Job overview
The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base RSCH, Brighton) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust deals with approximately 36,000 Histology requests and 4,500 Cytology requests per annum.
In addition to routine Histology, the department also undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Electron Microscopy, Diagnostic Cytology, Frozen sections, Brain smears and Digital Pathology.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Senior BMS to join our busy, friendly team. Applicants must be currently working in a UKAS accredited Cellular Pathology and hold an MSc in Cellular Pathology or equivalent through in-depth experience/ postgraduate level courses / and extensive relevant experience.
This position will be based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and the post-holder will be held accountable to the HR policies and procedures of University Hospitals Sussex.
Routine opening hours are 08:30 – 17:00 Monday to Friday
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be part of a team of senior scientists responsible for the operational delivery of the Cellular Pathology service.
They will provide day to day management of allocated sections within the laboratory, leading and supervising a team of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and Laboratory Assistants to deliver a high quality laboratory service.
The post holder will also be required to act as the Health and Safety representative for the department, ensuring Trust, HSE and UKAS compliance is maintained.
The individual will be expected to apply professional judgement and utilise specialist skills and detailed scientific knowledge to provide a high quality and timely result service.
The post holder will be expected to work independently in all areas of the laboratory and to work as part of a team of laboratory personnel.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Responsible for operational delivery of the cellular pathology service in conjunction with Senior and Lead BMS Colleagues
2. Provide day to day management of allocated sections within the laboratory, leading and supervising the team that work in that section
3. Responsible for providing the routine and specialist cellular pathology service for UHSussex East
4. Responsible for Health and Safety activities within the department, including Risk Assessments, COSHH forms, audits and staff training.
5. To undertake manual, and automated laboratory investigations on a rotational basis covering all sections within these areas
6. To manage the workflow of the section including ensuring the optimal usage of other staff assigned to the section.
7. Participate in all aspects of routine Histology on a daily basis, including biopsy cut up, microtomy, embedding, special stains, frozen sections and QC
8. Responsible for overseeing routine maintenance on laboratory instrumentation to a high standard, and troubleshooting of malfunctions. In particular, responsibility for any specialist equipment, reagents, etc. as appropriate to a designated section.
9. Undertakes analytical work by the application of specialist knowledge and experience, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures
10. To monitor stocks of consumables and reagents, to advise on any deficiencies, and place orders as delegated by the Lead BMS.
11. Critically reviews, prepares, implements and ensures compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and initiates modification as appropriate.
12. Undertakes analytical validation of results produced
13. Validates requests prior to processing for status and suitability.
14. Undertakes organisation of work in other sections as required.
15. Performs highly complex analysis, and interprets the analysis of quality control samples to ensure accuracy and precision, monitors internal quality control, carrying out any initial corrective action.
16. Performs external quality assurance analysis when required.
17. Monitors internal quality control of all aspects of routine laboratory work. Takes corrective action as necessary.
18. Co-ordinates External Quality Assessment samples to the scheme organisers.
19. Evaluates results of external quality assurance and initiates remedial action as required.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Person specification
Education and experince
Essential criteria
20. HCPC registration
21. IBMS approved Biomedical Science degree
22. MSC in Cellular Pathology or equivalent relevant in depth experience/post grad level courses
23. Demonstration within application of extensive clinical laboratory post registration experience in Cellular Pathology
24. Demonstration within application of recent and extensive technical competence to perform all routine Histology tasks including biopsy cut up, microtomy, QC and ICC
25. Demonstration within application of managing a section of the laboratory on a daily basis
Desirable criteria
26. Health and Safety experience, including COSHH, RA, audits
27. Experience of leading and managing a team
28. Experience in Lean working
29. Experience in digital anatomical pathology
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
30. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
31. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications