Biomedical Scientist

NHS; Swindon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Swindon is seeking a Band 5 Registered Biomedical Scientist. The successful candidate will perform laboratory duties such as embedding, microtomy, and maintaining quality management standards. Applicants must have a BSc in Biomedical Science, HCPC registration, and experience in histology. This role emphasizes teamwork and timely specimen processing within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist is required.
• Previous experience in a diagnostic Histology laboratory.
• Knowledge of standard operating procedures and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and technical duties within cellular pathology.
• Utilize and maintain specialized laboratory equipment.
• Participate in quality management processes to ensure compliance.

Skills

Embedding

Microtomy

Staining histology samples

Immunohistochemistry

Quality management processes

Health and Safety processes

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification

Registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist

MIBMS

Job description

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 10 December 2025

This role requires you to have current right to work in the UK which enables you to undertake the role without need of sponsorship. Accordingly, we regret that any application will not be considered if this requirement is not met. Given the current UK immigration requirements this role is not eligible for sponsorship, and it is not possible for the Trust to sponsor applicants for a visa for this role.

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

We are seeking a Band 5 Registered Biomedical Scientist to join our team.

To work as part of the Cellular Pathology team as a Biomedical Scientist involved in the technical preparation of specimens and performing defined procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures. This will include all aspects of the routine service provided by the department.

Main duties of the job

As a HCPC-Registered Biomedical Scientist, perform a full range of analytical, technical and other laboratory duties within cellular pathology.

Daily technical activities of the histology and cytology laboratory include:

• Section cutting
• Embedding
• Staining and checking sections
• Immunohistochemistry
• Computer work to process samples through the laboratory
• Filing of slides or blocks if required
• Collecting solvents if required
• Non-Gynae and Andrology technical work, and specimen dissection
• Non-gynae cytology if not already experienced (training required)

This list is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake all histology techniques and train in the handling of non-gynae cytology if not already experienced.

About us

Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Job responsibilities

• Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures, risk assessments, etc., relating to technical work. Review documents where necessary through liaison with senior staff.
• Be responsible and work as part of a team to achieve optimal handling and throughput of the departmental workload to ensure specimens are processed in a timely manner.
• Participate in the departmental rota to ensure skills are maintained in each area of the laboratory and cover all areas specific to the post-holders level of competence. This may include early start times of 08.00 at times and late finishes up to 17:15 depending on service needs.
• Maintain professional competence and scientific skill in the performance of all tests and investigations.
• Use, and daily maintenance, of expensive specialist equipment (e.g. microscope with heated stage, cytospin, stainer, etc.) as part of day-to-day technical work.
• Deliver training in specialist technical processes and use of laboratory equipment/IT systems (Winpath and Qpulse) to new/less experienced staff.
• Answer queries from less experienced laboratory staff about how to carry out specialist technical processes and how to use laboratory IT systems, equipment, etc.
• Daily use of laboratory IT system (Winpath) to enter/authorise diagnostic results or search for results/patient specimens, answer queries etc.
• Takes an active part in departmental Quality Management processes to ensure compliance with the standards laid down by UKAS ISO 15189. This includes some responsibility for review and update of SOPs, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, etc. designated to the post-holder by the Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager. Recording departmental incidents/errors/non-compliance with standards.
• Participate in stock control within the cellular pathology department, including requests for ordering consumables items as required, and participating in the annual Trust-wide stock check.
• As an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist actively participate in Continuing Professional Development activities. These activities must be recorded, and evidence produced when necessary.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
• Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist
• MIBMS

Experience

• Previous experience of working in a diagnostic Histology laboratory.
• Experienced in embedding, microtomy, staining histology samples.
• QC checking of samples.
• Preparation at cut-up of BMS specimen dissection.
• Immunohistochemistry experience.
• Involvement in quality management processes including reviewing SOPs, and recording departmental incidents.
• Previous experience of Health and Safety processes, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments.

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.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust