Consultant histopathology

We are seeking an enthusiastic and forward thinking Consultant Histopathologist to join our friendly and highly skilled Cellular Pathology team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. This post offers the opportunity to work within a supportive department of 14 consultants and 2 specialist grade colleagues, providing a comprehensive and efficient cellular pathology service.

Based at Yeovil District Hospital, Yeovil, with access to modern facilities, including a recently installed Cerebro tracking system and a fully digital Philips Intellisite pathology system, advanced laboratory equipment, and excellent administrative support. The role includes participation in a broad portfolio of MDT meetings, with flexibility for remote attendance and home working where agreed.

You will play an active role in teaching, training, and supervising Specialty Registrars, as well as contributing to departmental audit, quality assurance, and service development. The Trust strongly supports professional development, offering protected SPA time, mentorship, and opportunities to develop a specialist interest. Optional participation in hospital and Coroner's postmortems is available.

Working pattern - Monday - Friday

This post is offered with a standard 10 PA contract however candidates who wish to work part time are welcome to apply and will also be considered.

Target Start Date: October 2026

AAC Interview - TBC

Main duties of the job

Provide high quality histology and/or cytological reporting.

Attend and contribute to MDT meetings across multiple specialties.

Participate in teaching and supervision of trainees and medical students.

Mentor and appraise Specialty Registrars.

Undertake clinical audit, EQA participation, and quality improvement work.

Maintain CPD, complete mandatory training, and participate in annual appraisal.

Contribute to service development and departmental management discussions.

Perform administrative duties related to patient care and departmental workflow.

Provide colleague cover during absence and assist with urgent cases.

Optional: undertake hospital and Coroner's postmortems.

Engage in research activities if agreed with the Clinical Lead.

Work flexibly, including potential remote reporting.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

For further details regarding this job role and person specification please refer to the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Full GMC registration with a licence to practice at time of applying.
• Entry onto GMC specialist register. CCT within 6 months of date of interview for the post
• FRCPath or equivalent
• Relevant higher degree or specialist diploma
• Higher qualification in medical education

Experience

• Wide experience in general histopathology and non-gynae cytology
• Understanding of clinical risk management
• Experience of clinical risk management
• Competent to work without direct supervision
• Clear logical thinking showing an analytical/scientific approach
• Evidence of participation in audit
• Evidence of teaching experience
• Experience in post graduate (particularly multi-disciplinary) teaching and training
• Evidence of a special interest
• Experience of Coroner's post-mortem work and inquest attendances
• Ability to mentor both medical and non medical clinical staff
• Exposure to different groups/teaching methods
• Research experience (presentations, prizes, honours)
• Experience in the development and implementation of guidelines

Additional Criteria

• Ability to work within defined procedures
• Willingness to practice evidence based medicine
• Ability to prioritise clinical need
• Ability to organise oneself and own work
• Willingness to lead in developing/managing a clinical areaUnderstanding of NHS clinical governance & resource constraints (management, financial, committee work)
• Relevant information technology skills
• Willingness to contribute to departments teaching and training needs
• Progression of career consistent with personal circumstances
• Ability to communicate with clarity and intelligibility in written and spoken English
• Ability to build rapport, listen, persuade, negotiate
• Leadership skills (take responsibility, decisiveness, exert appropriate authority)
• Empathise with patients
• Evidence of being a successful team player (work co-operatively and collaboratively with others)
• Ability to adopt a non judgemental approach to patients and colleagues regardless of their sexuality, ethnicity, disability, religious beliefs or financial status
• Ability to adapt to change in working practices and new circumstances
• Ability to operate under pressure (resilient to set backs, self aware)
• Demonstrate strong organisational skills through personal discipline/commitment, meeting deadlines, etc)
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, high levels of motivation and initiative
• Ability to display integrity, respect, confidentiality and is aware of ethical dilemmas
• Meets professional health requirements

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.

£113,565 to £150,569 a year Salary based on 10PA's