Biomedical Scientist Section Lead - Cytology & Andrology

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

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Blackpool seeks a Biomedical Scientist Section Lead for Cytology and Andrology. The successful candidate will manage laboratory operations, supervise staff, and ensure compliance with healthcare standards. Ideal candidates should possess a BSc in Biomedical Science and relevant registrations. This role offers opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Continuing professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration required.
• Evidence of continuing professional development needed.
• Experience in laboratory supervision and management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Cytology and Andrology laboratory operations.
• Supervise staff and ensure compliance with standards.
• Participate in departmental development projects.

Skills

Supervision

Management

Technical expertise

Good problem-solving

Team player

Education

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology

MSc Biomedical Science

Tools

Microsoft systems

LIMS systems

Job description

Biomedical Scientist Section Lead - Cytology & Andrology

The closing date is 28 November 2025

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, senior specialist BMS to join our friendly team in Cellular Pathology at Blackpool. The successful candidate will contribute towards the departmental commitment to provide an efficient, cost effective, timely and high quality fit-for-purpose Cellular Pathology service to the Trust.

The post holder will oversee the operations and staff, and provide leadership, expertise and troubleshooting in our non-gynae Cytology and Andrology laboratory. The post holder will work with the Cellular Pathology Management team to maintain quality and governance standards across all of cellular sciences. The post holder will also be expected to participate in development projects within the department, which includes Digital Pathology implementation and a new Pathology LIMS.

Main duties of the job

Blackpool Teaching Hospital

Biomedical Scientist Section Manager - Non-Gynae Cytology and Andrology

33.5 hours per week

As the Section leader for the Cytology and Andrology Laboratory, the post holder is responsible for the management of the department providing all aspects of a specialised Cytology and Andrology service supporting Consultant Pathologists and Specialist Registrars. The post holder will manage and co-ordinate the scientific and technical functions of the cytology laboratory:

• Be responsible for the management of all operations within Cytology so as to meet the requirements of Statutory bodies, the Clinical Director, Lead Clinical Consultant, Pathology Department and service users.
• Take a full and active role in all functions of the department, in conjunction with other senior biomedical scientists, and to perform or supervise the more technically complex aspects of the work.
• Maintain a healthy, safe and productive environment to ensure compliance with legal, professional and organisational policies throughout the Department.
• Deputise for the Head of Department in his/her absence or as delegated.

About us

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Pathology is a clinical support service. Medical and scientific staff within Pathology provide diagnostic and clinical advice to surgeons and clinicians within the Trust and to General Practitioners within Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre area. The department has UKAS accreditation and is also accredited to train Biomedical Scientists and Junior Doctors.

The department has a strong user focus and a proven track record in developing new services to meet the changing demands of our clinicians and patients. This focus, allied to the regional specialist services, gives real opportunities for staff to train and develop in a supportive and educationally challenging environment.

We recommend that all individuals employed in patient facing roles, or those located on a ward or department where patients receive a service should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY:

As the Section leader for the Cytology and Andrology Laboratory, the post holder is responsible for the management of the department providing all aspects of a specialised Cytology and Andrology service supporting Consultant Pathologists and Specialist Registrars. The post holder will manage and co-ordinate the scientific and technical functions of the cytology laboratory:

• Be responsible for the management of all operations within Cytology so as to meet the requirements of Statutory bodies, the Clinical Director, Lead Clinical Consultant, Pathology Department and service users.
• Take a full and active role in all functions of the department, in conjunction with other senior biomedical scientists, and to perform or supervise the more technically complex aspects of the work.
• Maintain a healthy, safe and productive environment to ensure compliance with legal, professional and organisational policies throughout the Department.
• Deputise for the Head of Department in his/her absence or as delegated.

Additional duties will be undertaken as directed by the Head of Department, in consultation with the post holder.

Please read attached job description in full.

Person Specification

Qualification and training

• HCPC Registration
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent
• Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology
• MSc Biomedical Science or equivalent to enable eligibility for Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science e.g. Higher Specialist Diploma
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Membership or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
• Evidence of managerial training/advanced technical expertise

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience in supervision, training and management of staff
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft systems, LIMS systems
• Working as a member of a team
• Ability to demonstrate a broad level of specialist laboratory experience in Andrology and Cytology
• Understanding the principles of staff appraisal
• Experience and understanding of audit & QMS
• Experience of troubleshooting complex diagnostic laboratory tests
• Health and Safety skills and knowledge of legislation
• Extensive knowledge of highly specialised Cytology procedures and instrumentation
• In depth knowledge of accreditation/licensing/governance requirements particularly ISO 15189
• Knowledge and Experience of Quality Control and Assurance
• Experience of writing complex documents with clarity and precision for use as SOPs
• Knowledge and Experience of Quality Control and Assurance
• Experience of and ability to manage and prioritise the work of the Cytology laboratory and direct staff accordingly
• Experience of Trust administrative procedures
• Experience of independently reporting Andrology Samples

Skills and Ability

• Ability to organise own work and to do so under pressure
• Experience of Trust administrative procedures
• Excellent manual technical skills
• Ability to problem solve
• A good motivator of staff of mixed abilities
• Team player
• Completes and finishes tasks
• Evidence of comprehensive and specialist diagnostic theory

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.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust