Biomedical Scientist

Deciphex Limited; Oxford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Healthcare & pension

Annual leave

Career development

World-class team

Challenging projects

Multicultural team

Digital pathology

Job summary

Diagnexia, a Diagnexia subsidiary of Deciphex, is seeking a Biomedical Scientist for an on-site histopathology role in Oxfordshire. You will handle tissue samples, manage documentation, and participate in method development within a digitally-driven laboratory.

The position requires HCPC registration, an IBMS portfolio or equivalent, and at least 18 months in a UKAS-accredited lab. Expect shift work and involvement in QA, audits, and AI-related projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Currently HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist (Mandatory)
• Completed IBMS Registration Portfolio OR equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 18 months experience of working in a UKAS accredited Histopathology Laboratory (Mandatory)
• Experience in specimen reception, dissection, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining and immunohistochemistry

Responsibilities

• Collect and receive biological samples with proper labelling and storage.
• Maintain accurate records of sample collection, transport and storage conditions.
• Perform specimen workflow steps including accessioning, grossing, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining and digitisation.
• Implement quality control measures and adhere to UKAS standards.
• Assist in development and validation of new laboratory methods per UKAS 15189:2022.
• Engage in R&D activities for AI projects and diagnostic techniques.
• Follow SOPs and regulatory requirements (GDPR, COSHH, CQC) and maintain a safe lab environment.
• Generate reports for healthcare providers and pathologists and support data privacy.
• Rotate across histopathology sections and train junior staff; liaise with pathologists.

Skills

HCPC registered

Biomedical science degree

IBMS Portfolio

Education

Degree in Biomedical science / biology / chemistry

IBMS Registration Portfolio or equivalent

Job description

Work Location

• This position is fully onsite
• Lab Based; Kidlington, Oxford, UK.
• Travel may be very rarely required on an ad hoc basis.

Shift Work

• You will work on a 8.5 hour shift per week including 1 hour for lunch (7 day Rota)
• Shift Times will be scheduled each week on a rota and communicated by your Line Manager
• Some weekend rota may be required (rotated across lab staff)

This is not a standard lab role. Ours is not a standard Histopathology Lab.

• Working for Diagnexia means taking a step into a forward-thinking, digitally-driven Histopathology laboratory, at the forefront of diagnostic innovation.
• At the heart of our digital pathology laboratory is a passionate team dedicated to advancing healthcare.
• For you this means working alongside open, skilled colleagues who inspire growth and learning every day.
• We'll provide unmatched opportunities for personal and professional career development.
• The role may require flexible working, including shift work and weekend cover as service needs dictate.

What are the benefits of working with Diagnexia?

• Competitive salary with annual performance-based increases
• Healthcare benefits and pension
• Annual leave
• Regular performance feedback & strong career development opportunities
• Meaningful work that contributes to better patient outcomes
• The opportunity to work alongside a world-class, high-performing team in a rapidly growing company
• Exciting, challenging and distinctive projects
• A collaborative and supportive multicultural team
• A Pathology Lab at the forefront of Digital Pathology - positioning your carer for future growth

Responsibilities:

Sample Collection and Handling:

• Collect and receive biological samples, such as tissues, or body fluids, while ensuring proper labelling and storage.
• Maintain accurate records of sample collection, transportation, and storage conditions.
• Competently handle all steps of the specimen workflow including but not limited to;

• Accessioning,grossing,processing,embedding,microtomy
• Staining, digitisation of cases etc.

Quality Control:

• Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test
• results.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to maintain the integrity of the testing
• process.
• Adhere to UKAS standards and participate in internal and external quality assurance programs and audits.

Method Development and Validation:

• Assist in the development and validation of new laboratory methods and procedures as needed, following industry best practices and standards in accordance with UKAS 15189:2022 and NEQAS.

Research and Development:

• Engage in research activities to improve diagnostic techniques, including sample preparation for AI Projects

Safety and Compliance:

• Follow and support the review of all SOPs, work instructions and departmental protocols.
• Comply with health, safety and regulatory requirements, including PPE, COSHH, GDPR, CQC and UKAS.
• Manage non-conformities through the quality system, escalating significant issues.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe laboratory environment.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all testing activities, including sample tracking, procedures, and results.

• Generate clear and concise reports for healthcare providers, pathologists, and other stakeholders.

Patient and Data Privacy:

• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and laboratory data, adhering to privacy laws and regulations.

Communication and Customer Service

• Respond promptly and professionally to calls, voicemails and emails, seeking scientific advice when required.
• Communicate clearly with colleagues, senior scientific staff, pathologists and external service users.
• Recognise the limits of your practice, elevate uncertainties and clinical or technical concerns promptly, and contribute to team meetings and departmental huddles.

Other:

• Rotate across all histopathology sections and supervise, train and provide constructive feedback to junior staff.
• Collaborate with pathologists, medical staff and healthcare professionals on test results and clinical insights.
• Maintain equipment and stock to support accurate, uninterrupted testing.
• Identify technical issues or result anomalies and take appropriate corrective action.
• Maintain professional development and complete required training, including ISMS, GLP, CQC, DocuSign and GDPR.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Biomedical science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Currently HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist (Mandatory)
• Completed IBMS Registration Portfolio OR equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 18 months experience of working in a UKAS accredited Histopathology Laboratory (Mandatory)
• Skills including in;

• Specimen reception, dissection assist, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, special stains and immunohistochemistry sections.

Proof of CPD and competency compliance

Experience in preparation for UKAS audits and working in a UKAS accredited laboratory.

Familiarity with and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments.

Strong data analysis skills, including the ability to use statistical software, data visualisation tools, and databases to interpret and report research or diagnostic findings.

Knowledge of quality control principles and the ability to implement and maintain quality control measures in the laboratory.

Capability to develop, validate, and optimise laboratory methods and procedures.

Proficiency in using computer software for data analysis, documentation, and laboratory information management.

This job description is not exhaustive but an indication of the type and range of tasks that are expected of the postholder, and other duties may be required, in line with the role. The job description will be subject to periodic review in consultation with the postholder to take account of changing organisational need.

About us

Diagnexia, a subsidiary of Deciphex: Accelerating Certainty and Pioneering Pathology Services.

We're transforming how pathology works. Since our parent company Deciphex was founded in Dublin in 2017, we've grown into a global team of over 230 professionals with offices across Dublin, Exeter, Oxford and Chicago. Through our cloud-based platform, hospitals worldwide can instantly connect with our expert pathology subspecialists for rapid case consultations.

At Diagnexia, you'll be part of pioneering digital AI pathology solutions that directly improve patient outcomes and keep healthcare organisations at the cutting edge of diagnostic innovation.

A copy of our privacy policy can be viewed here

Deciphex is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to the principle of equality. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, religious beliefs, political views, gender identity, affectional or sexual orientation,

national origin, family or marital status (including pregnancy), disability, membership of the travelling community or any other classification protected by applicable law.