Biomedical Scientist

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institute in Dorchester is seeking a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist for its histopathology laboratory. The role entails supporting laboratory operations, supervising staff, and maintaining high standards of quality assurance. Candidates must have post-registration experience in histopathology and HCPC registration. This full-time position offers a salary ranging from £33,159 to £39,966 per year.

Qualifications

• Post‑registration experience in histopathology.
• Competence across all laboratory benches (cut‑up, IHC, molecular).
• Regular CPD evidence.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems.
• Experience with ISO 15189 accreditation processes.
• Experience with a relevant LIMS system.

Responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day scientific and technical operations.
• Provide cover for senior colleagues and assist in training.
• Maintain HCPC registration and plan workload efficiently.
• Supervise subordinate staff when necessary.
• Handle patient tissue samples and record clinical details.
• Assist in testing and reviewing new methodologies.
• Contribute to research activity and service development.

Skills

Interpretative and analytical bench-level skills

Proficiency in complex laboratory procedures

Organisation and supervision of less qualified staff

Clear communication with peers and senior staff

Technical competence and manual dexterity

Keyboard proficiency

Team and individual working skills

Education

HCPC State registration in histopathology with post‑registration training

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIMS)

Job description

Job Summary

Band 5 Biomedical Scientist – histopathology laboratory at Poundbury Cancer Institute, Dorchester.

About Us

Poundbury Cancer Institute (PCI) was established to improve outcomes for cancer patients by delivering personalised medicine. PCI evolved from pioneering work started in 2012 in the Department of Histopathology at Dorset County Hospital in partnership with Roche Tissue Diagnostics and UK NEQAS‑IHC/ISH. PCI is a growing company funded by private investment, commercial funding and charitable donations.

Details

• Date posted: 21 October 2025
• Band: 5
• Salary: £33,159 to £39,966 per year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: E0061‑25‑0001
• Job location: Newborough House, 3 Queen Mother Square, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3BJ

Responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day scientific and technical operations following departmental SOPs, without direct supervision.
• Provide cover for senior colleagues and assist in training and developing subordinate staff.
• Carry out competency assessments for support staff to meet ISO 15189 requirements.
• Maintain HCPC registration and ensure efficient planning and prioritisation of workload.
• Supervise subordinate staff where necessary.
• Handle patient tissue samples, record clinical details, and assist the Consultant Histopathologist.
• Assist in testing, evaluation and review of new methodologies and instrumentation.
• Contribute to research activity, service development and clinical audit.

Laboratory Tasks

• Accept, interpret and assign case numbers to patient tissue samples, preparing them for dissection.
• Process, embed in paraffin, and section tissue samples using specialised processors and microtomes.
• Prepare high‑quality slides for microscopic diagnosis.
• Perform staining, including IHC and other special stains, following SOPs.
• Carry out immunocytochemical techniques for antigen detection and tumour markers.
• Maintain reagent stocks and ensure effective equipment performance through preventive maintenance.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure work meets internal quality control values and ISO 15189 requirements.
• Participate in National External Quality Assessment Scheme procedures.
• Perform routine equipment checks, troubleshoot, and report non‑conformities.
• Maintain robust records and support quality management system processes.
• Review and update SOPs, suggest improvements to work practices.

Information Technology

• Use and secure the Laboratory Information System (LIMS) according to authorised protocols.
• Check and correct data entered by other staff.
• Follow PCI IT policies, guidelines and procedures for confidential data handling.

Experience (Essential)

• Post‑registration experience in histopathology.
• Competence across all laboratory benches (cut‐up, IHC, molecular).
• Regular CPD evidence.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems.
• Experience with ISO 15189 accreditation processes.
• Experience with a relevant LIMS system.

Desirable

• Research project experience.
• Progress towards a higher degree or equivalent qualification.

Skills (Essential)

• Interpretative and analytical bench‑level skills.
• Proficiency in complex laboratory procedures.
• Organisation and supervision of less qualified staff.
• Clear communication with peers, senior staff and other health‑care professionals.
• Technical competence, manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination.
• Keyboard proficiency.
• Team and individual working skills.

Qualifications (Essential)

• HCPC State registration in histopathology with post‑registration training.

Employer Details

Employer name: Poundbury Cancer Institute
Address: Newborough House, 3 Queen Mother Square, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3BJ
Employer website: https://www.poundburycancerinstitute.org/

Recruitment Checks

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be required. Applicants must hold current UK professional registration. For more information, see the NHS Careers website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Institute is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons of any nationality, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.