Band 7 – Clinical Vascular Scientist, General Surgery(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

An excellent opportunity has become available for a Band 7 Clinical Vascular Scientist to join the Vascular Laboratory team at Watford General Hospital. This role is suited to a motivated professional with post-accreditation experience in vascular ultrasound scanning, who is committed to delivering high-quality diagnostic services and contributing to the development of a patient-focused vascular service.

The successful candidate will play an important role in delivering non-invasive vascular ultrasound examinations, producing diagnostic reports independently, and supporting the continued improvement of departmental services.

The Vascular Laboratory

The Vascular Laboratory at Watford General Hospital provides a comprehensive range of non-invasive vascular diagnostic investigations. The department currently operates with two scanning suites equipped with modern Philips EPIQ ultrasound systems.

The multidisciplinary team includes:

• Four qualified Vascular Scientists
• Two Trainee Vascular Scientists
• Dedicated administrative staff
• Four Vascular Surgeons
• Interventional Radiologists
• A Specialist Vascular Nurse

The service performs a wide variety of vascular ultrasound studies including:

• Carotid artery assessments
• Peripheral arterial studies
• Venous investigations including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) scans
• Post-procedure surveillance including EVAR monitoring
• Duplex surveillance following lower limb revascularisation procedures
• The role may occasionally involve weekend and bank holiday duties to support clinical service needs.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

The postholder will:

• Perform vascular ultrasound examinations and produce independent diagnostic reports according to departmental protocols
• Ensure accurate documentation of clinical findings and imaging results
• Deliver patient-centred care while maintaining high clinical standards
• Work closely with clinicians to support diagnostic and treatment decisions
• Service Delivery and Workload Management

The Clinical Vascular Scientist will also:

• Plan and manage their own clinical workload efficiently
• Support departmental workflow to minimise patient waiting times
• Contribute to maintaining high standards of diagnostic accuracy and service quality
• Assist with operational management within the vascular laboratory

Communication and Patient Care

Clear and compassionate communication is a key aspect of the role. Responsibilities include:

• Explaining procedures to patients and addressing concerns before examinations
• Communicating scan outcomes in accordance with departmental guidelines
• Supporting patients and their families throughout the diagnostic process

Teaching and Professional Development

The role includes opportunities to contribute to professional education by:

• Supporting the training and supervision of vascular science students
• Assisting trainee vascular scientists in developing practical scanning skills
• Contributing to departmental teaching activities
• Quality Improvement and Governance

The successful candidate will actively support service development by:

• Participating in clinical audit and governance initiatives
• Contributing to departmental quality improvement projects
• Supporting compliance with NHS safety and clinical governance frameworks

Working at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals

This is an exciting time to join West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The Trust is undergoing major developments including:

• Plans for a new hospital in Watford
• Modernisation of theatre facilities at St Albans City Hospital
• Development of a neighbourhood health centre in Hemel Hempstead

The organisation continues to expand innovative healthcare models, including its award-winning virtual hospital, while prioritising staff wellbeing, professional development, and improved patient outcomes.

The Trust’s core values include:

• Empowerment
• Compassion
• Professionalism
• Inclusivity

Flexible working opportunities are available to help staff maintain a healthy work–life balance.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A degree in a relevant scientific discipline
• MSc in Vascular Ultrasound from a CASE-accredited training programme, or Society for Vascular Technology (SVT) accreditation
• Membership of the Society for Vascular Technology
• Guidance on working within regulated healthcare professions in the UK can be found through the following government resources:

Desirable Qualifications

Additional qualifications that would be beneficial include:

• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council
• Completion of the Scientist Training Programme Train-the-Trainer course

Essential Knowledge

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of duplex ultrasound techniques
• Knowledge of vascular anatomy and pathology
• Awareness of health and safety policies within clinical environments

Experience Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience working within the NHS
• Proven post-qualification experience in vascular ultrasound scanning

Desirable

• Experience in vascular research or clinical audits
• Previous involvement in mentoring or supervising trainees

Pre-Employment Checks

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, which requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before appointment.

Visa Sponsorship

International applicants requiring UK work authorisation may apply for this role under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to eligibility requirements. Applicants who have lived abroad for extended periods may also need to provide overseas criminal record certificates.