Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Scientist Cellular Pathology

The closing date is 04 February 2026

Job summary

We require an experienced Band 5 Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology to cover maternity leave.

The department receives over 30,000 specimens per year and undertakes all routine histological procedures including specimen dissection, microtomy, frozen sections, special stains and immunocytochemistry. We are UKAS accredited and registered with the IBMS as a pre and post registration training laboratory.

Main duties of the job

You will work as a Biomedical Scientist in the Cellular Pathology Department and report to the Cellular Pathology Manager.

We are looking for someone who can work comfortably within a team but also with the skills and confidence to work independently. The post will involve rotation into all areas of the department -routine histology, immunocytochemistry, special stains, frozen sections and specimen dissection. The role will also include assisting with the supervision and training of junior staff. Excellent communication skills both face to face and on the telephone are required. You should be able to work accurately and efficiently demonstrating good organisational skills. The role will be diverse reflecting the nature of the busy Cellular Pathology department.

About us

**Please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close any adverts before the closing date once we have received sufficient applications**

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHSTrust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values

  • Compassion
  • Accountability
  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential.

The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.

We recognise the valuable contribution that the Armed Forces community make to our organisation. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Details

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

264-7682867-CSS-A

Job locations

Kettering General Hospital

Rothwell Road

Kettering

NN16 8UZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The preparation of surgical and post mortem specimens for histological examination including:

Reception and organisation of patient samples

Assisting pathologists/ BMSs at routine cut up

Processing and embedding of patient tissue blocks

Microtomy and staining of paraffin wax embedded tissues

Quality control microscopy checks

The investigation and execution of special techniques as required, and active participation in the development and validation of new techniques.

Participation in the immunocytochemisty service including review of stained slides, fault finding and liaising with senior staff concerning appropriate corrective action.

Technical participation in clinical procedures including:

BMS dissection

Performing frozen sections as required

Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes as appropriate.

Assist with computerised entry of specimen data including :

Signing out and allocating completed work to pathologists

Searching patient data

Assist in general laboratory duties as required.

Dealing with telephone enquiries.

Assist senior staff in supervision and training of appropriate staff including trainee staff other BMS grades and visitors to the department.

Such other duties as may be reasonably required by the Laboratory Manager

Job description

Job responsibilities

The preparation of surgical and post mortem specimens for histological examination including:

Reception and organisation of patient samples

Assisting pathologists/ BMSs at routine cut up

Processing and embedding of patient tissue blocks

Microtomy and staining of paraffin wax embedded tissues

Quality control microscopy checks

The investigation and execution of special techniques as required, and active participation in the development and validation of new techniques.

Participation in the immunocytochemisty service including review of stained slides, fault finding and liaising with senior staff concerning appropriate corrective action.

Technical participation in clinical procedures including:

BMS dissection

Performing frozen sections as required

Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes as appropriate.

Assist with computerised entry of specimen data including :

Signing out and allocating completed work to pathologists

Searching patient data

Assist in general laboratory duties as required.

Dealing with telephone enquiries.

Assist senior staff in supervision and training of appropriate staff including trainee staff other BMS grades and visitors to the department.

Such other duties as may be reasonably required by the Laboratory Manager

Person Specification

Educations, Training and Qualifications

Essential

  • An IBMS accredited BSc Hons degree in Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science
  • Registration with the HCPC

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of at least 12 months histology laboratory experience
  • Knowledge of confidentiality requirements

Desirable

  • Knowledge of H&S in the lab
  • Some understanding of results relating to direct patient car
  • Safe handling of biological material

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to maintain a high level of concentration
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to prioritise workload
  • Good organisational skills
  • Manual dexterity / hand eye co-ordination
  • Ability to work as a member of a team

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

  • Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
Person Specification

Educations, Training and Qualifications

Essential

  • An IBMS accredited BSc Hons degree in Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science
  • Registration with the HCPC

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of at least 12 months histology laboratory experience
  • Knowledge of confidentiality requirements

Desirable

  • Knowledge of H&S in the lab
  • Some understanding of results relating to direct patient car
  • Safe handling of biological material

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to maintain a high level of concentration
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to prioritise workload
  • Good organisational skills
  • Manual dexterity / hand eye co-ordination
  • Ability to work as a member of a team

Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes

Essential

  • Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users

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

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kettering General Hospital

Rothwell Road

Kettering

NN16 8UZ


Employer's website

https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Kettering General Hospital

Rothwell Road

Kettering

NN16 8UZ


Employer's website

https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Cellular Pathology Manager

Fiona yalvac

f.yalvac@nhs.net

01536491266

Details

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

264-7682867-CSS-A

Job locations

Kettering General Hospital

Rothwell Road

Kettering

NN16 8UZ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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