Biomedical Scientist Histology

NHS; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join their Histology Department in Blackpool. The ideal candidate will have a BSc in Biomedical Science and experience in diagnostic histology laboratories. Responsibilities include specimen processing, immunocytochemistry, and operational histopathology. The position involves using complex instrumentation and participating in quality assurance schemes. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a diagnostic histology/cytology laboratory, gained over several years.
• Manual and automated laboratory techniques in histology.
• Accreditation systems and QC schemes in histology.

Responsibilities

• Carry out all tests and background tasks following established Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure requests are processed in accordance with agreed protocols.
• Plan, perform, and control diagnostic procedures using automated and manual techniques.

Skills

Good oral and written communication skills

Good laboratory practice

Technical and organisational skills

Patient, calm, assertive and decisive

Education

BSc Biomedical Science

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council

IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent

Job description

Biomedical Scientist Histology

Closing date: 12 December 2025

The Histology Department is looking for a suitably experienced and qualified Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly, well‑established team in Blackpool. We are a UKAS accredited laboratory with a brand new laboratory in 2023.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work in the context of the Objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in the Department of Cellular Pathology.

• Specimen reception, dissection and processing.
• Immunocytochemistry and tinctorial staining.
• Operational histopathology, tissue sectioning & staining.
• Rotation between all above sections; flexibility may be required, depending on service needs.
• Additional duties as directed by the Head of Department.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty‑five minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

Blackpool is a great place to live, with plenty to offer residents and visitors.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will carry out all tests and background tasks following established Standard Operating Procedures, within one of the following sections of the Cellular Pathology Department:

• Specimen reception, dissection and processing.
• Immunocytochemistry and tinctorial staining.
• Operational histopathology, tissue sectioning & staining.

Scientific and Technical Duties

• Ensure requests are processed in accordance with agreed protocols.
• Plan, perform, and control diagnostic procedures using automated and manual techniques to prescribed standards.
• Operate specialised tests and ensure laboratory analyses operate within defined parameters.
• Handle infected specimens and hazardous materials safely according to defined protocols.
• Operate complex instrumentation and specialist equipment such as microscopes, microtomes, automated processors and staining equipment.
• Respond to anomalous results, breakdowns or unexpected outcomes; report faults and take corrective action.
• Plan and prioritise workload according to service needs and pressures.
• Co‑operate with colleagues to ensure efficient and effective delivery of service.
• Carry out laboratory policies, risk assessments and SOPs; recommend modifications and contribute to future developments.
• Provide technical advice and explanation on complex matters to medical and other staff.
• Ensure accurate data entry and processing on manual and automated systems.
• Carry out internal and external QA schemes.
• Monitor levels of stocks and supplies; report deficiencies.
• Participate in approved research and audit programmes.
• Participate in the evaluation of new instrumentation, policies and procedures.

Person specification

Qualifications

• BSc Biomedical Science.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Experience of working in a diagnostic histology/cytology laboratory, gained over several years.
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent.

Experience

• Manual and automated laboratory techniques in histology.
• Accreditation systems and QC schemes in histology.

Skills

• Good oral and written communication skills, telephone technique, client/customer liaison.
• Good laboratory practice, technical and organisational skills.
• Patient, calm, yet assertive and decisive when required.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Depending on experience / Dependant on experience