Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 03 February 2026

Job summary

This role requires you to have current right to work in the UK which enables you to undertake the role without need of sponsorship. Accordingly, we regret that any application will not be considered if this requirement is not met. Given the current UK immigration requirements this role is not eligible for sponsorship, and it is not possible for the Trust to sponsor applicants for a visa for this role.

We are seeking a Band 5 Registered Biomedical Scientist to join our team fixed term for 1 year.

To work as part of the Cellular Pathology team as a Biomedical Scientist involved in the technical preparation of specimens and performing defined procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures. This will include all aspects of the routine service provided by the department.

Main duties of the job

1. As a HCPC-Registered Biomedical Scientist, perform a full range of analytical, technical and other laboratory duties within cellular pathology.

The daily technical activities of the histology and cytology laboratory include:

1. Section cutting2. Embedding.3. Staining and checking sections.4. Immunohistochemistry.5. Computer work to process samples through the laboratory.6. Filing of slides or blocks if required.7 Collecting solvents if required.8 Non-Gynae and Andrology technical work, and specimen dissection, as detailed below.

This list is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake all histology techniques and train in the handling of non-gynae cytology if not already experienced.

About us

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.

Date posted

21 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7721416

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB

Job description

Job responsibilities

2. Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures, risk assessments, etc., relating to technical work. Review documents where necessary through liaison with senior staff.

3. Be responsible and work as part of a team to achieve optimal handling and throughput of the departmental workload to ensure specimens are processed in a timely manner.

4. To participate in the departmental rota to ensure skills are maintained in each area of the laboratory and cover all areas specific to the post-holders level of competence. This may include early start times of 08.00 at times and late finishes up to 17:15 depending on service needs

5. Maintain professional competence and scientific skill in the performance of all tests and investigations.

6. Use, and daily maintenance, of expensive specialist equipment (e.g. microscope with heated stage, cytospin, stainer, etc.) as part of day-to-day technical work

7. Deliver training in specialist technical processes and use of laboratory equipment/IT systems (Winpath and Qpulse) to new/less experienced staff.

8. Answer queries from less experienced laboratory staff about how to carry out specialist technical processes and how to use laboratory IT systems, equipment, etc.

9. Daily use of laboratory IT system (Winpath) to enter/authorise diagnostic results or search for results/patient specimens, answer queries etc.

10. Takes an active part in departmental Quality Management processes to ensure compliance with the standards laid down by UKAS ISO 15189. This includes some responsibility for review and update of SOPs, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, etc. designated to the post-holder by the Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager. Recording departmental incidents/errors/non-compliance with standards.

11. Participate in stock control within the cellular pathology department, including requests for ordering consumables items as required, and participating in the annual Trust-wide stock check.

12. As an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist actively participate in Continuing Professional Development activities. These activities must be recorded, and evidence produced when necessary.