Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen at South West London Pathology, based at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for a Senior Diagnostic Cytopathology Scientist & Manager within our Cellular Pathology Department. While this post is primarily based at St George's Hospital, the post holder may also be required to work at Croydon University Hospital as part of our specialist services.
You will be part of a large, friendly, and supportive team that values collaboration, personal development, and clinical excellence. We offer regular in-house CPD opportunities and, where possible, access to external CPD activities. We are committed to supporting your growth, development, and career progression.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven Biomedical Scientist with significant experience in cytology who holds the Advanced Specialist Diploma in Diagnostic Cytology.
The main duties of this role will include both clinical and technical responsibilities, such as attending EBUS and Head and Neck Clinics to provide real-time ROSE (Rapid On-Site Evaluation) adequacy assessments. The successful candidate will also be responsible for reporting negative, atypical, and malignant cytology cases, in line with the scope of the Advanced Specialist Diploma in Diagnostic Cytology. Additionally, the role involves participation in the day-to-day management of the cytology laboratory as well as broader managerial duties.
Our modern Cellular Pathology Department processes over 60,000 cases annually across 10 specialties, while the cytology laboratory handles approximately 5,000 cases per year. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation, supported by state-of-the-art equipment including the Ventana Ultra Plus, Leica Bond Prime platforms, Dako Artisan Special Stainer, and the Dream Path block and slide storage solution.
As part of our transformation journey, we are actively implementing Leica digital pathology technology, with an exciting go-live target of September 2025. Additionally, a dedicated immunohistochemistry laboratory is currently under construction, with completion scheduled for August 2025--firmly placing us on the path to the future of diagnostics.
About us
St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Scientific and Technical Duties
These will depend upon the technical area of the laboratory but would include:
1. Responsible for the organisation and continuity of service delivery from a particular service area within the laboratory.
2. Be accountable lead for all technical services delivered by that particular area.
3. To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
4. To Participate in primary screening slides and reporting of negative and malignant samples commensurate with IBMS qualifications where required.
5. Attendance at Rapid On-site Examination/Evaluation (ROSE) clinic to assist with FNA sample preparation, including preliminary indication of presence/absence of diagnostic material / adequacy. Guiding intra-procedural decision making to increase diagnostic yield, shorten procedure time and reduce the requirement for repeat diagnostic interventions
6. To maintain personal workload figures and audit reported cases periodically, initiating review with Consultant Pathologists where necessary, that pertain to non-gynaecological preparation of exfoliative samples
7. To participate in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes.
8. Perform and present departmental clinical audits.
9. To validate reports as required using judgemental expertise.
10. To authorise reports when given the delegated responsibility. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
11. To provide and receive complex information to inform work colleagues or external contacts e.g. other departments, G.P.s or visitors to the department. This may include providing advice, explanation of results and instruction
12. Be responsible for Standard Operating Procedures being implemented, reviewed and maintained.
13. Ensure the key performance indicators for the area covered are met through effective operational planning and allocation of resources.
14. Ensure standards relating to clinical practice required for accreditation and continuing compliance with regulatory bodies where appropriate are maintained.
15. To provide specialist advice to other professionals.
16. To undertake as required a range of complex specialist scientific, clinical and technical duties demonstrating continuing technical and scientific skills.
17. Manage all non-medical, non-clinical scientist and non-nursing staff within the relevant area on a day to day basis in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines.
18. To conduct staff appraisals where required.
19. To ensure that sickness and absence is managed effectively in line with the Trusts Sickness Absence Policy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Scientific and Technical Duties
These will depend upon the technical area of the laboratory but would include:
1. Responsible for the organisation and continuity of service delivery from a particular service area within the laboratory.
2. Be accountable lead for all technical services delivered by that particular area.
3. To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
4. To Participate in primary screening slides and reporting of negative and malignant samples commensurate with IBMS qualifications where required.
5. Attendance at Rapid On-site Examination/Evaluation (ROSE) clinic to assist with FNA sample preparation, including preliminary indication of presence/absence of diagnostic material / adequacy. Guiding intra-procedural decision making to increase diagnostic yield, shorten procedure time and reduce the requirement for repeat diagnostic interventions
6. To maintain personal workload figures and audit reported cases periodically, initiating review with Consultant Pathologists where necessary, that pertain to non-gynaecological preparation of exfoliative samples
7. To participate in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes.
8. Perform and present departmental clinical audits.
9. To validate reports as required using judgemental expertise.
10. To authorise reports when given the delegated responsibility. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.
11. To provide and receive complex information to inform work colleagues or external contacts e.g. other departments, G.P.s or visitors to the department. This may include providing advice, explanation of results and instruction
12. Be responsible for Standard Operating Procedures being implemented, reviewed and maintained.
13. Ensure the key performance indicators for the area covered are met through effective operational planning and allocation of resources.
14. Ensure standards relating to clinical practice required for accreditation and continuing compliance with regulatory bodies where appropriate are maintained.
15. To provide specialist advice to other professionals.
16. To undertake as required a range of complex specialist scientific, clinical and technical duties demonstrating continuing technical and scientific skills.
17. Manage all non-medical, non-clinical scientist and non-nursing staff within the relevant area on a day to day basis in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines.
18. To conduct staff appraisals where required.
19. To ensure that sickness and absence is managed effectively in line with the Trusts Sickness Absence Policy.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent experience
- IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice Diagnostic Cytopathology
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) Diagnostic Cytopathology reporting.
- Registration with the HCPC
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Recognised management qualification
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in the practice of Laboratory Medicine
- Experience in handling HR issues
- Experience in staff recruitment and selection
- Proven experience of leadership and management
- Ability to carry out staff appraisals
- Experience of pathology quality management systems
- Significant experience in problem solving
Desirable
- Experience of training laboratory staff
- Experience of clinical governance issues
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Commitment to proactive management
- Ability to find creative solutions to management problems
- Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements
- Ability to plan, organise and manage own and others' work
- Ability to work under pressure
- Dealing with conflict situations
- Ability to motivate individuals
- Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements
Other relevant requirements
Essential
- Self Motivated
- Flexible approach
- Able to perform light physical work
- Capable if intense periods of concentration
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent experience
- IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice Diagnostic Cytopathology
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) Diagnostic Cytopathology reporting.
- Registration with the HCPC
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- Recognised management qualification
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in the practice of Laboratory Medicine
- Experience in handling HR issues
- Experience in staff recruitment and selection
- Proven experience of leadership and management
- Ability to carry out staff appraisals
- Experience of pathology quality management systems
- Significant experience in problem solving
Desirable
- Experience of training laboratory staff
- Experience of clinical governance issues
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Commitment to proactive management
- Ability to find creative solutions to management problems
- Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements
- Ability to plan, organise and manage own and others' work
- Ability to work under pressure
- Dealing with conflict situations
- Ability to motivate individuals
- Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements
Other relevant requirements
Essential
- Self Motivated
- Flexible approach
- Able to perform light physical work
- Capable if 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).
