Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, highly motivated full time HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join the department of Histology. The successful candidate must have completed their registration portfolio and have previous experience in a clinical laboratory. The ideal candidate must have a wide experience of all aspects of histology and have excellent interpersonal skills.
The successful candidate will rotate through all the sections of the department, including Dissection, assisting consultants and undertaking transfer of specimens, embedding, microtomy, routine/special stains, non-gynae cytology and IHC. You will be expected to assist the Team Leaders in the daily operation of the department including the supervision of more junior staff.You will also be involved in competency assessments, delivery of training, participation in audits and various aspects of the quality management system.
Our department processes approximately 29,000 specimens per annum providing a comprehensive clinical histopathology service.
Main duties of the job
The ideal candidate must have a wide experience of all aspects of general histopathology duties and have excellent interpersonal skills.
The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and the desire to provide a service of the highest quality.
The candidate will have had previous experience working in a clinical laboratory and will have completed the IBMS Registration Portfolio in Histology, be a team player and have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of general histology including dissection, Specials and IHC
The successful applicant will support teaching and development of all junior staff groups in the department, problem solve, as well as participate in all aspects of quality management to assist UKAS accreditation.
About us
Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values
* Compassion
* Accountability
* Respect
* Integrity
* Courage
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.
The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals.
We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative.
We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Details
Date posted
24 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum / pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
CSS
Job locations
Northampton General Hospital
Billing Road
Northampton
NN1 5BD
Job description
Job responsibilities
GENERAL DUTIES- Responsibility to inform Laboratory Management /Senior Members of Staff with regards to laboratory procedures, risk assessment, COSHH and local safety rules.- Assist with the storage of confidential files.- Assist in audit activity when directed by the Laboratory Management.- Comply with Local Health and Safety regulations.- Demonstrate self-directed development and work practice.- To demonstrate a positive professional attitude to the work within the laboratory and towards other members of the department.- To abide by the Pathology Code of Conduct.- To participate within an annual performance review.- Ensure yearly compliance with mandatory training courses (manual handling, fire training etc).
STAFF- To assist training of staff on new equipment or with new methodology as appropriate.- Supervise junior staff in other sections of the laboratory
SERVICE PLANNING AND FINANCE- Undertake validation of new equipment prior to service introduction, ensuring that it meets current requirements and ensure validation records are complete
-Ensure service operates within available resources. Identify conflicts and inform Laboratory Manager of such.
EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES- To ensure that professional standards of self and others under supervision are maintained.- To participate in annual appraisals.- Participate in Continuing Professional Development programmes.- Attend suitable seminars / scientific & technical update courses as part of personal development and to further the work of the department.
GOVERNANCE- Establish and maintain effective communication with colleagues and Service users.- Strictly adhere to all local and National Policies and Codes of Practice pertaining to confidentiality of information.- Promptly report any incidents / accidents and near miss occurrences in accordance with Departmental and Trust Policies and Procedures.- Support the Cellular Pathology Operational Manager in ensuring that lessons are learnt from issues arising from risk reports / complaints and that they are promptly and positively addressed. Implement action plans arising from risk reports or complaints when required.- Develop and review risk and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments for the Cellular Pathology laboratory.- Ensure compliance with all Trust Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, taking action / alerting the Head of Pathology and / or Cellular Pathology Operational Manager if practice appears to contravene Policy, or if concerned regarding any aspect of patient care.- In conjunction with the Cellular Pathology Operational Manager continually monitor Standards through the Quality Management System (QMS) and implement action plans to improve the quality of the Service as necessary. Participate in turnaround time (TAT) monitoring, benchmarking, and laboratory audit.- Assist the with the development and implementation of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines relating to the Service. Actively participate in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Job description
Job responsibilities
GENERAL DUTIES- Responsibility to inform Laboratory Management /Senior Members of Staff with regards to laboratory procedures, risk assessment, COSHH and local safety rules.- Assist with the storage of confidential files.- Assist in audit activity when directed by the Laboratory Management.- Comply with Local Health and Safety regulations.- Demonstrate self-directed development and work practice.- To demonstrate a positive professional attitude to the work within the laboratory and towards other members of the department.- To abide by the Pathology Code of Conduct.- To participate within an annual performance review.- Ensure yearly compliance with mandatory training courses (manual handling, fire training etc).
