Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Biomedical Scientist with a strong interest and foundation in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to join our team at Poundbury Cancer Institute. The successful candidate will either take on immediate leadership responsibilities within our IHC service, or develop into a leadership role with full training and mentorship provided. This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about high-quality diagnostic science, continuous improvement, and advancing IHC capabilities within the lab.
Please note: we cannot provide VISA sponsorship for candidates in this role.
Main duties of the job
This role is for a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist. The role includes, but is not limited to, embedding, microtomy, performing manual special stains, with the primary focus being leading IHC. This consists of:
Perform, optimize, and validate IHC staining procedures using automated and manual platforms.
Ensure accurate interpretation, documentation, and reporting of IHC results.
Maintain and troubleshoot IHC equipment and staining systems.
Contribute to the development and implementation of new IHC assays and protocols.
Monitor IHC quality control/quality assurance in line with accreditation standards
About us
About us:
Poundbury Cancer Institute (PCI) has been established in order to improve outcomes for cancer patients by supporting the delivery of the most effective treatment for each individual patient Personalised Medicine.
Poundbury Cancer Institute evolved from pioneering work started in 2012 in the Department of Histopathology at Dorset County Hospital in partnership with Roche Tissue Diagnostics and UK NEQAS-IHC&ISH.
A major emphasis was on providing local patients with cancer diagnostic tests not yet available nationally or for which there were lengthy delays.
The Institute has been set up by local NHS staff with a combination of private investment, commercial funding and charitable donations.
PCI is a growing company, paving the way in the future of Histopathology. Therefore, we are looking for individuals who are looking to evolve with us as we expand and new roles become available.
Job description
Job responsibilities
General Biomedical Scientist Duties
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Process, embed, cut, and stain tissue samples according to standard laboratory practices.
-
Maintain high standards of documentation, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
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Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and laboratory accreditation activities.
-
Ensure adherence to health and safety procedures and contribute to a safe working environment.
-
Collaborate with colleagues to support efficient service delivery.
Leadership & Development (Depending on Experience Level)For established leaders:
-
Lead the daily operations of the IHC section, ensuring workflow efficiency and high scientific standards.
-
Provide technical guidance, training, and competency assessments for junior staff.
-
Liaise with histopathology consultants and the wider clinical team to support diagnostic needs.
-
Manage inventory, reagent validation, and cost-effective resource use.
For developing leaders:
-
Participate in a structured training pathway to take on increasing responsibility within the IHC service.
-
Shadow senior staff to gain competency in team coordination, assay validation, and quality oversight.
-
Take on supervised leadership tasks with progression to full responsibility as skills advance.
Job description
Job responsibilities
General Biomedical Scientist Duties
-
Process, embed, cut, and stain tissue samples according to standard laboratory practices.
-
Maintain high standards of documentation, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
-
Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and laboratory accreditation activities.
-
Ensure adherence to health and safety procedures and contribute to a safe working environment.
-
Collaborate with colleagues to support efficient service delivery.
Leadership & Development (Depending on Experience Level)For established leaders:
-
Lead the daily operations of the IHC section, ensuring workflow efficiency and high scientific standards.
-
Provide technical guidance, training, and competency assessments for junior staff.
-
Liaise with histopathology consultants and the wider clinical team to support diagnostic needs.
-
Manage inventory, reagent validation, and cost-effective resource use.
For developing leaders:
-
Participate in a structured training pathway to take on increasing responsibility within the IHC service.
-
Shadow senior staff to gain competency in team coordination, assay validation, and quality oversight.
-
Take on supervised leadership tasks with progression to full responsibility as skills advance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- - Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- - HCPC State registration in Histopathology with post registration training at UK-based histopathology laboratory.
Desirable
- Progress towards higher degree or equivalent qualification.
Experience
Essential
- - Post registration experience in Histopathology
- - Experience in all laboratory benches (cut-up, IHC ).
- - Strong knowledge of histology and routine diagnostic techniques.
- - Demonstrated interest or foundational experience in immunohistochemistry.
- - Experience with automated IHC platforms (e.g., Ventana, Dako/Agilent, Leica Bond).
Desirable
- - Previous experience leading or managing an IHC service.
- - Experience in method validation, quality assurance, and troubleshooting.
- - Participation in NEQAS or other external quality schemes.
Skills
Essential
- - Good interpretative skills at bench/analytical level.
- - Able to organise and supervise less qualified staff.
- - Communicate sensitive information with peers and senior staff.
- - Communicate with other health care professionals at appropriate level.
- - Able to plan day-to-day organisation of area of work.
- - Accurate, well developed technical skills, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
- - Willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow into leadership responsibilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- - Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- - HCPC State registration in Histopathology with post registration training at UK-based histopathology laboratory.
Desirable
- Progress towards higher degree or equivalent qualification.
Experience
Essential
- - Post registration experience in Histopathology
- - Experience in all laboratory benches (cut-up, IHC ).
- - Strong knowledge of histology and routine diagnostic techniques.
- - Demonstrated interest or foundational experience in immunohistochemistry.
- - Experience with automated IHC platforms (e.g., Ventana, Dako/Agilent, Leica Bond).
Desirable
- - Previous experience leading or managing an IHC service.
- - Experience in method validation, quality assurance, and troubleshooting.
- - Participation in NEQAS or other external quality schemes.
Skills
Essential
- - Good interpretative skills at bench/analytical level.
- - Able to organise and supervise less qualified staff.
- - Communicate sensitive information with peers and senior staff.
- - Communicate with other health care professionals at appropriate level.
- - Able to plan day-to-day organisation of area of work.
- - Accurate, well developed technical skills, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
- - Willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow into leadership responsibilities.
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).
