Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 30 November 2025

Job summary

The person appointed would be a State Registered BMS with an appropriate qualification (BSc in Biomedical Science or relevant science degree) in Cellular pathology and experience in Histopathology. Opportunities exist for further study leading to professional qualifications.

Main duties of the job

To undertake the preparation of histological sectioning of surgical material including bone and other hard tissues.

To undertake a range of tasks within laboratory with the aim of preparing material to assist the pathologists with diagnosis.

To perform a range of tasks that ensures the department works efficiently, safely and conforms to legal and accreditation standards.

About us

The department processes approximately 8000 surgical requests per annum, resulting in over 30,000 tests that include immunocytochemistry, molecular and special stains. The majority of specimens consist of bone and soft tissue tumours. There is also a relatively small amount of general orthopaedic pathology. The laboratory provides both the RNOHT and UCLHT with a diagnostic service and also provides the histopathology for the London Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Unit.

Date posted

14 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£35,763 to £43,466 a year Per annum including HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

392-RNOH-1338

Job locations

Stanmore

London

HA7 4LP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Participate in sample receipt and handling of specimens, following sample handling guidelines.
Accurately input patient demographics onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
To be able to accurately describe, select and prepare small tissue samples for microscopy and histological diagnosis.
To assist the pathologist or senior BMS in the dissection of gross specimens.
To cut pre-sliced section slabs of bone into blocks prior to decalcifying and sectioning.
To process tissue specimens in the laboratory through the use of processing machines, embedding, microtomy, cryotomy and staining.
To digitally x-ray a variety of specimens to accurately identify the end-point of decalcification and report unusual cases to senior staff.
To undertake the sectioning of bone and other dense materials.
To ensure the work produced within the department is of a consistently high standard and record its execution on the computer system.
To perform and monitor immunohistochemical techniques using automated laboratory technology.
Perform Fluorescence in Situ Hybridisation (FISH) and PCR.
To file and retrieval of histological material.
Ensure reagents are prepared, stored and used according to laboratory procedures.
To assist with the ongoing maintenance of relevant equipment.
To monitor stock levels of chemicals and consumables and provide senior BMS staff information for ordering.
To participate in laboratory meetings.
To have a working awareness of UKAS
To work on own initiative but bringing issues to senior managers when appropriate.
To attend mandatory training.
To adhere to Trust policies and procedures relevant to your position.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Participate in sample receipt and handling of specimens, following sample handling guidelines.
Accurately input patient demographics onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
To be able to accurately describe, select and prepare small tissue samples for microscopy and histological diagnosis.
To assist the pathologist or senior BMS in the dissection of gross specimens.
To cut pre-sliced section slabs of bone into blocks prior to decalcifying and sectioning.
To process tissue specimens in the laboratory through the use of processing machines, embedding, microtomy, cryotomy and staining.
To digitally x-ray a variety of specimens to accurately identify the end-point of decalcification and report unusual cases to senior staff.
To undertake the sectioning of bone and other dense materials.
To ensure the work produced within the department is of a consistently high standard and record its execution on the computer system.
To perform and monitor immunohistochemical techniques using automated laboratory technology.
Perform Fluorescence in Situ Hybridisation (FISH) and PCR.
To file and retrieval of histological material.
Ensure reagents are prepared, stored and used according to laboratory procedures.
To assist with the ongoing maintenance of relevant equipment.
To monitor stock levels of chemicals and consumables and provide senior BMS staff information for ordering.
To participate in laboratory meetings.
To have a working awareness of UKAS
To work on own initiative but bringing issues to senior managers when appropriate.
To attend mandatory training.
To adhere to Trust policies and procedures relevant to your position.

Person Specification

Training and experience

Essential

BSc Biomedical Science or relevant science degree.
HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
Working knowledge and previous experience of histopathology, including both practical and theoretical knowledge
Able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic physiology, pathology and scientific principles of histopathology
Awareness of national legislation and policies relating to relevant aspects of histopathology and pathology
Understanding of UKAS ISO:15189:2012 accreditation standards within discipline.
Understanding of health and safety requirements within their scope of practice.
Competent in both microtomy and wax embedding.

Desirable

Experience in sectioning hard material.
Experience of immunohistochemistry.
Experience of molecular techniques e.g. FISH and PCR

Skills

Essential

Contributing team member
Ability to work on own initiative and within a team
Good communication skills both written and oral
Ability to interpret data and form opinion
Effective organisational skills

IT skills

Essential

Basic computer literacy.

Person Specification

Training and experience

Essential

BSc Biomedical Science or relevant science degree.
HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
Working knowledge and previous experience of histopathology, including both practical and theoretical knowledge
Able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic physiology, pathology and scientific principles of histopathology
Awareness of national legislation and policies relating to relevant aspects of histopathology and pathology
Understanding of UKAS ISO:15189:2012 accreditation standards within discipline.
Understanding of health and safety requirements within their scope of practice.
Competent in both microtomy and wax embedding.

Desirable

Experience in sectioning hard material.
Experience of immunohistochemistry.
Experience of molecular techniques e.g. FISH and PCR

Skills

Essential

Contributing team member
Ability to work on own initiative and within a team
Good communication skills both written and oral
Ability to interpret data and form opinion
Effective organisational skills

IT skills

Essential

Basic computer literacy.

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

Certificate of Sponsorship

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

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Address

Stanmore

London

HA7 4LP

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Address

Stanmore

London

HA7 4LP

Employer's website

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