Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Cellular pathology

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust; Salford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust in Salford is seeking an experienced Lead Biomedical Scientist to head the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) section within Cellular Pathology. You will oversee daily operations and drive quality improvements.

The role requires HCPC registration, IBMS/FIBMS qualifications and leadership, with a focus on developing new protocols, training staff, and ensuring ISO15189:2022 compliance.

Qualifications

• FIBMS in Cellular pathology or IBMS HSD / MSc Biomedical Sciences.
• IBMS specialist portfolio in cellular pathology or equivalent.
• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist.
• Certificate of Extended Practice in Training or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the IHC section to maintain high quality standards.
• Lead and mentor BMS and AP in IHC processes; troubleshoot and validate antibodies.
• Drive quality management activities, audits, data analysis and ISO15189:2022 compliance.

Skills

Quality control

Cellular pathology knowledge

Protocol development

Equipment troubleshooting

Audit & QA

Education

FIBMS in Cellular pathology or IBMS HSD/MSc Biomedical Sciences

IBMS specialist portfolio in cellular pathology

HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist

Training certificate (IBMS Extended Practice in Training)

Job description

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

Advanced Biomedical Scientist - Cellular pathology

The closing date is 15 November 2026

Northern Care Alliance, Cellular Pathology, is an ambitious, welcoming, patient & people focussed organisation. As experts, we are proud to deliver high quality diagnostic & prognostic services; creating opportunities to support, develop and progress our teams, adding value to our local communities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Cellular Pathology service at the Northern Care Alliance.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Lead Biomedical Scientist to head our Immunohistochemistry (IHC) section. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IHC and a passion for innovation and quality in laboratory services. This leadership role involves managing the day-today operations of the IHC section, developing new protocols, troubleshooting, training staff, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Main duties of the job

Oversee and manage the daily operations of the IHC section to maintain high quality standards.

Lead and mentor a team of Biomedical Scientists (BMS) and Associate Practitioners (AP) in IH related processes. Troubleshoot IHC testing and validate new and existing antibodies. Develop and implement new techniques, processes, and technologies related to IHC. Participate actively in quality management activities, including audits, data analysis, and service quality improvements. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain equipment according to protocols. Actively participate in quality management activities, including audits, service quality improvements, and compliance with ISO15189:2022 standards.

About us

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provides hospital and integrated health and social care services to over one million people living across Greater Manchester. Our 20,000 colleagues care for people in hospital and in the community, working across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, and Salford, to save and improve lives. As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and collaborating closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we are always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team. In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including, a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work-life balance.

Job responsibilities

The NCA is committed to providing inclusive, accessible care and building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities and beliefs.

We are proud supporters of the Armed Forces community and offer a guaranteed interview to eligible applicants who meet the essential criteria. As a Disability Confident Employer, we also guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

Vacancies may close early where high application volumes are received or an internal redeployee is identified.

For fixed-term roles, current NHS staff will be considered for secondments, while fixed-term contracts will be offered to external (non NHS) applicants.

Any secondment offer will be subject to management approval and service needs. Where release cannot be supported, the secondment may unfortunately be unable to proceed.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• FIBMS in Cellular pathology or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma or MSc Biomedical Sciences
• IBMS specialist portfolio in cellular pathology, or equivalent qualifications and/or experience
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Professional certificate in training e.g. IBMS Certificate of Extended Practice in Training

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Comprehensive understanding and evidence of maintaining a safe laboratory environment
• Specialist knowledge of cellular pathology procedures and practices underpinned by theoretical knowledge with specific reference to:
• a) Quality control procedures
• c) Cellular Pathology equipment troubleshooting and maintenance
• d) Special stains
• e) Participation in EQA submission and review f) Introduction and optimisation of new protocolsX

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.

Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust