciplines will be expected. There is no laboratory out of hours service.
Reporting Relationship
The Senior Medical Scientist will report to the Chief Medical Scientist or designate.
Purpose of the Post
The Senior Medical Scientist in co-operation with the Chief Medical Scientist will be required to assist in the provision of a diagnostic service in the multidisciplinary laboratory ensuring that the requirements of the users of the service are met.
The Senior Medical Scientist post will be assigned to the Biochemistry Department and Quality Management for the Laboratory.
The quality management system complies with ISO 15189 and provides the governance framework for all processes in the laboratory. Part purpose of the post is to steer the laboratory towards ISO 15189:2022 accreditation.
Deputise for Chief Medical Scientist during their absence.
Participate in a multi-disciplinary Saturday roster.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Biochemistry Senior Medical Scientist duties:
Ø Supervise and provide guidance and support to medical scientists in the performance of their duties.
Ø Collaborate with the Chief Medical Scientist in the maintenance of efficiency and the introduction of new methods in the laboratory.
Ø Co-operate fully with the implementation of new procedures technologies and IT systems.
Ø Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained and serviced according to contracts(s).
Ø Responsible for validation and verification of equipment reagents and controls.
Ø Assist in achieving ISO 15189 accreditation.
Ø Be familiar with and duly implement all documented procedures and policies.
Ø Participate in the provision of appropriate statistical and management information.
Ø Review of external quality assurance reports.
Ø Make the most effective use of Information Technology for both patient care and administrative support.
Ø Engage in performance review processes including personal development planning as per Laboratory policy.
Ø Facilitate arrangements in the Laboratory for educating and training scientific medical personnel and others as appropriate
Ø Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.
Ø Maintain a flexible approach to the post in order to rapidly assimilate changes in work load patterns and requirements and will undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required by the Chief Medical Scientist / Consultants
Ø Participate in Saturday multi-disciplinary roster.
Quality Officer duties:
Ø Implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with the requirements of current ISO 15189: 2022 Standards for the Medical Laboratory INAB Regulations and Guidelines and INAB Terms & Conditions.
Ø Preparation and review of standard operating procedures in accordance with the Laboratorys document control procedures.
Ø QPulse Officer for the Laboratory.
Ø Monitor QMS status on QPulse:
Co-ordinate monthly workload audits across pathology disciplines
Document control
Non-conformances
Complaints / Feedback
Internal audit
Supplier
Equipment preventative maintenance and calibration
To oversee laboratory reports and report as appropriate
Ø Report review and analysis of non-conformances complaints incidents and near misses and perform corrective actions as required.
Ø Manage and monitor the internal and external audit schedule across the laboratory disciplines.
Ø Conduct QMS training to laboratory personnel:
QMS overview Quality Manual
Non-Conformance training
Internal Audit Training
Document Control training
Asset Management training
QPulse training
Ø Co-ordinate monthly Pathology Quality Meetings.
Ø Participate in Annual Management review reports.
Ø Co-ordinate and monitor goals and objectives for the laboratory based on strategic service and operations plans as well as laboratory discipline objectives.
Ø Facilitate the development of a culture of continuous quality improvement.
Ø Laboratory representative on Quality Safety and Risk Hospital Committee. Escalate laboratory issues to QSR Committee as appropriate.
Ø Ensure all policies in relation to record keeping are followed.
Ø Be familiar with electronic information systems in place and under development and be familiar with and proficient in the use of the information technology systems within the laboratory.
Scientific / Professional
Maintain awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
Perform assigned work to the highest professional standard in accordance with ISO 15189 and laboratory SOPs.
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the values of the profession of Medical Scientist Senior.
Participate in implementing a service that supports the clinical needs of patients and is consistent with the mission vision values and strategic plan of the HSE.
Participate in the implementation of operational processes to standards of best practice to optimise use of resources.
Design and implement structured policies and systems for the management of service delivery in consultation with key stakeholders to ensure clear role accountability for service levels quality and decision-making.
Participate in the work of the department taking day-to-day responsibility for planning prioritising and supervising the work of a section or subsection of the Department in accordance with departmental policy.
Be responsible for performance maintenance condition quality control and record keeping of all instruments within assigned areas of the laboratory. Ensure all equipment malfunctions are investigated reported and repaired accordingly.
