Job summary
Applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals with a proven background of working in a Cellular Pathology environment, with the associatededucation and competency, to join this friendly, well-equipped Cellular Pathology department. The laboratory processes approximately 30,000 samples per year, providing essential services to the population of Hywel Dda University Health Board.
This is a Band 6 position under Annex 21, further details below. The post holder will work alongside the wider Cellular Pathology team to fulfil the daily operational requirements of this busy department. The central Histology laboratory service is situated on the Glangwili Hospital site in Carmarthen with a small satellite team based at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. This role will require the occasional working between sites.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with all grades of staff, both scientific and medical to ensure the effective delivery of the service. The post holder will also participate in a laboratory-based training program for all relevant staff and will be involved with the continuous competency assessment of the team members. We are committed to continued professional and career development of all our staff.
Main duties of the job
As Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology, you will play a key role in the preparation and processing of tissue samples. You will perform a wide range of Histological techniques including Embedding, microtomy, Special stains, and Immunocytochemistry.
The post holder will be responsible for the organisation and quality of the work within the Cellular Pathology team in Glangwilli Hospital.
You will contribute to the Quality Assurance and continuous improvement of laboratory services, support training and supervision of junior staff and ensure compliance.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post, English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board is the planner and provider of NHS healthcare services for people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and its bordering counties. Our 12,000 members of staff provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services to almost 400,000 people across a quarter of the landmass of Wales. We do this in partnership with our three local authorities and public, private and third sector colleagues, including our volunteers, through:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais General in Aberystwyth, Glangwili General in Carmarthen, Prince Philip in Llanelli and Withybush General in Haverfordwest.
Five community hospitals: Amman Valley Hospital and Llandovery Hospital in Carmarthenshire, Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire Hospital Health and Social Care Resource Centre in Pembrokeshire.
Two integrated care centres (Aberaeron and Cardigan, Ceredigion).
Community facilities, including:
48 General Practices (GP surgeries), 49 Dental Practices, 98 Community Pharmacies (chemists), 44 General Ophthalmic Practices (including eye health and low vision services), 38 sites providing mental health and learning disability services, care within your own homes
Highly specialised and tertiary services commissioned by the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee, a joint committee representing seven health boards across Wales.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This post is advertised as a Band 6 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the Specialist Diploma. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 6 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 4 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.
This means they will be supported by a development plan to develop the successful applicant to the Band 6 role. During the first year payment will be 60% of the top rate of Band 6 pay, second year 65%, third year 70% and fourth year 75%. Once the Specialist Diploma has been achieved, the post holder will then be paid at Band 6 (minimum point on the scale).
Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 07/07/2025.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This post is advertised as a Band 6 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the Specialist Diploma. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 6 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 4 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.
This means they will be supported by a development plan to develop the successful applicant to the Band 6 role. During the first year payment will be 60% of the top rate of Band 6 pay, second year 65%, third year 70% and fourth year 75%. Once the Specialist Diploma has been achieved, the post holder will then be paid at Band 6 (minimum point on the scale).
Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 07/07/2025.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential
- BSc. (Hons) Degree Life Science/Biomedical Science.
- HCPC Registration
- IBMS Specialist Diploma, or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through training and practical experience.
- Knowledge of medical laboratory sciences and techniques commensurate with a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Knowledge of UKAS accreditation and quality management requirements.
- Knowledge of BSQR (2005), HTA and ISO 15189:2012, as applicable to the relevant discipline of work
- Documented evidence of on-going participation in CPD
Desirable
- Knowledge of hospital specialities.
- Medical laboratory knowledge in more than one pathology discipline
Experience
Essential
- Clinical laboratory experience, commensurate with an experienced, HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner, as required (if appropriate)
- Flexible approach to needs of the service.
- Participate in shifts rota, including out of hours
Language Skills
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential
- BSc. (Hons) Degree Life Science/Biomedical Science.
- HCPC Registration
- IBMS Specialist Diploma, or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through training and practical experience.
- Knowledge of medical laboratory sciences and techniques commensurate with a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Knowledge of UKAS accreditation and quality management requirements.
- Knowledge of BSQR (2005), HTA and ISO 15189:2012, as applicable to the relevant discipline of work
- Documented evidence of on-going participation in CPD
Desirable
- Knowledge of hospital specialities.
- Medical laboratory knowledge in more than one pathology discipline
Experience
Essential
- Clinical laboratory experience, commensurate with an experienced, HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner, as required (if appropriate)
- Flexible approach to needs of the service.
- Participate in shifts rota, including out of hours
Language Skills
Desirable
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.
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.
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).
