Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Cellular Pathology

NHS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Birmingham is seeking a full-time Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join their Cellular Pathology Department. The role requires a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science and experience in clinical laboratory settings. Responsibilities include working on various lab services and following quality management protocols. The position involves rotating weekend shifts, and candidates must demonstrate commitment to continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in laboratory techniques and automation.
• Active knowledge of routine Histology Laboratory.
• Registration with HCPC required.

Responsibilities

• Work across the full range of services provided by the Histology Department.
• Follow standard operating procedures for laboratory work.
• Support implementation of improved or best practices.

Skills

Experience in clinical laboratories

Knowledge of Biomedical Science theory

Quality control practices

Resilience and adaptability

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Job description

Go back University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Cellular Pathology

The closing date is 05 October 2025

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a desire to progress. We are looking for a keen and driven university graduate who holds an IBMS specialist portfolio.

The post holder will be based in Cellular Pathology Department at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and will be expected to work across sites. This is a full-time vacancy of 37.5 hours between Monday-Friday and weekend shifts by rotation. It is essential you have a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent. You must be able to demonstrate an active knowledge of and experience in a routine Histology Laboratory.

Cellular Pathology houses several sub-specialities including histopathology, cytopathology, electron microscopy, a muscle biopsy service, a specialist Bone and Soft tissue Tumour service, Andrology service, as well as a post-mortem suite, and mortuary. The laboratory receives and processes a wide range of tissue samples including approximately ninety thousand histological specimens and 7000 non-gynae cytology fluid-based samples per year.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will work across the full range of services provided by the Histology Department, including dissection/loading, embedding, microtomy, Special stains, and IHC.

As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist the post holder will be following standard operating procedures, and support the implementation of improved or best practice. All work will be in keeping with the laboratory quality management system. This will include the effective use of laboratory procedural and other records, maintenance of assets/analysers, and supporting with the resolution of corrective and preventative actions.

The Cellular Pathology Department is undergoing a busy period of development, with upgrades to IT systems, the introduction of Digital Pathology, and a desire to develop the workforce into a range of laboratory, line management, and advanced practice roles.

Additional questions to be answered in the Supporting Evidence of your application:

1. What CPD have you undertaken recently and why is participating in CPD important?
2. Give an example of quality improvement that you have implemented and what processes did you follow?

About us

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.

Job responsibilities

Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience of working in clinical laboratories commensurate with the laboratory position.
• Experience of laboratory techniques and automation.
• Experience of dealing with suppliers, clinical and support staff, the public or customer care.
• A working knowledge of:
  • Biomedical Science theory and practice (Haematology, Transfusion, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Cellular Pathology).
• Quality control and assurance practices.
• Laboratory health and safety.
• HCPC and IBMS professional standards, ethics, and proficiencies.
• Understanding of accreditation within labs (e.g. ISO 15189, MHRA)

Additional Criteria

• Reliability
• Resilience and adaptability
• Self-motivated.
• Expected to participate in all out of hours periods as required by service provision.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent academic achievement that is ratified by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
• State registration with Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC).
• Post registration specialist competency portfolio or equivalent (Learning Contract may be considered for staff currently working towards the specialist portfolio).
• Evidence of continuing professional development and proficiency in accordance with HCPC guidelines

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.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust