Specialist Biomedical Scientist – Advanced Diagnostics

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.Please note: When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included for non-medical roles. This ensures fairness and consistency within our organization, as some of our sites fall under inner HCAS, while others are classified as outer HCAS.

Qualifications

Essential

• HCPC Registration.
• IBMS Accredited BSc in Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification).
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology (or equivalent qualification).

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area of biomedical science (e.g., MSc or equivalent).
• Additional certifications (e.g. Immunohistochemistry, molecular Biology, or other relevant fields).
• Training in supervisory or leadership skills

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a Cellular Pathology laboratory, with a solid understanding of laboratory processes and procedures.
• Substantive post-registration experience in a Cellular Pathology setting, demonstrating competency in diagnostic techniques and laboratory practices.
• Experience in an Immunohistochemistry (IHC) laboratory, with experience in IHC/in-situ hybridisation techniques and the use of relevant IHC laboratory platforms.
• Experience of working in NHS environment, under UKAS: ISO 15189 standards.
• Experience of working to deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience with microscopic quality control of antibodies/probes, ensuring accuracy and consistency in diagnostic results.
• Familiarity with technical Immunofluorescence (IMF) techniques and their application in diagnostic workflows.
• Experience handling muscle samples (Freezing and orientation).
• Experience of Enzyme histochemistry.
• Use of Ventana Benchmark Ultra/ Ultra Plus, Leica Bond III, Agilent/Dako Autostainer Link 48 and OMNIS.
• Experience of validation and verification of Histology tests

Knowledge

Essential

• Good knowledge of Histopathology / IMF / Neuromuscular and IHC theory and practice.
• Good interpersonal skills, able to build and develop working relationships with colleagues within and outside the Trust
• Working knowledge of data security and confidentiality.
• IT Literate including use of Microsoft word, data analysis and use of WinPath LIMS.
• Knowledge of quality assurance.
• Good knowledge of Quality Management System.

Desirable

• Knowledge of troubleshooting enzyme histochemistry, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Skills

Essential

• Extensive computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, data analysis tools, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in laboratory procedures and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work under pressure, especially during periods of high workload, while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
• Technical proficiency in IHC/ISH techniques, including preparation, staining, and QC.
• Effective problem-solving skills, particularly in troubleshooting IHC and laboratory equipment issues.
• Organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Supervisory skills to assist with training junior staff and ensuring compliance with laboratory procedures and safety standards.

Desirable

• Advanced IHC technique skills, with the ability to perform complex staining and analyses.
• Ability to troubleshooting and implement corrective actions.
• Leadership skills, with experience in mentoring or supervising junior staff.

Personal and people development

Essential

• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to produce high quality work.
• Open minded to new technology and techniques
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to show flexibility by performing multiple tasks good hand-eye coordination & manually dexterous.
• Methodical, precise, numerate
• Ability to pick up techniques quickly.
• Is able to cope with large amounts of repetitive work.
• Highly motivated, innovative and adaptable.
• Can think clearly and react appropriately under stress while remaining calm.

Communications

Essential

• Good verbal communication skills.
• Able to work as part of a team or independently, as required.

Specific requirements

Essential

• Able to perform required duties with any necessary aids or adaptations, ensuring full capability in the role.
• Comfortable handling human body fluids, tissue, organs, and infected materials, in compliance with Health & Safety and Infection Control policies.
• Willingness to undergo necessary vaccinations as part of role-specific health and safety protocols.

Desirable

• Previous NHS experience.
• A commitment to contribute to the health and care of NHS patients.
• Awareness of scientific developments and modern technology in discipline and how they may influence the future of Pathology.

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).