Perform analytical testing appropriate to a multi-disciplinary laboratory.
Perform all activities related to the receipt analysis and reporting of laboratory specimens.
Be responsible for managing consumables and reagent stocks supplies associated with assigned areas of the laboratory.
Ensure that procedures are carried out in compliance with national and international guidelines and actively participate in internal and external quality control and quality assurance.
Actively participate in Quality Management programs which are patient centred and which measure audit performance and client satisfaction.
Co-operate with other laboratory departments to ensure a holistic laboratory service is provided for all patients.
Be able to work to tight deadlines and re-prioritise work proactively as required.
Report all anomalies near misses non-conformances incorrect results immediately to appropriate senior staff.
Identify and resolve system failures and anomalies.
Observe strict confidentiality when dealing with all aspects of patient or hospital information.
Be familiar with and implement the Major Emergency Plan.
In co-operation with the Consultant Heads of Department Chief Medical Scientist of the Laboratory participate in the introduction of new ideas and methods according to HSE policy.
Staff Management
Train manage supervise and encourage development of staff grade support staff and trainees within the department in line with the goals of management and overall laboratory management.
Participate in laboratory meetings particularly in relation to assessment of performance development of the service and organisational changes. Contribute to effective communication within the department.
Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace create and promote positive working relationships.
Promote healthy working relationships and a professional punctual and dedicated team.
Facilitate open communication within the laboratory and to other hospital and user sectors.
Maintain attendance / absence records and duty rosters as required.
Ensure that the laboratory standard operating procedures and health and safety policies are understood and carried out by all staff.
Participate fully as a team member sharing knowledge and information and supporting colleagues to promote a cohesive laboratory team and the achievement of team objectives.
Participate with the Chief Medical Scientist in the annual staff review process.
Health & Safety
Implement agreed policies procedures and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation regulations and standards.
Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self patient and others.
Be aware of risk management issues identify risks and take appropriate action; report any adverse incidents or near misses.
Assist and cooperate with senior staff in procedures aimed at accident prevention in the laboratory.
Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty.
Investigate accidents incidents and near misses and take the necessary corrective action.
Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example Standards for Healthcare National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
Support promote and actively participate in sustainable energy water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable low carbon and efficient health service.
Education & Training
Promote a culture of learning (for self and others); participate in mandatory training programmes and other training as required to keep up to date with current practice and continuing professional development.
Design and deliver training to staff within the laboratory to support the training of new and existing Medical Scientists student Medical Scientists and Laboratory Aides working in their section.
Facilitate arrangements in the laboratory area for educating and training scientific medical personnel and others as appropriate.
Maintain an up-to-date personal training / retraining record in accordance with laboratory policy.
Engage in performance review processes including personal development planning as per laboratory policy.
Participation for self and staff in mandatory training.
Administrative
Assist in costing activities within the laboratory.
Participate in the provision of appropriate statistical and management information.
Make the most effective use of information technology for both patient care and administrative support.
Represent the department at meetings and conferences as designated.
Co-operate fully with the implementation of new procedures technologies and IT systems.
Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him / her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience
Candidates for appointment must:
1. Statutory Registration Professional Qualifications Experience etc
(i) Be registered or be eligible for registration on the Medical Scientists Register
maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU.
OR
(ii) Applicants who satisfy the conditions set out in Section 91 of the Health and
Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (see note 1 below*) 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
(iii) 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 Laboratory Science Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin).
MSc Clinical Chemistry University of Dublin Trinity College (TCD).
MSc Biomedical Science University of Ulster (UU)
MSc Biomedical Science Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)/University College
Cork (UCC).
MSc Biomedical Science Munster Technological University (MTU)/University
College Cork (UCC).
MSc Molecular Pathology Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)/University of
Dublin Trinity College (TCD).
MSc Medical Science Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
OR
(iv) An equivalent qualification at minimum Level 9 validated by the Academy of
Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM).
OR
(v) Possess Fellowship of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory
Medicine awarded before July 2018.
OR
(vi) Have attained the Fellowship examination of the Institute of Biomedical Science
(Awarded prior to 1999).
AND
(vii) 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.
AND
(viii) Demonstrate evidence of Continuous Professional Development.
