Biomedical Scientist - IHC Lead / Trainee Lead

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization based in Dorchester is searching for a motivated Biomedical Scientist passionate about high-quality IHC diagnostics. The ideal candidate will perform IHC procedures, lead operations, and mentor junior staff. Candidates must hold a degree in Biomedical Science and have HCPC registration. This role presents an opportunity for leadership development, full training, and the chance to enhance IHC capabilities within a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent, and HCPC registration are essential.
• Post-registration experience in Histopathology is required.
• Experience with IHC techniques and automations is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Perform and validate IHC staining procedures effectively.
• Lead IHC section operations and enhance workflow efficiency.
• Train and assess junior staff, ensuring quality and compliance.

Skills

Good interpretative skills

Ability to organise and supervise staff

Effective communication

Technical skills and manual dexterity

Willingness to learn

Education

Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent

HCPC State registration in Histopathology

Progress towards a higher degree

Tools

Automated IHC platforms (Ventana, Dako/Agilent, Leica Bond)

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Biomedical Scientist with a strong interest in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to join our team at Poundbury Cancer Institute. The successful candidate will either take on immediate leadership responsibilities within our IHC service or develop into a leadership role with full training and mentorship provided. This position is ideal for someone passionate about high‑quality diagnostic science, continuous improvement, and advancing IHC capabilities within the lab.

Please note: we cannot provide VISA sponsorship for candidates in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform, optimise, and validate IHC staining procedures using automated and manual platforms.
• Ensure accurate interpretation, documentation, and reporting of IHC results.
• Maintain and troubleshoot IHC equipment and staining systems.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new IHC assays and protocols.
• Monitor IHC quality control and quality assurance in line with accreditation standards.

Leadership & Development

• For established leaders: Lead the daily operations of the IHC section, ensuring workflow efficiency and high scientific standards; provide technical guidance, training, and competency assessments for junior staff; liaise with histopathology consultants and the wider clinical team; manage inventory and reagent validation.
• For developing leaders: Participate in a structured training pathway to take on increasing responsibility; shadow senior staff to gain competency in team coordination, assay validation, and quality oversight; take on supervised leadership tasks with progression to full responsibility as skills advance.

Qualifications

• Essential: Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent; HCPC State registration in Histopathology with post-registration training at a UK-based histopathology laboratory.
• Desirable: Progress towards a higher degree or equivalent qualification.

Experience

• Essential: Post-registration experience in Histopathology; experience in all laboratory benches (cut-up, IHC); strong knowledge of histology and routine diagnostic techniques; demonstrated interest in immunohistochemistry; experience with automated IHC platforms (Ventana, Dako/Agilent, Leica Bond).
• Desirable: Previous experience leading or managing an IHC service; experience in method validation, quality assurance, and troubleshooting; participation in NEQAS or other external quality schemes.

Skills

• Good interpretative skills at bench/analytical level.
• Able to organise and supervise less qualified staff.
• Communicate sensitive information with peers and senior staff.
• Communicate with other health care professionals at appropriate level.
• Able to plan day‑to‑day organisation of area of work.
• Accurate, well developed technical skills, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and grow into leadership responsibilities.

Additional Information

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).