Biomedical Scientist Histology [JR117232]

NHS Jobs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Circle Health Group’s PureLab-UK is seeking a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist at Specialist level to join our diagnostic laboratory team. You will analyse, validate and report complex investigations, while upholding patient safety and quality standards within UKAS-accredited systems.

In this role you will work with Pathologists and clinicians, support quality assurance activities, mentor junior staff and contribute to SOP development and verification of new methods and technologies as part

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist and current practice.
• Practical diagnostic laboratory training and competence.
• Knowledge of IQC, EQA, ISO 15189 and UKAS.
• Ability to analyse, validate and authorise results within competency.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare, process, analyse and report specimens using appropriate methods.
• Perform routine and specialist tests and assess result validity.
• Validate and authorise results within competency frameworks.
• Prioritise urgent specimens and meet turnaround times.
• Contribute to SOP development and verification of new methods.
• Provide scientific advice to clinicians and collaborate with Pathologists.

Skills

HCPC registration

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Team collaboration

Prioritisation

Education

BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Biomedical Scientist Histology [JR117232]

WHO ARE WE?

PureLab-UK, part of Circle Health Group, provides diagnostic laboratory and pathology services to support timely, accurate patient care. Circle Health Group is a leading independent healthcare provider in the UK and part of PureHealth's global healthcare ecosystem. Our laboratories combine skilled professionals, modern technology and robust quality systems to deliver safe, responsive services.

WHO ARE YOU?

You are an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist committed to accurate, timely diagnostic results and patient safety. You apply scientific knowledge, professional judgement and technical expertise to analyse, validate and interpret investigations within your competence. At Specialist level, you bring advanced discipline-specific expertise and undertake more complex investigations, quality activities and team development. You work collaboratively with Pathologists, clinicians and laboratory colleagues, recognising that every specimen represents a patient.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Diagnostic testing and specialist practice Receive, prepare, process, analyse and report specimens using appropriate methods, techniques and equipment within your scope of practice. Perform routine investigations and, where trained and competent, complex or specialist tests; assess result validity and clinical significance. Validate and authorise results within competency frameworks; investigate unexpected, abnormal, critical or potentially erroneous results and escalate as required. Prioritise urgent specimens, maintaining accuracy, precision and appropriate turnaround times. At Specialist level, undertake advanced techniques, troubleshoot complex analytical or equipment issues and advise colleagues on specialist matters. Contribute to verification and validation of new methods, equipment and technologies, and to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Clinical communication Offer scientific and technical advice to clinicians and healthcare professionals on investigations, specimens and laboratory processes. Communicate critical or significant results under agreed procedures; refer enquiries requiring medical interpretation to the appropriate senior colleague. Work with Pathologists and multidisciplinary teams to support effective diagnostic pathways and patient management.

Quality, safety and governance Follow the laboratory Quality Management System and support ISO 15189 standards and relevant UKAS accreditation requirements. Perform and review Internal Quality Control (IQC), participate in External Quality Assessment (EQA), and respond to failures or non-conformities. Contribute to audits, inspections, incident investigations, corrective and preventative actions, quality records and continuous improvement. Follow HCPC professional standards, organisational policies, confidentiality requirements, UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and Caldicott Principles. Handle biological material, chemicals and reagents safely, complying with COSHH, infection prevention, risk assessments and health and safety procedures. Report incidents, hazards and concerns affecting patient safety, practice, quality or service delivery promptly.

Equipment, specimens and information Operate laboratory instruments safely; carry out maintenance, calibration, checks and troubleshooting within your responsibilities, documenting faults and actions. Ensure accurate specimen identification, handling, storage, retention and disposal; identify unsuitable or compromised samples and act appropriately. Support specimen pathways between Circle Health Group hospitals, PureLab-UK and external providers where required. Use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) accurately, maintaining patient, specimen and result data integrity, security and traceability.

Training and service delivery Support induction, training, supervision and competency assessment for Medical Laboratory Assistants, trainee Biomedical Scientists and colleagues; at Specialist level, support specialist training programmes. Maintain HCPC registration, continuous professional development (CPD), competency records and mandatory training. Manage and prioritise workloads to meet service standards, adapting to demand and escalating capacity, staffing, equipment or quality risks. Support effective use of consumables, stock management and minimisation of waste. Participate in service improvement, automation, digital pathology, system implementation, audit, research or evaluation projects where appropriate.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

Essential Biomedical Scientist BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or an equivalent qualification acceptable for HCPC registration, and current HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist. Practical diagnostic laboratory training and competence in relevant analytical methods, instruments and LIMS. Understanding of quality management, IQC, EQA, ISO 15189 and UKAS requirements. Ability to analyse, validate and authorise results within competency limits; recognise abnormal, critical or unreliable results and act appropriately. Strong analytical, numerical, problem-solving and communication skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritise in a busy service. Evidence of ongoing CPD and commitment to patient safety.

Additional essential requirements Specialist Biomedical Scientist Significant post-registration experience and demonstrable specialist knowledge within the relevant pathology discipline. Competence in complex investigations, technical troubleshooting and providing specialist scientific advice with appropriate autonomy. Experience supporting supervision, training and competency development, together with knowledge of specialist quality assurance, audit and governance.

Desirable Relevant IBMS Specialist Diploma, postgraduate qualification or equivalent specialist experience; IBMS membership. Experience in a UKAS-accredited ISO 15189 laboratory, with audits, method verification, validation or implementation. Mentoring, assessor or supervisory experience and exposure to new equipment, automation, digital systems, research or service improvement. Experience in independent healthcare or multi-site diagnostic services.

WHAT ELSE?

Responsibilities vary by pathology discipline, laboratory section, competence and appointment level. You may rotate through appropriate sections, work extended hours or support other PureLab-UK locations according to service needs and training. You must maintain HCPC registration, meet mandatory training requirements and comply with clinical governance, safeguarding, confidentiality, infection prevention and accreditation standards. The role may evolve as diagnostics, technology and services develop; this description is not exhaustive.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintain awareness of the Health and Safety at Work Act and take appropriate precautions to protect staff, patients, visitors and contractors. Information about identifiable patients and colleagues must only be shared with appropriately authorised people for legitimate purposes. Unauthorised disclosure may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

OPPORTUNITIES WITH CIRCLE HEALTH GROUP

Circle Health Group is committed to inclusive opportunities and a diverse workforce. We encourage colleagues to thrive and grow professionally and personally. Our values are selfless, compassionate, committed, collaborative, brave, agile, tenacious and creative.