Job summary
We are offering two fixed-term opportunity for an experienced and motivated Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join our Cellular Pathology team.
These fixed term role are available until October and December 2026 as maternity cover. 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
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Undertake specialist duties in specimen dissection, embedding, microtomy, staining, immunohistochemistry, and/or non-gynae cytology
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Provide support and supervision for junior staff, including Band 5 BMS and support workers
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Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes and audit processes
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Contribute to the implementation of digital pathology, including electronic requesting and LIMS optimisation
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Support the verification and validation of new tests, equipment, and workflow changes
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Assist in maintaining laboratory compliance with ISO 15189 and UKAS standards
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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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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:
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Performing complex technical work across the histology workflow
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Ensuring safe and accurate handling, processing, and analysis of patient samples
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Monitoring quality and assisting in troubleshooting technical or workflow issues
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Supporting and mentoring junior staff and participating in training programmes
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Participating in audits, SOP reviews, and preparation for UKAS accreditation inspections
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Contributing to innovation projects, including equipment upgrades and potential digital slide scanning developments
Job description
Job responsibilities
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
-
Participating in audits, SOP reviews, and preparation for UKAS accreditation inspections
-
Contributing to innovation projects, including equipment upgrades and potential digital slide scanning developments
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
- BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS specialist diploma in cellular pathology or equivalent
Desirable
- Member of IBMS
- Evidence of CPD
- Specialist training
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a diagnostic Cellular Pathology laboratory
- Experienced in embedding, microtomy, staining histology samples
- QC checking of samples
- Preparation at cut-up of BMS specimen dissection
- Immunohistochemistry experience
Desirable
- Involvement in quality management processes including reviewing SOPs, and recording departmental incidents
- Previous experience of Health and Safety processes, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments
- Non-Gynae cytology/Andrology experience
Other
Essential
- Positive, enthusiastic and motivated
- Ability to cope under pressure
- Flexible approach to role
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
- BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS specialist diploma in cellular pathology or equivalent
Desirable
- Member of IBMS
- Evidence of CPD
- Specialist training
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a diagnostic Cellular Pathology laboratory
- Experienced in embedding, microtomy, staining histology samples
- QC checking of samples
- Preparation at cut-up of BMS specimen dissection
- Immunohistochemistry experience
Desirable
- Involvement in quality management processes including reviewing SOPs, and recording departmental incidents
- Previous experience of Health and Safety processes, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments
- Non-Gynae cytology/Andrology experience
Other
Essential
- Positive, enthusiastic and motivated
- Ability to cope under pressure
- Flexible approach to role
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.
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.
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).