STAFF- To assist training of staff on new equipment or with new methodology as appropriate.- Supervise junior staff in other sections of the laboratory
SERVICE PLANNING AND FINANCE- Undertake validation of new equipment prior to service introduction, ensuring that it meets current requirements and ensure validation records are complete
-Ensure service operates within available resources. Identify conflicts and inform Laboratory Manager of such.
EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES- To ensure that professional standards of self and others under supervision are maintained.- To participate in annual appraisals.- Participate in Continuing Professional Development programmes.- Attend suitable seminars / scientific & technical update courses as part of personal development and to further the work of the department.
GOVERNANCE- Establish and maintain effective communication with colleagues and Service users.- Strictly adhere to all local and National Policies and Codes of Practice pertaining to confidentiality of information.- Promptly report any incidents / accidents and near miss occurrences in accordance with Departmental and Trust Policies and Procedures.- Support the Cellular Pathology Operational Manager in ensuring that lessons are learnt from issues arising from risk reports / complaints and that they are promptly and positively addressed. Implement action plans arising from risk reports or complaints when required.- Develop and review risk and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments for the Cellular Pathology laboratory.- Ensure compliance with all Trust Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, taking action / alerting the Head of Pathology and / or Cellular Pathology Operational Manager if practice appears to contravene Policy, or if concerned regarding any aspect of patient care.- In conjunction with the Cellular Pathology Operational Manager continually monitor Standards through the Quality Management System (QMS) and implement action plans to improve the quality of the Service as necessary. Participate in turnaround time (TAT) monitoring, benchmarking, and laboratory audit.- Assist the with the development and implementation of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines relating to the Service. Actively participate in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Person Specification
Education & Training
Essential
* HCPC registration
* IBMS Registration portfolio
* Degree in Biomedical science
* Understanding of the role of diagnostic Cellular Pathology in a clinical setting
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
* Experienced in the validation and testing of new equipment / processes
* Up to date experience and / or knowledge of core histopathological laboratory techniques
* Experience of prioritising work load
* Experience in application and monitoring of UKAS standards
* Experienced in the validation and testing of new equipment / processes
Desirable
* Experience in a UKAS accredited NHS Histopathology / Immunochemistry laboratory
Skills
Essential
* Ability to communicate with users of the service both appropriately and professionally
* Ability to extrapolate from basic information to consider additional investigations to perform
* Ability to review anomalous / unexpected findings and take further appropriate action
* Understanding of relationship between clinical practice and laboratory findings
* Awareness of clinical significance of laboratory findings and implications for patients
* Able to write / review SOPs and documents
Person Specification
Education & Training
Essential
* HCPC registration
* IBMS Registration portfolio
* Degree in Biomedical science
* Understanding of the role of diagnostic Cellular Pathology in a clinical setting
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
* Experienced in the validation and testing of new equipment / processes
* Up to date experience and / or knowledge of core histopathological laboratory techniques
* Experience of prioritising work load
* Experience in application and monitoring of UKAS standards
* Experienced in the validation and testing of new equipment / processes
Desirable
* Experience in a UKAS accredited NHS Histopathology / Immunochemistry laboratory
Skills
Essential
* Ability to communicate with users of the service both appropriately and professionally
* Ability to extrapolate from basic information to consider additional investigations to perform
* Ability to review anomalous / unexpected findings and take further appropriate action
* Understanding of relationship between clinical practice and laboratory findings
* Awareness of clinical significance of laboratory findings and implications for patients
* Able to write / review SOPs and documents
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 UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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 UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Northampton General Hospital
Address
Northampton General Hospital
Billing Road
Northampton
NN1 5BD
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
Northampton General Hospital
Address
Northampton General Hospital
Billing Road
Northampton
NN1 5BD
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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