Specialist Biomedical Scientist: Cellular Pathology
Employer Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Location Swindon, United Kingdom Salary Competitive Closing date 9 Jul 2025
Job summary
**PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY**
We are seeking a Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our team.
The successful candidate will work as part of the Cellular Pathology team as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist involved in the technical preparation of specimens and performing defined procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures. This will include all aspects of the routine service provided by the department. The majority of this role involves technical work, with some quality management and human resource management processes.
Main duties of the job
1. As a HCPC-Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist, perform a full range of analytical, technical and other laboratory duties within cellular pathology.
The daily technical activities of the histology and cytology laboratory include:
1. Specimen dissection and preparation2. Microtomy.3. Embedding.4. Staining5. Quality Control.6. Immunohistochemistry. (Dako Omnis system)7. Computer work to process samples through the laboratory.8. Filing of slides or blocks if required.9. Collecting solvents if required.10. Non-Gynae Cytology and Andrology technical work.
This list is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake all histology techniques and ideally have previous experience in non-gynae cytology and andrology techniques although consideration of training requirements will be assessed.
About us
"Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives."
Job description
Job responsibilities
2. Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures, risk assessments, etc., relating to technical work. Review documents of the quality management system where necessary and liaise with senior staff for any updates or changes required.
3. Be responsible and work as part of a team to achieve optimal handling and throughput of the departmental workload to ensure specimens are processed in a timely manner.
4. To participate in the departmental rota to ensure skills are maintained in each area of the laboratory and cover all areas specific to the post-holders level of competence. This may include early start times of 08.00 at times and late finishes up to 17:15 depending on service needs.
5. Maintain professional competence and scientific skill in the performance of all tests and investigations.
6. Use, and daily maintenance, of expensive specialist equipment (e.g. microscope with heated stage, cytospin, stainer, etc.) as part of day-to-day technical work.
7. Deliver training in specialist technical processes and use of laboratory equipment/IT systems (Winpath and Qpulse) to new/less experienced staff.
8. Answer queries from less experienced laboratory staff about how to carry out specialist technical processes and how to use laboratory IT systems, equipment, etc.
Job description
Job responsibilities
2. Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures, risk assessments, etc., relating to technical work. Review documents of the quality management system where necessary and liaise with senior staff for any updates or changes required.
3. Be responsible and work as part of a team to achieve optimal handling and throughput of the departmental workload to ensure specimens are processed in a timely manner.
4. To participate in the departmental rota to ensure skills are maintained in each area of the laboratory and cover all areas specific to the post-holders level of competence. This may include early start times of 08.00 at times and late finishes up to 17:15 depending on service needs.
5. Maintain professional competence and scientific skill in the performance of all tests and investigations.
6. Use, and daily maintenance, of expensive specialist equipment (e.g. microscope with heated stage, cytospin, stainer, etc.) as part of day-to-day technical work.
7. Deliver training in specialist technical processes and use of laboratory equipment/IT systems (Winpath and Qpulse) to new/less experienced staff.
8. Answer queries from less experienced laboratory staff about how to carry out specialist technical processes and how to use laboratory IT systems, equipment, etc.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
* BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
* Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist
* IBMS specialist diploma in cellular pathology or equivalent.
Desirable
* Member of IBMS
* Evidence of CPD
* Specialist training
Experience
Essential
* Previous experience of working in a diagnostic Cellular Pathology laboratory.
* Experienced in embedding, microtomy, staining histology samples.
* QC checking of samples
* Preparation at cut-up of BMS specimen dissection.
* Immunohistochemistry experience.
Desirable
* Involvement in quality management processes including reviewing SOPs, and recording departmental incidents.
* Previous experience of Health and Safety processes, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments.
* Non-Gynae cytology/Andrology experience
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
* Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively.
* Good time management.
* Ability to work independently and take direction and to pass on information accurately and timely.
* Able to build effective working relationships with staff and colleagues.
* Good hand/eye coordination
Desirable
* Demonstrates initiative
* Leadership qualities
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential
* BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
* Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist
* IBMS specialist diploma in cellular pathology or equivalent.
Desirable
* Member of IBMS
* Evidence of CPD
* Specialist training
Experience
Essential
* Previous experience of working in a diagnostic Cellular Pathology laboratory.
* Experienced in embedding, microtomy, staining histology samples.
* QC checking of samples
* Preparation at cut-up of BMS specimen dissection.
* Immunohistochemistry experience.
Desirable
* Involvement in quality management processes including reviewing SOPs, and recording departmental incidents.
* Previous experience of Health and Safety processes, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments.
* Non-Gynae cytology/Andrology experience
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
* Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively.
* Good time management.
* Ability to work independently and take direction and to pass on information accurately and timely.
* Able to build effective working relationships with staff and colleagues.
* Good hand/eye coordination
Desirable
* Demonstrates initiative
* Leadership qualities
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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 .
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. .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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 .
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. .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
Employer details
Employer name
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
Employer's website
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