Band 5 Biomedical Scientist Cellular Pathology 12-month
The closing date is 10 November 2025.
The Cellular Pathology team at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a motivated, experienced, and enthusiastic Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our busy yet friendly department on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Our department processes approximately 44,000 surgical and diagnostic requests each year across our two hospital sites – Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital. As part of a large general hospital trust, we handle a diverse range of tissue and diagnostic cytology specimens, including post‑mortem work.
The main Cellular Pathology Laboratory is based at the Bedford Hospital site, with an expectation that staff may be required to cover occasional shifts at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital site.
The Pathology service holds full UKAS accreditation and is HTA and MHRA compliant.
Applicants should possess a strong background in general histology, including practical experience and working knowledge of special techniques such as immunohistochemistry.
For further information, please contact Charlotte Emmony – Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager, 01234 355122 ext. 4656, charlotte.emmony@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist in the day‑to‑day operations and technical aspects of the service.
They will assist the Specialist BMS & Senior BMS in delivering a high quality, efficient and effective service through the Quality Management System (QMS). They will assist in the implementation of change as directed by the laboratory seniors/manager, when delegated or appropriate to service needs.
The post holder is expected to implement policies and procedures ensuring the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline‑specific regulatory bodies.
The post holder will assist in the training and development of scientific and support staff.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high‑quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience – we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust’s core values. We achieve this by using values‑based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job responsibilities
Details of the specific service, departmental responsibilities, accountabilities, and objectives are outlined in the Role Descriptor document accompanying this Biomedical Scientist (BMS) job description.
The post holder will support the day‑to‑day operations and technical aspects of the service, working closely with senior Biomedical Scientists to ensure the delivery of a high‑quality, efficient, and effective service in accordance with the Quality Management System (QMS).
They will assist in the implementation of service improvements and operational changes as directed by senior laboratory staff or the Laboratory Manager, in line with service requirements.
The post holder will be responsible for implementing policies and procedures to ensure the service remains compliant with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation, and relevant discipline‑specific regulatory bodies.
In addition, the post holder will contribute to the training and development of both scientific and support staff.
As an HCPC‑registered Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will play an active role in supporting the effective delivery of departmental services.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent
* HCPC registered
Skills
* Excellent communication skills, including good use of written English (spelling and grammar)
* Ability to expertly embed min. 45 blocks per hour
* Ability to expertly section min. 20 blocks per hour
* Flexible in approach and adaptability to change
* Practical knowledge of Cellular Pathology automation
* Experience of working within a Cellular Pathology laboratory in the UK
* Immunocyochemistry experience
* Cutting frozen sections
* Digital Pathology
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.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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