Biomedical Associate - Cellular Pathology 12 month FTC

Transformation Unit; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Band 4 Biomedical Associate (Cellular Pathology) on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role supports the Cellular Pathology Laboratory at Bedford Hospital with occasional shifts at Luton & Dunstable, under UKAS accreditation.

The post holder will work under HCPC registers, contribute to daily operations and develop skills in immunohistochemistry and histology automation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of biomedical procedures at A level or NVQ3 level.
• HCPC registration and Biomedical Scientist (BMS) status preferred.
• Experience in cellular pathology environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day operations of the Cellular Pathology service.
• Support the Senior BMS and Specialist BMS in delivering high-quality service.
• Contribute to training and development of scientific and support staff.
• Help implement policies to ensure compliance with UKAS, HTA and MHRA standards.
• Assist in service improvements and data management within the QMS.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Paraffin embedding

Flexibility

Cellular pathology experience

Assist Pathologist/BMS

Microtomy

Pathologist assist

Digital pathology

Embedding

Education

A level / NVQ3 level biomedical procedures

Job description

Employer Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Bedfordshire Hospitals Town Bedford Salary £28,392 - £31,157 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 06/11/2026 23:59

Biomedical Associate - Cellular Pathology 12 month FTC

NHS AfC: Band 4

Job overview

Join Our Dynamic Cellular Pathology Team at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust!

Are you a motivated and enthusiastic individual ready to take your career to the next level? We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 4 Biomedical Associates on a 12-month fixed term contract to join our busy yet friendly Cellular Pathology team.

At Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, you’ll be part of a vibrant department that processes an impressive 44,000 surgical and diagnostic requests annually across two bustling sites Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital.

Your primary base will be the Cellular Pathology Laboratory at Bedford Hospital, with occasional shifts at Luton & Dunstable, providing you with variety and broader experience. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards, holding full UKAS accreditation, and being fully compliant with HTA and MHRA regulations.

This role demands a solid general histology background, with hands‑on knowledge of special techniques such as immunohistochemistry and histology automation giving you the opportunity to develop and showcase your specialized skills.

If you’re eager to join a supportive team where your expertise truly matters and your contributions make a real impact on patient care, we’d love to hear from you!

For more information, please contact:Charlotte Emmony, Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager
01234 355122 Ext:4656

The post holder will assist in the day‑to‑day operations and technical aspects of the service.

The post holder will support the Specialist BMS and Senior BMS in delivering a high‑quality, efficient, and effective service through the Quality Management System (QMS). They will assist in implementing changes as directed by laboratory seniors or the manager, when delegated or appropriate to service needs.

The post holder is expected to implement policies and procedures to ensure that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation, and discipline‑specific regulatory bodies.

The post holder will assist in the training and development of scientific and support staff.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience – we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values‑based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Details of specific service/department responsibilities, accountabilities and objectives are listed in the Role Descriptor document incorporated with this Biomedical Scientist (BMS) job description.

The post holder will assist in the day‑to‑day operations and technical aspects of the service.

The post holder will assist the senior laboratory BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS]. They will assist in the implementation of change as directed by the laboratory seniors/manager, when delegated or appropriate to service needs.

The post holder is expected to implement policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.

The post holder will assist in the training and development of scientific and support staff.

To perform as a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist [BMS] assisting in the delivery of the department services.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Knowledge of biomedical procedures acquired through training to A level or NVQ3 level

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• IT knowledge and skills
• Competent in embedding paraffin blocks
• Flexible in approach and working relationships
• Knowledge and experience of a Cellular Pathology laboratory within a UK laboratory
• Ability to assist a Pathologist and BMS dissection bench
• Microtomy
• Pathologist assist
• Digital Pathology
• Embedding

It is an exciting time to join Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the-art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.

Employer certification / accreditation badges