Job overview
The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester, with spoke laboratory at Worthing hospital) within tUniversity Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently deals with approximately 35,000 – 40,000 Histology specimens from across the West Sussex including St Richards Hospital, Chichester, Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.
In addition to routine Histology samples the department undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Non-Gynae Diagnostic Cytology, and Digital Pathology. The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 8am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 8am to 5pm, also Monday to Friday. There is no direct laboratory cover at Southlands Hospital.
The laboratory at St Richards hospital is open from 8am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. The laboratory at Worthing is open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The main base is St Richards hospital, however, there is a requirement to work at Worthing hospital on a rotational basis. The department currently operates on a 9-day working fortnight across these hours.
Main duties of the job
The individuals’ key responsibilities will include routine maintenance of all equipment, specimen data entry, supporting cut up, undertaking routine paraffin wax embedding, sectioning and H&E staining
Associate Practitioners are also delegated responsibility for managing the consumable needs of the department, including placing orders and stock management, by the Lead Biomedical Scientist.
The post holder will be expected to work closely with the departmental Health and Safety and Quality officers, ensuring the laboratory is compliant with both UKAS and HSE standards.
Full training will be provided, but the successful candidate will be expected to complete appropriate competencies within a reasonable time period as directed by the departmental training officer.
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.
Candidate Information Pack
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
To participate in the provision of a specialised, diagnostic, Pathology service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.
To work as part of a team in the Cellular Pathology Department performing a wide range of routine and non-routine clinical, scientific or technical procedures usually under the direction of an appropriately regulated practitioner.
The individual will be expected to apply judgement, and utilise skills and scientific knowledge, to provide a high quality and timely result service.
As a non-HCPC registered position the post holder will not authorise results, nor take responsibility for results issued.
See job description for full details.
Person specification
Qualifications and Skills
Essential criteria
1. Foundation Degree, BTEC Higher National Diploma or equivalent award, including IBMS Certificates, etc.
2. Good level of Numeracy and English, ideally GCSE Grade C or higher or equivalent
3. Experience working in a NHS discipline specific laboratory
4. Proven ability to organise and manage personal responsibilities with referral to senior staff when required in a timely and efficient manner.
5. Proven ability to work as part of a team
People Management & Developement
Essential criteria
6. Demonstrable ability to communicate well – both written & oral.
7. Demonstrable ability to relate to colleagues in an effective & positive manner on routine matters.
8. Ability to recognise and monitor parameters of quality, accuracy and imprecision according to laboratory standard operating procedures.
9. Proven ability to lead, supervise and train subordinate staff
10. Demonstrate patient First principles
11. Experience of participating in the testing of equipment.
12. Experience of conducting audits
13. Proven ability in managing the consumable needs of the section in conjunction with the Head BMS, placing orders where appropriate
14. Flexible approach
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
16. 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