Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Strong training ethos

Career progression

Education and training network

Job summary

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a permanent, full-time Specialist Biomedical Scientist for its Cellular Pathology laboratory. The role covers histology and non-gynae cytology, including tissue processing, microtomy, staining and immunohistochemistry, with UKNEQAS support and quality audit.

HCPC registration is required, along with an IBMS portfolio in histopathology and non-gynae cytology.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent academic achievement ratified by IBMS.
• Successfully completed IBMS specialist portfolio in histopathology and non-gynae cytology.
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day throughput in histological dissection, non-gynae cytological preparation, tissue embedding, microtomy, special stains and immunohistochemistry.
• Assist with UKNEQAS schemes and quality audits.
• Carry out troubleshooting to maintain reliable service delivery.
• Research and help develop and implement new procedures.
• Contribute to all areas of cellular pathology throughput as required.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Microtomy

Wax embedding

Numeracy

Communication

Time management

Computer literacy

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

IBMS specialist portfolio – histopathology & non-gynae cytology

Job description

This permanent, full-time Specialist Biomedical Scientist post sits in the Cellular Pathology laboratory at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. The work covers histology and non-gynae cytology, from tissue processing and microtomy through special stains and immunohistochemistry, with UKNEQAS support and quality audit. The laboratory is UKAS-accredited and an IBMS training site, and trainees at least half way through their portfolio may be considered. Specialist-level candidates need HCPC registration and an IBMS portfolio in histopathology and non-gynae cytology.

What the job involves

• Support day-to-day throughput in histological dissection, non-gynae cytological preparation, tissue embedding, microtomy, special stains and immunohistochemistry
• Assist with UKNEQAS schemes
• Carry out analytical, technical and administrative troubleshooting to keep service delivery reliable
• Perform quality audits
• Research and take part in developing and implementing new procedures
• Contribute to all areas of cellular pathology throughput as service demands require
• Maintain all the skills of a specialist biomedical scientist

What’s required

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
• Successfully completed IBMS specialist portfolio in histopathology and non-gynae cytology

Registration & licences

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in a diagnostic, UKAS accredited cellular pathology laboratory
• Proven experience working to changing deadlines in a pressurised environment

Skills & knowledge

• Manual dexterity for automated, manual and specialised techniques
• Competence in microtomy and wax embedding
• Numeracy for scientific calculations
• Effective written and oral communication
• Good time management and ability to prioritise
• Good computer literacy

Other

• Awareness of national legislation and policies in histopathology and pathology
• Good understanding of UKAS ISO 15189:2022 within the discipline
• Good understanding of health and safety within scope of practice
• Ability to provide and receive routine information, sometimes sensitive or complex, and minimise interpersonal conflict
• Adherence to the Trust's vision, mission and values

Nice to have

• Membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science
• European computer driving licence (ECDL)

What’s offered

• Strong training ethos linked to career development and progression
• Network academy offering education and training from apprenticeships to advanced qualifications
• Progression from band 5 to band 6 after 12 months and at least 50% of the IBMS portfolio complete