Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to join the Histopathology Department in the role of a Senior Biomedical Scientist. We have recently moved to a brand-new state-of-the-art facility and are looking to expand our workforce.
The department is well-equipped, fully computerised, and UKAS-accredited to ISO 15189 standards.
If you like to be busy and enjoy working in a laboratory environment, then consider joining our team as a Senior Biomedical Scientist.
A strong commitment to personal and professional development and teamwork is essential for this post. In return, you will be welcomed into a developing team as a key valued member, with opportunities for professional development and experience.
Cambridge University Hospitals Histopathology department is one of the largest in the country with over 130 non-medical staff supporting over 50 consultant histopathologists. There is site-specific reporting, and we support many regional and national programmes. We are looking for people who have a desire to push the boundaries of current practice and want to join a transformational programme of work that will involve the adoption of new and innovative technologies and work practices. We have already adopted digital pathology and are looking to capitalise on the opportunities it offers. The department prides itself on staff development and offers many training and education opportunities for staff of all grades.
Main duties of the job
To practice as a Section Leader in Histopathology Department, within the staining area with Immunohistochemistry as primary focus, undertaking a wide variety of automated and non-automated, complex analytical procedures requiring a high level of manual dexterity, prioritising and organising the workload to ensure continuity and efficiency of the service and demonstrating expertise in Histopathological techniques, including, H&E, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.
This post involves staff supervision and management of a team within the Histopathology Department.
This post will be expected to participate in and lead the development of extended working hours and a week for the Department.
Ensure that all aspects of ISO 15189 and external governing bodies are achieved and maintained, in accordance with both local and national guidelines.
Participate in rotation within core histology services and on-call services
Participate in technical, quality, training, and education as required by the department within the scope of practice.
Working for our organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 1st March 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 12th March 2026
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
MSc Cellular Pathology or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or Management or equivalent or Working towards
IBMS Accredited Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent
Desirable criteria
Management/ Leadership qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
Considerable experience in all areas of routine and specialised histopathological techniques, including special stains and immunohistochemistry
Experience at leading / supervising people
Experience of training Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical Support Workers
Extensive experience quality checking various tests in histopathology, namely immunohistochemistry
Has previous experience and can make decisions under pressure and in a lone-working environment
Experience in using Quality management system in an ISO 15189 laboratory
Desirable criteria
Experience of working in the NHS
Performance of investigating and resolving nonconformities
Knowledge
Essential criteria
Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of Histopathology procedures and practices in routine and specialist areas within histopathology, including special stains
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of a wide range of Immunohistochemistry procedures and practices
Advanced knowledge of Tissue Morphology
Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
Understands the role of diagnostic Histopathology in a clinical setting
Desirable criteria
Knowledge and performance of molecular techniques in diagnostic setting
Skills
Essential criteria
Good verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently
Proficiency in using IT systems including Microsoft Office, laboratory management systems, and digital tools to support laboratory workflow and performance monitoring
Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques
Able to prioritise workload to meet needs of the service and relevant key performance indicators
Ability to identify inaccuracies, deviations, and resolve problems
Ability to supervise staff, including the training of staff
Desirable criteria
Able to perform and quality check IMF/ FIS
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Documents to download
Apply online now
Further details / informal visits contact
Name
Eliana Carneiro
Job title
Operations manager
Email address
eliana.carneiro@nhs.net
Telephone number
01223 217163