Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust; Ashford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientists for the Cellular Pathology lab at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford. Roles are full-time and progression to IBMS Diploma/Band 6 is possible after portfolio milestones and 12 months of service.

Applicants should have a BSc in Biomedical Science, and IBMS specialist portfolio in histopathology and non-gynae cytology. UK sponsorship considerations apply for Skilled Worker Visa eligibility.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist with BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in histopathology and non-gynae cytology completed.
• HBPC registration and IBMS membership in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Support histological dissection, non-gynae cytology prep, tissue embedding, microtomy and special stains.
• Assist immunohistochemistry and UKNEQAS schemes where required.
• Contribute to quality audits and development/implementation of new procedures.
• Maintain competency in routine diagnostic cellular pathology processes.

Skills

HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

IBMS Specialist Portfolio in histopathology / non-gynae cytology

HCPC registration

IBMS membership

ECDL

Job description

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology

The closing date is 10 November 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for motivated, focused and enthusiastic HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientists to join the team at our Cellular Pathology laboratory. We are seeking HCPC registered BMSs with a BSc in biomedical sciences or equivalent and a successfully completed IBMS specialist portfolio in histopathology, non-gynae cytology. Full-time permanent positions are available, based at William Harvey Hospital (WHH) in Ashford.

Join us to help shape future strategy and services for our local population. Our services offer a range of diagnostic tests, processing over 55,000 requests per annum, and employing over 80 staff. The department has a strong training ethos linked to career development and progression.

This role is for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology. Applications will be accepted from Biomedical Scientists with their HCPC registration and if there are insufficient applicants for specialist level, trainee Biomedical Scientists who are at least 50% complete through their portfolio will be considered (pay and AFC band will be according to experience).

The post holder will be expected to complete the IBMS Specialist Diploma in order to progress to band 6; once a minimum of 12 months has passed, and at least 50% of the portfolio is complete. This requires the post holder to have current membership with the IBMS which is not funded by the Trust. See Supporting documentation for band 5 to 6 progression.

Main duties of the job

You will be part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary Cellular Pathology team that provides specialist and acute services to the patients of East Kent. You are expected to support the day-to-day operation of throughput in histological dissection, non-gynae cytological preparation, processed tissue embedding, microtomy, special stains, immunohistochemistry and assistance in UKNEQAS schemes. You will also undertake analytical, technical and administrative troubleshooting to ensure reliable service delivery. In addition, the performance of quality audits and the research and participation in development / implementation of new procedures are essential to support service improvements and development.

The post holder would also be expected to contribute to all areas of cellular pathology throughput when necessary, as required by the demands of service provision and maintain all skills of a specialist biomedical scientist.

We are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory against ISO 15189:2022, that holds an HTA Licence and are an IBMS training laboratory.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital trusts in England, with five hospitals and community clinics serving a local population of around 800,000 people. Our vision is 'great healthcare from great people'. Everything we do is guided by our values: 'People feel cared for, safe, respected and confident that we are making a difference'. We have a new way of working at East Kent Hospitals, called 'We care'. It's about empowering frontline staff to lead improvements day-to-day. We're looking for compassionate people to be part of our improvement journey for the patients, families and carers we care for every day.

KMPN is a formal partnership of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. Our 1000 colleagues provide services across the health and care sector to a population of nearly 2 million.

KMPN are at an exciting point of our network development with a recommendation to form a joint venture across the four Trusts leading transformation. Our projects including single IT solutions, procurement and digital projects, to ensure our services are able to meet growing demand for our service users, patients and communities.

Job responsibilities

KMPN

You will have a fantastic opportunity to grow your career in KMPN. We are developing a network academy, a platform for all network education and training from apprenticeships to advanced clinical and scientific qualifications with a single faculty making best use of our talented educators and trainers. You will not be expected to work at sites outside of EKHUFT. However, there will be opportunities for collaborative working within the network.

Please note that if you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK you must declare this on your application form, even if you currently have a certificate of sponsorship or a work permit for another role and are already working in the country. Please note we are only able to sponsor candidates on a Skilled Worker Visa applying for Biomedical Scientist roles Band 6 and above.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent academic achievement that is ratified by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).


• Registered with the HCPC as Biomedical Scientist


• Member of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists


• European computer driving licence (ECDL)

Clinical skills and experience

• Excellent manual dexterity to undertake automated, manual and specialised techniques


• Competent in both microtomy and wax embedding


• Numerate and able to undertake scientific calculations


• Effective communication skills both written and oral


• Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise efficiently


• Good Computer Literacy


• Demonstrable experience within a diagnostic, UKAS accredited, laboratory in Cellular Pathology


• Proven experience of working to changing deadlines and situations in a pressurised environment


• Awareness of national legislation and policies relating to relevant aspects of histopathology and pathology


• Good understanding of UKAS ISO:15189:2022 accreditation standards within discipline


• Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements within the scope of practice

Personal / professional attributes

• Demonstrates ability to provide and receive routine information, which may sometimes be sensitive or complex.


• Able to communicate information written and verbal communication skills.


• Able to minimise interpersonal conflict.


• Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise efficiently.


• Effective communication skills both written and oral.

Other requirements

• To be aware of and adhere to the Trust's Vision, Mission and Values

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.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Depending on experienceAnnex 21 of the relevant band depending on experience.