Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with Histology experience and excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to join our team. Applications are invited for this exciting post within the Department of Histopathology at King's College Hospital. The post holder will participate in the day-to-day workload of the routine Histology section, under the supervision of the section leader.
The Department of Histopathology provides a comprehensive, fully UKAS accredited diagnostic services across South London and receives specialist referrals from all over the country. The department performs routine and various highly specialised diagnostic tests using modern equipment.
As an IBMS approved training provider, the department runs a well-structured training programme that is delivered by a highly experienced and dedicated departmental training officer who is supported by a team of senior BMS staff. Team members receive personalised training programme and are encouraged to actively work on their personal and professional development including support for MSc programmes. Among other things, the training programme comprises individual training manuals, competency assessments, registration and specialist portfolios as well as reflective learning and regular CPD lectures.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will perform analytical procedures necessary for the histological diagnosis of disease. Using accredited procedures, they will rotate through the routine histology laboratory including BMS cut-up, microtomy, embedding and special stains sections. They will liaise with pathologists, clinicians and laboratory staff to assist in the delivery of a professional and efficient diagnostic service. They will also support and supervise junior members of the team and support staff.
As band 6 specialist BMS, the post holder is expected to plan and organise own work and follow the principles and broad occupational policies or regulations, adhering to standard operating procedures and local rules within Histopathology.
About us
The Department of Histopathology at King's College Hospital currently processes over 27,000 surgical specimens per year, offering an impressive range of diagnostic techniques including routine histopathological methods, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, molecular pathology and a Mohs Micrographic Surgery service.
The service is delivered by a dynamic team of 35 Biomedical Scientists and support staff spread across the Core Laboratory, Advanced Diagnostics section and the office. We hold IBMS training laboratory approval and participate in multiple external quality assurance schemes and demonstrate a strong commitment to continual quality improvement.
To learn more about this opening, please see contact details below or simply apply through the application process.
Your development and learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London.
For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
This is an excellent opportunity for applicants with Health and Care Professions Council registration. Experience and competency in routine histopathology laboratory techniques are essential criteria.
The post holder is required to participate in the routine histology workload within the various sections of the Core laboratory including specimen reception, biopsy cut-up, tissue processing and embedding, paraffin section cutting, routine and special staining procedures. After sufficient training is provided and competency assessment are completed, the post holder is expected to participate in Mohs Microsurgery procedures as well as taking part in our weekend on-call rota.
The post holder is expected to maintain professional competency and dexterity in those precision based specialist and physical tasks, and maintain the levels of concentration required to maintain quality service.
Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English is essential in order to give and seek complex scientific, medical and sensitive information as part of the scientific and communication process of service provision.
As a specialist BMS, the post holder is expected to play important role in contributing towards departmental training programmes including mentoring of junior BMS, trainee BMS and support staff members and conducting competency assessments when required.
In addition, as part of the quality management system, the post holder is required to be involved in the departments efforts in maintaining high quality diagnostic tests by working closely with the departmental Quality Lead and Quality Manager (The full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the Job Description section).
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services. The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
KCH
Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London.
For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.
This is an excellent opportunity for applicants with Health and Care Professions Council registration. Experience and competency in routine histopathology laboratory techniques are essential criteria.
The post holder is required to participate in the routine histology workload within the various sections of the Core laboratory including specimen reception, biopsy cut-up, tissue processing and embedding, paraffin section cutting, routine and special staining procedures. After sufficient training is provided and competency assessment are completed, the post holder is expected to participate in Mohs Microsurgery procedures as well as taking part in our weekend on-call rota.
The post holder is expected to maintain professional competency and dexterity in those precision based specialist and physical tasks, and maintain the levels of concentration required to maintain quality service.
Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English is essential in order to give and seek complex scientific, medical and sensitive information as part of the scientific and communication process of service provision.
As a specialist BMS, the post holder is expected to play important role in contributing towards departmental training programmes including mentoring of junior BMS, trainee BMS and support staff members and conducting competency assessments when required.
In addition, as part of the quality management system, the post holder is required to be involved in the departments efforts in maintaining high quality diagnostic tests by working closely with the departmental Quality Lead and Quality Manager (The full list of duties and responsibilities can be found in the Job Description section).
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services. The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
KCH
Kings College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UKs leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. Kings has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, Kings has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent first degree acceptable to Health and Care Professions Council
- HCPC Registration
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Experience
Essential
- Experience and competency in routine histopathology laboratory techniques including BMS transfer (biopsy cut-up), embedding, microtomy and special stains
- Experience with Frozen Section and Mohs procedures
- Familiar with Quality Management Systems
- Use of wide range of technical equipment
- Familiar with Health & Safety regulations in diagnostic laboratory settings
Desirable
- Experience in problem solving and troubleshooting
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality
Desirable
- Mentoring, supervision, training and teaching of junior colleagues and support staff
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent first degree acceptable to Health and Care Professions Council
- HCPC Registration
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Experience
Essential
- Experience and competency in routine histopathology laboratory techniques including BMS transfer (biopsy cut-up), embedding, microtomy and special stains
- Experience with Frozen Section and Mohs procedures
- Familiar with Quality Management Systems
- Use of wide range of technical equipment
- Familiar with Health & Safety regulations in diagnostic laboratory settings
Desirable
- Experience in problem solving and troubleshooting
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality
Desirable
- Mentoring, supervision, training and teaching of junior colleagues and support staff
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).
