Biomedical Scientist Histology | Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a qualified Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join its Cellular Pathology Department. The role involves performing diagnostic tests, ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols, and working across various sections including histopathology and immunocytochemistry. Ideal candidates will have experience with complex instrumentation and handling hazardous materials. This position offers a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to healthcare services in the Blackpool area.

Qualifications

• Must be a qualified Biomedical Scientist with experience in histopathology.
• Ability to operate complex instruments and handle infected specimens safely.
• Experience in quality assurance schemes and research participation is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Process laboratory requests accurately and timely as per protocols.
• Plan and perform diagnostic procedures using both automated and manual techniques.
• Provide technical advice on complex matters to medical and other staff.

Skills

Hands-on experience with complex instrumentation

Knowledge of laboratory protocols

Ability to handle hazardous materials

Education

Qualified Biomedical Scientist

Tools

Automated processors

Microscopes

Microtomes

Job description

Overview

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

Job Summary

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:

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

Rotation between all above sections takes place, but flexibility may be required, depending on service needs. Additional duties will be undertaken as directed by the Head of Department in consultation with the post holder.

Location

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 has plenty to offer its residents - it's not just a good place to work; it’s a great place to live.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scientific and Technical:

• Ensure requests submitted to and accepted by the Department are processed in accordance with the agreed department protocols, in an accurate & timely manner.
• Plan, perform and control diagnostic procedures using automated and manual techniques to prescribed standards. Ensure correct operation of specialised tests and ensure laboratory analyses are operating within defined parameters.
• Have the depth of knowledge and required skills to safely handle infected specimens (eg T.B. H.I.V., Hepatitis B, C) and hazardous materials (eg toxic chemicals) according to defined protocols, including spillage control or other unexpected outcomes.
• Have the depth of knowledge and intricate physical skills to set up and operate complex instrumentation and specialist equipment, such as microscopes, microtomes, automated processors and staining equipment.
• Have the depth of knowledge and required skills to safely proceed in the event of anomalous results, breakdowns, or other unexpected outcomes, reporting faults and breakdowns to senior staff and/or taking corrective or evasive action as appropriate.
• Plan and prioritise workload according to service needs and pressures, in conjunction with senior staff. Communicate and cooperate with colleagues to ensure efficient and effective delivery of service.
• Carry out laboratory policies, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures, recommend modifications and contribute to future developments.
• Provide technical advice and explanation on complex matters to medical and other staff, within defined parameters, when the need arises.
• Ensure the accurate data entry and text/data processing of all information on manual and automated (computer) systems.
• Carry out Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.
• Monitor appropriate levels of stocks and supplies and report deficiencies to senior staff.
• Participate in approved research and audit programmes.
• Participate in the evaluation of new instrumentation, policies and procedures.

Closing Date

This advert closes on Friday 12 Dec 2025.