Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 18 September 2025

Job summary

We are offering an exciting fixed-term opportunity for an experienced and motivated Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join our Cellular Pathology team.

This fixed term role is availableuntil 31st March 2026 to support the service through a period of digital transformation, including improvements to workflow efficiency, electronic requesting, and preparation for future digital pathology developments. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality histological and/or cytological diagnostic services, while also contributing to quality, training, and service improvement initiatives.

Main duties of the job

  • Undertake specialist duties in specimen dissection, embedding, microtomy, staining, immunohistochemistry, and/or non-gynae cytology

  • Validate and authorise results in accordance with laboratory protocols and individual competency

  • Provide support and supervision for junior staff, including Band 5 BMS and support workers

  • Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes and audit processes

  • Contribute to the implementation of digital pathology, including electronic requesting and LIMS optimisation

  • Support the verification and validation of new tests, equipment, and workflow changes

  • Assist in maintaining laboratory compliance with ISO 15189 and UKAS standards

  • Engage with wider clinical and laboratory teams to support safe, efficient diagnostics

About us

You'll join a welcoming, experienced, and quality-focused Cellular Pathology team within a multi-specialty Pathology service committed to delivering safe and timely diagnostic services to our patients.

Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7363300

Job locations

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

This fixed-term post is part of a wider programme of service improvement and digital modernisation. Youll be encouraged to bring ideas, participate in project work, and develop your expertise in modern histopathology practices and laboratory IT systems. Whether you're aiming to grow into a leadership role or specialise in digital workflows, this opportunity provides a solid foundation for career development.

The post holder will work as a senior member of the laboratory team to support the operational delivery of high-quality histological and/or cytological investigations, including:

  • Performing complex technical work across the histology workflow

  • Ensuring safe and accurate handling, processing, and analysis of patient samples

  • Monitoring quality and assisting in troubleshooting technical or workflow issues

  • Supporting and mentoring junior staff and participating in training programmes

  • Assisting with the introduction of electronic requesting, test catalogue updates, and LIMS configuration

  • Participating in audits, SOP reviews, and preparation for UKAS accreditation inspections

  • Contributing to innovation projects, including equipment upgrades and potential digital slide scanning developments

The role is fixed term until 31/03/2026 and will support both operational needs and strategic development in the Cellular Pathology service. You will report to the Cellular Pathology Section Manager and work closely with Consultant Pathologists, Pathology IT colleagues, and Quality staff to ensure the service remains safe, effective, and future-ready.

Job description

Job responsibilities

This fixed-term post is part of a wider programme of service improvement and digital modernisation. Youll be encouraged to bring ideas, participate in project work, and develop your expertise in modern histopathology practices and laboratory IT systems. Whether you're aiming to grow into a leadership role or specialise in digital workflows, this opportunity provides a solid foundation for career development.

The post holder will work as a senior member of the laboratory team to support the operational delivery of high-quality histological and/or cytological investigations, including:

  • Performing complex technical work across the histology workflow

  • Ensuring safe and accurate handling, processing, and analysis of patient samples

  • Monitoring quality and assisting in troubleshooting technical or workflow issues

  • Supporting and mentoring junior staff and participating in training programmes

  • Assisting with the introduction of electronic requesting, test catalogue updates, and LIMS configuration

  • Participating in audits, SOP reviews, and preparation for UKAS accreditation inspections

  • Contributing to innovation projects, including equipment upgrades and potential digital slide scanning developments

The role is fixed term until 31/03/2026 and will support both operational needs and strategic development in the Cellular Pathology service. You will report to the Cellular Pathology Section Manager and work closely with Consultant Pathologists, Pathology IT colleagues, and Quality staff to ensure the service remains safe, effective, and future-ready.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent experience
  • Training in basic and specialist laboratory techniques

Desirable

  • Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)
  • Evidence of cross-disciplinary training and awareness
  • ECDL
  • Member of the IBMS or related professional bodies
  • Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a medical laboratory environment in discipline
  • Ability to carry out a wide range of tests
  • Has acted autonomously as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

  • Previous operational management, supervisory and/or training experience
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
  • HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
  • IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent experience
  • Training in basic and specialist laboratory techniques

Desirable

  • Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)
  • Evidence of cross-disciplinary training and awareness
  • ECDL
  • Member of the IBMS or related professional bodies
  • Evidence of CPD

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a medical laboratory environment in discipline
  • Ability to carry out a wide range of tests
  • Has acted autonomously as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

  • Previous operational management, supervisory and/or training experience

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Pathology IT Manager

Graeme Getty

g.getty@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7363300

Job locations

The Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

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