Job summary
Biomedical Scientist
Department: Cellular Pathology
Band 5: £32,073 - £39,043 Per annum, pro rata
Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (full-time), all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The Histopathology department at #TeamMKUH have recently had a business case approved to expand our workforce due to our popular and growing services. As the demand for pathology services increases, we are investing in our workforce, welcoming talented Biomedical Scientists, Assistant Technician Officers, administrator staff and other registered healthcare professionals who bring fresh expertise and innovation to the department.
The Cellular Pathology department is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, proactive, and experienced individual to take up the post of Biomedical Scientist in our professional and friendly team.
The individual will be a key member of the Cellular Pathology team participating in routine and specialist duties that enable the day-to-day operational delivery of the Cellular Pathology laboratory service.
The successful candidate will be a professional with strong technical and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to communicate confidently and effectively. The suitable candidate will work as part of a team of scientific and support staff to deliver a diagnostic service that meets accreditation & regulatory requirements to deliver safe and effective patient care.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Interview date: Thursday 6th of August 2026
Main duties of the job
"Professional, scientific colleagues feel their roles positively impact patients and service users"(NHS Staff Survey 2023).
To provide a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service for the trust and its users. To work as part of a team, using specialist knowledge and expertise to assist in the provision of all aspects of a Cellular Pathology service. To work in accordance with trust health and safety policy as well as departmental policies. Assist with training and education activity.The candidate must have knowledge and experience of ISO 15189 standards and quality management systems.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. We have just opened the Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards.
Further investment is underway, including the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The core aim of the role is to provide a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service for the trust and its users. To work as part of a team, using specialist knowledge and expertise to assist in the provision of all aspects of a Cellular Pathology service. To work in accordance with trust health and safety policy as well as departmental policies. Additionally, assisting with training and education activity.
- The candidate must have knowledge and experience of ISO 15189 standards and quality management system
- Must be continuing to develop professionally by maintaining and updating their professional knowledge and skills through a professionally recognised scheme such as the IBMS CPD scheme
- Must have Information Technology skills.
- To make scientific and clinical judgements based on their specialist knowledge and experience.
- To maintain high levels of concentration for prolonged periods in a high pressure and stressful environment
- Deputising for band 6 BMS staff as necessary.
- To keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments.
- The description and sampling of histopathological specimens in RCPath/IBMS Categories A through to B with reference to the clinical information provided on the request form.
- The organisation and staining External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes slides and retrieval of in-house slides for assessment.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The core aim of the role is to provide a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service for the trust and its users. To work as part of a team, using specialist knowledge and expertise to assist in the provision of all aspects of a Cellular Pathology service. To work in accordance with trust health and safety policy as well as departmental policies. Additionally, assisting with training and education activity.
- The candidate must have knowledge and experience of ISO 15189 standards and quality management system
- Must be continuing to develop professionally by maintaining and updating their professional knowledge and skills through a professionally recognised scheme such as the IBMS CPD scheme
- Must have Information Technology skills.
- To make scientific and clinical judgements based on their specialist knowledge and experience.
- To maintain high levels of concentration for prolonged periods in a high pressure and stressful environment
- Deputising for band 6 BMS staff as necessary.
- To keep up to date with current scientific and technical developments.
- The description and sampling of histopathological specimens in RCPath/IBMS Categories A through to B with reference to the clinical information provided on the request form.
- The organisation and staining External Quality Assurance (EQA) schemes slides and retrieval of in-house slides for assessment.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of Cellular Pathology to underpin the technical aspects of service delivery
- Awareness of ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories
- Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance
- Knowledge of professional Health and safety regulations
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development
Desirable
- Specialist Portfolio or equivalent
- Awareness of wider NHS/Pathology initiatives
Experience
Essential
- Experience of routine and specialist histology procedures
- Experience as a HCPC registered BMS in Cellular Pathology
- Work within scope and limitation of practice.
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Experience of using a LIMS
Desirable
- Staff training and competency assessment
- Experience of quality management
Skills
Essential
- Possess excellent practical skills
- Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities and complete tasks within given timeframes
- Effective team worker
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Proficient IT skills including the use of MS Office software
Desirable
- Teaching skills
- Technical and scientific troubleshooting skills
- Use of QMS tools e.g., QPulse.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Self motivated and patient focused.
- Flexible approach
- Enthusiastic
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of Cellular Pathology to underpin the technical aspects of service delivery
- Awareness of ISO 15189 standards for medical laboratories
- Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance
- Knowledge of professional Health and safety regulations
- Evidence of relevant continued professional development
Desirable
- Specialist Portfolio or equivalent
- Awareness of wider NHS/Pathology initiatives
Experience
Essential
- Experience of routine and specialist histology procedures
- Experience as a HCPC registered BMS in Cellular Pathology
- Work within scope and limitation of practice.
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Experience of using a LIMS
Desirable
- Staff training and competency assessment
- Experience of quality management
Skills
Essential
- Possess excellent practical skills
- Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities and complete tasks within given timeframes
- Effective team worker
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Proficient IT skills including the use of MS Office software
Desirable
- Teaching skills
- Technical and scientific troubleshooting skills
- Use of QMS tools e.g., QPulse.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
- Self motivated and patient focused.
- Flexible approach
- Enthusiastic
- Demonstrate reliability and commitment
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English.
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills.
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
