Job summary
Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Histology Specimen Dissection Band 7 - Cellular Pathology
An opportunity has arisen within the Cellular Pathology Department for a specimen dissector. The post holder will have appropriate skills to support our Technical Leads across a number of specialist sections of this division.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a vacancy within the Histopathology Laboratory in our busy but friendly department. We are looking for an enthusiastic, hard working BMS who should be state registered and have considerable experience working in a diagnostic histopathology laboratory.
This post is based at St. George's Hospital however the post holder may be required to work at any of the SWLP sites as and when necessary.
Main duties of the job
Our refurbished laboratories are spacious, well equipped and embrace lean methodologies. We provide an extensive range of diagnostic techniques including special stains, immunocytochemistry, OSNA, Moh's, molecular testing, frozen sections and enzyme histochemistry. The department also has specialised neuropathology and perinatal pathology sections and is currently implementing a digital pathology solution.
State registered, and with a histology background, you'll have good leadership, team working and organisational skills, as well as the ability to use your initiative.
The department is an approved training laboratory and has full accreditation. We encourage personal development and actively support the IBMS CPD scheme by holding regular meetings and encouraging attendance at external meetings. Participation in further studies will be supported.
Find out more about South West London Pathology on our website
About us
South West London Pathology
An award winning NHS partnership providing a highly dependable, clinically assured and cost effective diagnostic pathology service.
South West London Pathology is an award winning pathology partnership between Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which provides a single, integrated pathology service across South West London and beyond.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic B-E graded histopathology specimens
(range will be dependent on experience, knowledge but also consultants discretion) which will encompass the following:
- Evaluate clinical information on histopathology request cards and understand specimen idiosyncrasies.
- Macroscopically examine, describe and photograph specimens where necessary.
- Dissect and select relevant material for histological processing.
- Select appropriate preparatory procedures to aid diagnostic interpretation e.g. decalcification etc.
- Provide a provisional diagnostic macroscopic report dictation.
- Be able to recall complex specimens with clarity, or have supporting evidence of dissection in way of drawings or pictures.
- The post holder should also:
- Be aware of knowledge and self limitations, and have a low threshold for seeking advice
- Keep adequate records of specimens dissected, including error logs and topical reflective practices
- Mentor or teach lower grade staff via tutorials, slide sessions and lectures
- Gain and maintain macroscopic and microscopic knowledge of specimens and body systems via lectures attended and via self-teaching.
- Will be expected to work towards attaining formal IBMS qualifications in Histological Dissection if they do not possess them on appointment.
- To act as the designated person responsible for managing and co-ordinating activities within the cut-up section and routine Histopathology Laboratory (this role may be shared with other Advanced BMS posts).
- In conjunction with the Clinical Lead, Discipline Manager and Quality Manager to improve quality standards in the work performed in the histological cut-up area.
To participate in audits to monitor the effectiveness of cut-up room practices and facilitate the implementation of service improvement changes based on the findings
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic B-E graded histopathology specimens
(range will be dependent on experience, knowledge but also consultants discretion) which will encompass the following:
- Evaluate clinical information on histopathology request cards and understand specimen idiosyncrasies.
- Macroscopically examine, describe and photograph specimens where necessary.
- Dissect and select relevant material for histological processing.
- Select appropriate preparatory procedures to aid diagnostic interpretation e.g. decalcification etc.
- Provide a provisional diagnostic macroscopic report dictation.
- Be able to recall complex specimens with clarity, or have supporting evidence of dissection in way of drawings or pictures.
- The post holder should also:
- Be aware of knowledge and self limitations, and have a low threshold for seeking advice
- Keep adequate records of specimens dissected, including error logs and topical reflective practices
- Mentor or teach lower grade staff via tutorials, slide sessions and lectures
- Gain and maintain macroscopic and microscopic knowledge of specimens and body systems via lectures attended and via self-teaching.
- Will be expected to work towards attaining formal IBMS qualifications in Histological Dissection if they do not possess them on appointment.
- To act as the designated person responsible for managing and co-ordinating activities within the cut-up section and routine Histopathology Laboratory (this role may be shared with other Advanced BMS posts).
- In conjunction with the Clinical Lead, Discipline Manager and Quality Manager to improve quality standards in the work performed in the histological cut-up area.
To participate in audits to monitor the effectiveness of cut-up room practices and facilitate the implementation of service improvement changes based on the findings
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences
- An honours degree or equivalent in a biological science
- HCPC Registration
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology / Histology
- Equivalent experience at masters level
Desirable
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- Certificate of Expert Practice in Histopathology
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Proven experience post HCPC registration in the relevant discipline
- Excellent working knowledge of all aspects of specialist subject in relevant discipline
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Evidence of ability to problem solve
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation, policies and procedures
- Evidence of experience of quality management systems, audits and document control
- Knowledge of quality control and assurance
Desirable
- Experience of training laboratory staff
- Experience of clinical governance issues
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Able to follow written methodologies or protocols
- Able to work as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work
- Intermediate level of computer skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience of IQC and/or EQA review
Other relevant requirements
Essential
- Good hand eye co-ordination
- Able to perform light physical work
- Capable of intense periods of concentration
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences
- An honours degree or equivalent in a biological science
- HCPC Registration
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology / Histology
- Equivalent experience at masters level
Desirable
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- Certificate of Expert Practice in Histopathology
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Proven experience post HCPC registration in the relevant discipline
- Excellent working knowledge of all aspects of specialist subject in relevant discipline
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Evidence of ability to problem solve
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation, policies and procedures
- Evidence of experience of quality management systems, audits and document control
- Knowledge of quality control and assurance
Desirable
- Experience of training laboratory staff
- Experience of clinical governance issues
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Able to follow written methodologies or protocols
- Able to work as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work
- Intermediate level of computer skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience of IQC and/or EQA review
Other relevant requirements
Essential
- Good hand eye co-ordination
- Able to perform light physical work
- Capable of intense periods of concentration
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
