Biomedical Scientist

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution is seeking a Biomedical Scientist to assist in the preparation of histological specimens and support pathologists in diagnosis. The successful candidate will hold a BSc in Biomedical Science and HCPC registration, with experience in histopathology and laboratory techniques. The role offers a salary between £35,763 and £43,466 per annum, including HCAS, and provides opportunities for further professional development. Expect a dynamic environment focusing on specimen analysis and contribution to quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge and previous experience of histopathology, including both practical and theoretical knowledge.
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic physiology, pathology and scientific principles of histopathology.
• Understanding of UKAS ISO:15189:2012 accreditation standards within discipline.

Responsibilities

• Participate in sample receipt and handling of specimens.
• Accurately input patient demographics onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Perform and monitor immunohistochemical techniques using automated laboratory technology.

Skills

Contributing team member

Ability to work on own initiative and within a team

Good communication skills both written and oral

Ability to interpret data and form opinion

Effective organisational skills

Basic computer literacy

Education

BSc Biomedical Science or relevant science degree

HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Processing machines for tissue specimens

Immunohistochemical techniques

Job description

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 31 December 2025

The person appointed would be a State Registered BMS with an appropriate qualification (BSc in Biomedical Science or relevant science degree) in Cellular pathology and experience in Histopathology. Opportunities exist for further study leading to professional qualifications.

Main duties of the job

To undertake the preparation of histological sectioning of surgical material including bone and other hard tissues.

To undertake a range of tasks within laboratory with the aim of preparing material to assist the pathologists with diagnosis.

To perform a range of tasks that ensures the department works efficiently, safely and conforms to legal and accreditation standards.

About us

The department processes approximately 8000 surgical requests per annum, resulting in over 30,000 tests that include immunocytochemistry, molecular and special stains. The majority of specimens consist of bone and soft tissue tumours. There is also a relatively small amount of general orthopaedic pathology. The laboratory provides both the RNOHT and UCLHT with a diagnostic service and also provides the histopathology for the London Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Unit.

Job responsibilities

• Participate in sample receipt and handling of specimens, following sample handling guidelines.
• Accurately input patient demographics onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• To be able to accurately describe, select and prepare small tissue samples for microscopy and histological diagnosis.
• To assist the pathologist or senior BMS in the dissection of gross specimens.
• To cut pre-sliced section slabs of bone into blocks prior to decalcifying and sectioning.
• To process tissue specimens in the laboratory through the use of processing machines, embedding, microtomy, cryotomy and staining.
• To digitally x-ray a variety of specimens to accurately identify the end‑point of decalcification and report unusual cases to senior staff.
• To undertake the sectioning of bone and other dense materials.
• To ensure the work produced within the department is of a consistently high standard and record its execution on the computer system.
• To perform and monitor immunohistochemical techniques using automated laboratory technology.
• Perform Fluorescence in Situ Hybridisation (FISH) and PCR.
• To file and retrieval of histological material.
• Ensure reagents are prepared, stored and used according to laboratory procedures.
• To assist with the ongoing maintenance of relevant equipment.
• To monitor stock levels of chemicals and consumables and provide senior BMS staff information for ordering.
• To participate in laboratory meetings.
• To have a working awareness of UKAS
• To work on own initiative but bring issues to senior managers when appropriate.
• To attend mandatory training.
• To adhere to Trust policies and procedures relevant to your position.

Person Specification

Training and experience

• BSc Biomedical Science or relevant science degree.
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Working knowledge and previous experience of histopathology, including both practical and theoretical knowledge
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic physiology, pathology and scientific principles of histopathology
• Awareness of national legislation and policies relating to relevant aspects of histopathology and pathology
• Understanding of UKAS ISO:15189:2012 accreditation standards within discipline.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements within their scope of practice.
• Competent in both microtomy and wax embedding.
• Experience in sectioning hard material.
• Experience of immunohistochemistry.
• Experience of molecular techniques e.g. FISH and PCR

Skills

• Contributing team member
• Ability to work on own initiative and within a team
• Good communication skills both written and oral
• Ability to interpret data and form opinion
• Effective organisational skills
• Basic computer literacy.

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.

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

£35,763 to £43,466 a year, per annum including HCAS