Job overview
Applications are invited from HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists, who have substantial post-registration experience with robust practical competency and sound, in depth knowledge of Cellular Pathology.
This post would suit an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with good interpersonal and communication skills. The successful candidate will be expected to take responsibility for a given area within the department including the overseeing of junior staff.
The successful applicant will assess and monitor the workflow on a daily basis, reacting positively to the daily demands on the service and delegating staff appropriately to ensure service is maintained and urgent cases are prioritised.
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 of the Cellular Pathology department are 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings on a rotational basis
Applicants must be currently working in a UKAS accredited Cellular Pathology department.
Main duties of the job
UHSx Histopathology East receives approximately 34,000 requests per annum and provides a service for a wide variety of specialities, which include Renal Medicine, Oncology, Breast Pathology, and Paediatrics as well as to the Brighton & Sussex Medical School.
The post holder must be able demonstrate up to date competency in biopsy cut up, microtomy and embedding of all specimen types, and special stains. They must also have an understanding of quality management systems.
This post involves rotation and participation in different sections of the laboratory including routine Histology, Immunocytochemistry, Molecular microtomy, Special stains, Cut Up, Main Laboratory and Digital Histopathology. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the occasional frozen section service from the PRH site
As a Biomedical scientist the post holder will undertake a range of complex investigations to assist in the diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment. These investigations include manual, semi-automated and automated techniques on specialised analytical equipment.
The post holder must maintain professional registration, demonstrating high professional standards of knowledge and competency by undertaking personal continuing professional development. They must also participate in the training and development of other staff.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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.
1. Participate in all aspects of routine work in the cellular pathology department working independently and as part of a team.
2. Take responsibility for a given area within the department including the overseeing of junior staff
3. Monitor workflow across the day, redeploying staff as and when appropriate.
4. Ensure requests are dealt with in appropriate time frame to ensure turn a round times are not compromised
5. Work with Senior and Lead BMS to ensure all unknown suspected cancer cases are triaged appropriately
6. Undertake microtomy on a range of specimens from small core biopsies to mega blocks
7. Undertakes basic and more complex routine maintenance on instruments to ensure correct functioning.
8. Performs the checking and labelling of cellular pathology specimens, resolving any issues identified by junior staff, using knowledge and experience to comment on the suitability of samples if required.
9. Using cellular pathology and medical knowledge to prioritise specimens received in the department.
10. Participate in the dissection of tissue samples that fall into the Royal College of Pathologist’s group A and B categories.
11. Participate in internal quality control of cases before issuing to pathologist.
12. Use of specialist knowledge to determine when further investigations are required on cellular pathology samples.
13. To comment on the adequacy of a diagnostic cytology sample whilst in the clinical environment.
14. Use of specialist knowledge to assess semen samples for fertility and post vasectomy investigations.
15. Participate in the compilation of weekly rota
Person specification
education and knowledge
Essential criteria
16. Registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and has IBMS approved Biomedical Science degree
17. Completion of IBMS specialist portfolio in Cellular Pathology
18. Currently working in a UKAS accredited Cellular Pathology laboratory
19. Sufficient current and practical experience working in a routine Histology laboratory, including biopsy cut up, microtomy, embedding and special stains
Desirable criteria
20. Demonstrable experience of staff training
21. Demonstrable experience using Digital pathology software
22. Demonstrable experience of managing staff and workflow
23. Demonstrable experience of QMS systems in Cellular Pathology
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
24. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
25. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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