Biomedical Scientist - IHC Lead

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Dorchester is seeking a motivated Biomedical Scientist - IHC Lead / Trainee Lead. This role offers leadership responsibilities or development into a leadership role with full training. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in immunohistochemistry and a passion for high-quality diagnostics. Responsibilities include leading IHC procedures, maintaining equipment, and ensuring quality control. Full-time position with no VISA sponsorship available.

Qualifications

• Post registration experience in Histopathology.
• Experience in all laboratory benches (cut-up, IHC).
• Strong knowledge of histology and diagnostic techniques.
• Interest or foundational experience in immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with method validation and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Perform, optimize, and validate IHC staining procedures.
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting of results.
• Maintain and troubleshoot IHC equipment.
• Lead daily operations of the IHC section.
• Provide training and competency assessments for junior staff.

Skills

Interpretative skills at bench/analytical level

Organising and supervising staff

Communication with healthcare professionals

Planning day-to-day organisation

Accurate technical skills

Willingness to learn and take initiative

Education

Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent

HCPC State registration in Histopathology

Progress towards higher degree

Tools

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

Job description

Biomedical Scientist - IHC Lead / Trainee Lead

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Biomedical Scientist with a strong interest and foundation 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 who is 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.

Main duties of the job

This role is for a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist. The role includes, but is not limited to, embedding, microtomy, performing manual special stains, with the primary focus being leading IHC. This consists of:

• Perform, optimize, 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/quality assurance in line with accreditation standards.

About us

About us:

Poundbury Cancer Institute (PCI) has been established in order to improve outcomes for cancer patients by supporting the delivery of the most effective treatment for each individual patient Personalised Medicine.

Poundbury Cancer Institute evolved from pioneering work started in 2012 in the Department of Histopathology at Dorset County Hospital in partnership with Roche Tissue Diagnostics and UK NEQAS-IHC&ISH.

A major emphasis was on providing local patients with cancer diagnostic tests not yet available nationally or for which there were lengthy delays.

The Institute has been set up by local NHS staff with a combination of private investment, commercial funding and charitable donations.

PCI is a growing company, paving the way in the future of Histopathology. Therefore, we are looking for individuals who are looking to evolve with us as we expand and new roles become available.

Job responsibilities

General Biomedical Scientist Duties

• Process, embed, cut, and stain tissue samples according to standard laboratory practices.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and laboratory accreditation activities.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety procedures and contribute to a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support efficient service delivery.

Leadership & Development (Depending on Experience Level)

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 to support diagnostic needs.
• Manage inventory, reagent validation, and cost‑effective resource use.

For developing leaders:

• Participate in a structured training pathway to take on increasing responsibility within the IHC service.
• 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

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

Experience

• Post registration experience in Histopathology.
• Experience in all laboratory benches (cut-up, IHC).
• Strong knowledge of histology and routine diagnostic techniques.
• Demonstrated interest or foundational experience in immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with automated IHC platforms (e.g., Ventana, Dako/Agilent, Leica Bond).
• 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.

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.