Biomedical Scientist

Barts Health NHS Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS organization in Greater London is seeking a skilled professional for a role in Cellular Pathology. You will be responsible for performing advanced laboratory techniques and ensuring quality management standards are met. The ideal candidate has an accredited degree in Biomedical Science and experience in a Cellular Pathology laboratory. This opportunity offers valuable career advancement in a collaborative setting focused on healthcare excellence.

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration.
• Experience working in a Cellular Pathology laboratory.
• Experience of working in NHS environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory techniques according to procedures.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
• Supervise junior staff and maintain training records.

Skills

Technical proficiency in IHC/ISH techniques

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

IBMS Accredited BSc in Biomedical Science

Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area

Tools

WinPath LIMS

Ventana Benchmark Ultra/Ultra Plus

Leica Bond III

Job description

Join the East and SouthEast Pathology Partnership -- Exciting Career Opportunities in Cellular Pathology!

The East and SouthEast Pathology Partnership (ESP) is thrilled to announce significant new investment in our Cellular Pathology department, enabling us to expand and enhance our services to meet growing demand. As a result, we are recruiting for17 new positionsacross a variety of roles within this dynamic and vital area of pathology.

If you are passionate about advancing healthcare through cutting-edge diagnostic science, and eager to work in a collaborative, innovative environment, ESP offers you a fantastic career opportunity.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is responsible for performing routine laboratory techniques in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures, ensuring accurate data recording on the Pathology LIMS system. As well as general housekeeping the individual is also expected to carry out laboratory techniques, assist clinical staff, maintain laboratory equipment, and participate in the rotation across various areas, with a primary focus on Advanced Diagnostics. The role involves quality management tasks, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, and engaging in internal and external quality control processes. The job holder will supervise junior staff, contribute to training and development, and maintain up-to-date training records.The individual is expected to contribute to continuous improvement efforts, including corrective actions and audits, and take responsibility for managing incidents in the laboratory.

The post holder will be part of the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) team within the Advanced Diagnostics laboratory of the Cellular Pathology Department, delivering high-quality diagnostic services. This role involves performing complex IHC techniques, in-situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence to support cancer and disease detection. Additionally, the post holder will rotate into the Neuromuscular section, processing fresh muscle and nerve tissue samples.

About us

Between 2021 and 2024 the Partnership undertook a complex transformation programme toestablisha single network of laboratories, underpinned by a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and single Quality Management System (QMS).

The Partnership has a main hub laboratory at the Royal London Hospital and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at the six other hospital sites served by the Partnership. The Partnership has three operational divisions:

Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry

Microbiology and Virology

Cellular Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics

The 2024/25 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £121m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 860 WTE.

We strive to live by ourWeCarevalues and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate,cultivate and support an inclusive working environment. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the Pathology Partnership and Barts Health at this band

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date, once a sufficient number of applications has been received and we regret that we are unable to provide notification if your application is unsuccessful.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration.
• IBMS Accredited BSc in Biomedical Science (or equivalent qualification).
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology (or equivalent qualification).
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant area of biomedical science (e.g., MSc or equivalent).
• Additional certifications (e.g. Immunohistochemistry, molecular Biology, or other relevant fields).
• Training in supervisory or leadership skills.

Experience

• Experience working in a Cellular Pathology laboratory, with a solid understanding of laboratory processes and procedures.
• Substantive post-registration experience in a Cellular Pathology setting, demonstrating competency in diagnostic techniques and laboratory practices.
• Experience in an Immunohistochemistry (IHC) laboratory, with experience in IHC/in-situ hybridisation techniques and the use of relevant IHC laboratory platforms.
• Experience of working in NHS environment, under UKAS: ISO 15189 standards.
• Experience of working to deadlines.
• Experience with microscopic quality control of antibodies/probes, ensuring accuracy and consistency in diagnostic results.
• Familiarity with technical Immunofluorescence (IMF) techniques and their application in diagnostic workflows.
• Experience handling muscle samples (Freezing and orientation). Experience of Enzyme histochemistry.
• Use of Ventana Benchmark Ultra/ Ultra Plus, Leica Bond III, Agilent/Dako Autostainer Link 48 and OMNIS.
• Experience of validation and verification of Histology tests.

Knowledge

• Good knowledge of Histopathology / IMF / Neuromuscular and IHC theory and practice.
• Good interpersonal skills, able to build and develop working relationships with colleagues within and outside the Trust.
• Working knowledge of data security and confidentiality.
• IT Literate including use of Microsoft word, data analysis and use of WinPath LIMS.
• Knowledge of quality assurance.
• Good knowledge of Quality Management System.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting enzyme histochemistry, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Skills

• Extensive computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, data analysis tools, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in laboratory procedures and documentation
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work under pressure, especially during periods of high workload, while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
• Technical proficiency in IHC/ISH techniques, including preparation, staining, and QC.
• Effective problem-solving skills, particularly in troubleshooting IHC and laboratory equipment issues.
• Organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Supervisory skills to assist with training junior staff and ensuring compliance with laboratory procedures and safety standards.
• Advanced IHC technique skills, with the ability to perform complex staining and analyses.
• Ability to troubleshooting and implement corrective actions.
• Leadership skills, with experience in mentoring or supervising junior staff.

Personal and people development

• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to produce high quality work.
• Open minded to new technology and techniques. Reliable and trustworthy. Self-motivated.
• Ability to show flexibility by performing multiple tasks good hand-eye coordination & manually dexterous.
• Methodical, precise, numerate Ability to pick up techniques quickly.
• Is able to cope with large amounts of repetitive work.
• Highly motivated, innovative and adaptable.
• Can think clearly and react appropriately under stress while remaining calm.

Communications

• Able to work as part of a team or independently, as required.

Specific requirements

• Able to perform required duties with any necessary aids or adaptations, ensuring full capability in the role.
• Comfortable handling human body fluids, tissue, organs, and infected materials, in compliance with Health & Safety and Infection Control policies.
• Willingness to undergo necessary vaccinations as part of role-specific health and safety protocols.
• Previous NHS experience.
• A commitment to contribute to the health and care of NHS patients.
• Awareness of scientific developments and modern technology in discipline and how they may influence the future of Pathology.

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 London Hospital Pathology & Pharmacy Building

Royal London Hospital Pathology & Pharmacy Building