Senior Medical Scientist - Quality Officer Temporary (10 months) Contract, Full Time Hours.
Key Responsibilities Include: Quality Assurance Support the implementation and maintenance of a patientcentred QMS across the laboratory Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 and internal quality governance requirements.
Investigate incidents and complaints, support rootcause analysis, and monitor corrective/preventive actions.
Participate in internal audits, inspections, and external assessments as required Support ongoing quality improvement initiatives across the laboratory and contribute to hospitalwide quality programmes Ensuring a system of internal audits against defined quality performance measures is in place and ensuring that effective immediate and follow-up actions are taken.
Assist in the follow-up of external audit reports and verify the completion of corrective actions as required.
Promote and maintain good relations with the Clinicians and other Departments within the Hospital and to participate in local management meetings, and policy implementation.
Communicate clearly and regularly with laboratory personnel on quality issues, performance, and compliance.
Support ongoing quality improvement initiatives across the laboratory and contribute to hospitalwide quality programmes.
Deputise as Quality Manager where required.
Quality Management Administration Monitor the performance of the QMS and provide periodic reports to Laboratory Management, including identification of improvement needs.
Support incident reporting management and document follow-up actions.
Assist in development, formatting, control, and maintenance of laboratory documentation (policies, SOPs, guidelines, forms).
Administration of the electronic quality management system (i.e.
QPulse) including user access, permissions, and system updates.
Education and Training Provide guidance, mentoring, and training to staff on QMS procedures, documentation, audits, and quality systems.
Deliver user training for QPulse, and /or other digital quality platforms.
Promote quality awareness and encourage staff engagement with quality improvement activities.
Participate in mandatory training programmes and other training as required to keep up to date with current practice and continuing professional development Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice 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.
Person Specification/Selection Criteria - Essential: Must be either registered with CORU (please provide registration number) or currently awaiting registration, (please provide evidence of application number).
Note: On appointment, scientists must maintain annual registration on the CORU medical scientists register and must confirm annual registration to the MUH by way of the Patient Safety Assurance Certificate.
Must fulfil the qualifications and eligibility criteria as laid down by the DOH&C.
Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Have strong problem solving ability.
Ability to make rational calm decisions.
Skills at diagnosis, especially skills of deduction.
High level of commitment to tasks undertaken in quality environment.
Must be able to prioritise their work to meet the demands of meeting different timelines and able to work on their own where and when this is required.
Must demonstrate flexibility to work in a demand driven environment, enthusiasm, adaptability and a willingness to co-operate Good computer skills.
Desirable Criteria: Experience of working in a Laboratory Quality Department.
Full Job Spec is available on request.
Closing Date for applications is 1pm on Monday, 23rd February 2026.
Interview date is set for Thursday, 5th March 2026.
MUH reserves the right to create a panel for this post from which permanent, fixed term and specified purpose vacancies of a full or part time duration may be filled.
Mercy University Hospital (MUH)MUH is a growing voluntary hospital in the heart of Cork City.
We have over 1,500 staff providing complex diagnostic, medical and surgical care through our inpatient, day patient, outpatient and emergency services.
We are a teaching hospital, a centre of national and international excellence, and are renowned for our research and tertiary services.
Providing 24/7 acute surgical, acute medical and critical care, MUH now has multiple sites across the city and continues to expand.
We recently opened our Blarney Rehabilitation Unit, a post-acute care specialist rehabilitation unit with 50 beds in Blarney, County Cork.
We support staff development with approx.
100 promotions annually.
We prioritise work life balance with 28% of our team working part time hours.
We offer nationally agreed enhanced Salary Scales, Pension Scheme, excellent holidays, canteen, and Study Leave and Assistance.
From Cardiac Care to Intensive Care, our varied specialist services offer real career choice to our team.
We live by our Core Values of Compassion, Excellence, Justice, Respect and Team Spirit.