AND
(ix) Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability
and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
AND
(x) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Medical Scientists Register
maintained by the Medical Scientists Registration Board at CORU before a
contract of employment can be issued (Applicable to Section 38 applicants only).
2. Annual registration* (Applicable to Section 38 Applicants only*)
(i) On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Medical
Scientists Register maintained by the Medical Registration Board at CORU
AND
(ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the
annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).
3. 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 such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4. Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post
Specific Requirements
Pathology
Demonstrate evidence of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of Biochemistry and Quality.
Experience in Haematology is desirable. Training for cross discipline cover and Saturday morning roster will be provided.
Biochemistry:
4 years experience in a hospital biochemistry laboratory (consecutive or aggregate).
Demonstrates an excellent understanding and has good experience of clinical biochemistry including endocrinology.
Quality:
Demonstrate experience in Biochemistry and Haematology running all aspects of the Quality Management System to ISO 15189 Standard.
Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in all aspects of the Quality Management System to ISO 15189 Standard as relevant to the role.
Other: Experience in an Irish Teaching Hospital laboratory desirable.
Skills competencies and/or knowledge
Professional Knowledge & Experience
Demonstrate sufficient theoretical practical and clinical knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role and to develop maintain monitor and evaluate new and emerging trends.
Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of best practice in delivering a quality laboratory service in accordance with relevant ISO and Laboratory SOPs and experience in Laboratory Accreditation.
Demonstrate evidence of computer skills and a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development.
Planning and Managing Resources
Demonstrates the ability to effectively plan and manage resources ensuring value for money and maximum benefit for the organisation within a model of person-centred care.
Demonstrates the ability to effectively manage large workloads monitoring progress to ensure deadlines are met and reprioritising as required.
Provides a flexible service is adaptable & works well under pressure.
Managing and Developing (Self and Others)
Demonstrate ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Demonstrate leadership and management ability including the ability to manage a team and facilitate staff development by providing support such as supervising mentoring coaching and formal development planning.
Adapts management style to suit the demands of the situation and the people involved.
Commitment to providing a Quality Service
Demonstrate a commitment to provide a high-quality service.
Display awareness and appreciation of the service user and the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.
Demonstrate motivation initiative and an innovative approach to job and service developments is flexible and open to change.
Evaluating Information and Judging Situations
Demonstrates sound clinical and professional judgement consistent with accepted models of Medical Laboratory practice
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information solve problems and make effective decisions especially regarding service user care.
Communicates decisions comprehensively and ensures that the relevant people understand how to implement them.
Demonstrate ability to maintain self-control in difficult and challenging situations.
Communications and Interpersonal Skills
Display effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.
Strong interpersonal skills; building and maintaining relationships and understanding and valuing individuals and their respective professional roles.
Demonstrates sensitivity diplomacy and tact when dealing with others
Demonstrates strong negotiation skills remains firm but flexible when putting forward a point of view.
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in bands depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity merit equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSEs review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled Code of Practice Information for Candidates.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on in the document posted with each vacancy entitled Code of Practice Information for Candidates or on reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job specification may be reviewed.
This job specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Medical Scientist Senior (3877)
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time (35hrs/week).
The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at expression of interest stage.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.
Remuneration
The Salary scale for the post is: 01/08/2025
Senior Medical Scientist (Grade Code 3877): 67334 - 88901
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.
Working Week
The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.
HSE Circular 003-2009 Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016 applies. Under the terms of this circular all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.
Superannuation
This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004
Age
The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.
* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:
Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.
Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998
As this post is one of those designated under the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Diversity Equality and Inclusion
The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.
Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills talents diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.
The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age civil status disability ethnicity and race family status gender membership of the Traveller community religion and sexual orientation are respected valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice bias and discrimination are not tolerated.
The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.
Read more about the HSEs commitment to Diversity Equality and Inclusion
Infection Control
Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example Standards for Healthcare National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation
aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015 the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2 Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.
Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.
Visit HSE Children First for further information guidance and resources.
Health & Safety
It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).
Key responsibilities include:
Developing a SSSS for the department/service1 as applicable based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.
Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned organised performed maintained and revised as appropriate and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.
Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.
Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.
Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures2.
Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.
Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through respectively local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.
Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.
1 A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function here: link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
