Diagnostic Cytopathology Senior Scientist & Manager

NHS; Tooting; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Tooting is seeking a Senior Diagnostic Cytopathology Scientist & Manager. This role involves clinical responsibilities, including reporting on cytology cases and attending clinics. Candidates must have significant experience in laboratory medicine and relevant qualifications. The department is committed to innovation and offers ample support for professional development.

Benefits

Regular in-house CPD opportunities

Access to external CPD activities

Support for career progression

Qualifications

• Must have IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Diagnostic Cytopathology.
• Experience in clinical and technical responsibilities in cytology.
• Ability to manage non-medical staff and conduct appraisals.

Responsibilities

• Attend EBUS and Head and Neck Clinics for ROSE assessments.
• Report negative and malignant cytology cases.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the cytology lab.

Skills

Significant experience in Laboratory Medicine

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to find creative management solutions

Knowledge of laboratory health and safety

Education

Honours degree in Biomedical Science

MSc in Biomedical Sciences

IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Diagnostic Cytopathology

HCPC registration

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen at South West London Pathology, based at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for a Senior Diagnostic Cytopathology Scientist & Manager within our Cellular Pathology Department. While this post is primarily based at St George's Hospital, the post holder may also be required to work at Croydon University Hospital as part of our specialist services.

You will be part of a large, friendly, and supportive team that values collaboration, personal development, and clinical excellence. We offer regular in-house CPD opportunities and, where possible, access to external CPD activities. We are committed to supporting your growth, development, and career progression.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven Biomedical Scientist with significant experience in cytology who holds the Advanced Specialist Diploma in Diagnostic Cytology.

The main duties of this role will include both clinical and technical responsibilities, such as attending EBUS and Head and Neck Clinics to provide real-time ROSE (Rapid On-Site Evaluation) adequacy assessments. The successful candidate will also be responsible for reporting negative, atypical, and malignant cytology cases, in line with the scope of the Advanced Specialist Diploma in Diagnostic Cytology. Additionally, the role involves participation in the day-to-day management of the cytology laboratory as well as broader managerial duties.

Our modern Cellular Pathology Department processes over 60,000 cases annually across 10 specialties, while the cytology laboratory handles approximately 5,000 cases per year. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation, supported by state-of-the-art equipment including the Ventana Ultra Plus, Leica Bond Prime platforms, Dako Artisan Special Stainer, and the Dream Path block and slide storage solution.

As part of our transformation journey, we are actively implementing Leica digital pathology technology, with an exciting go-live target of September 2025. Additionally, a dedicated immunohistochemistry laboratory is currently under construction, with completion scheduled for August 2025--firmly placing us on the path to the future of diagnostics.

About us

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey.Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.

Details Date posted

25 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£64,156 to £71,148 a year Per annum pr incl HCAS (inner)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

200-STG-713108-15878380-DK

Job locations

St Georges Hospital NHS Trust

Blackshaw Road

Tooting

SW17 0QT

Job description Job responsibilities

Scientific and Technical Duties

These will depend upon the technical area of the laboratory but would include:

1. Responsible for the organisation and continuity of service delivery from a particular service area within the laboratory.

2. Be accountable lead for all technical services delivered by that particular area.

3. To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.

4. To Participate in primary screening slides and reporting of negative and malignant samples commensurate with IBMS qualifications where required.

5. Attendance at Rapid On-site Examination/Evaluation (ROSE) clinic to assist with FNA sample preparation, including preliminary indication of presence/absence of diagnostic material / adequacy. Guiding intra-procedural decision making to increase diagnostic yield, shorten procedure time and reduce the requirement for repeat diagnostic interventions

6. To maintain personal workload figures and audit reported cases periodically, initiating review with Consultant Pathologists where necessary, that pertain to non-gynaecological preparation of exfoliative samples

7. To participate in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes.

8. Perform and present departmental clinical audits.

9. To validate reports as required using judgemental expertise.

10. To authorise reports when given the delegated responsibility. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.

11. To provide and receive complex information to inform work colleagues or external contacts e.g. other departments, G.P.s or visitors to the department. This may include providing advice, explanation of results and instruction

12. Be responsible for Standard Operating Procedures being implemented, reviewed and maintained.

13. Ensure the key performance indicators for the area covered are met through effective operational planning and allocation of resources.

14. Ensure standards relating to clinical practice required for accreditation and continuing compliance with regulatory bodies where appropriate are maintained.

15. To provide specialist advice to other professionals.

16. To undertake as required a range of complex specialist scientific, clinical and technical duties demonstrating continuing technical and scientific skills.

17. Manage all non-medical, non-clinical scientist and non-nursing staff within the relevant area on a day to day basis in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines.

18. To conduct staff appraisals where required.

19. To ensure that sickness and absence is managed effectively in line with the Trusts Sickness Absence Policy.

Job description Job responsibilities

Scientific and Technical Duties

These will depend upon the technical area of the laboratory but would include:

1. Responsible for the organisation and continuity of service delivery from a particular service area within the laboratory.

2. Be accountable lead for all technical services delivered by that particular area.

3. To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.

4. To Participate in primary screening slides and reporting of negative and malignant samples commensurate with IBMS qualifications where required.

5. Attendance at Rapid On-site Examination/Evaluation (ROSE) clinic to assist with FNA sample preparation, including preliminary indication of presence/absence of diagnostic material / adequacy. Guiding intra-procedural decision making to increase diagnostic yield, shorten procedure time and reduce the requirement for repeat diagnostic interventions

6. To maintain personal workload figures and audit reported cases periodically, initiating review with Consultant Pathologists where necessary, that pertain to non-gynaecological preparation of exfoliative samples

7. To participate in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes.

8. Perform and present departmental clinical audits.

9. To validate reports as required using judgemental expertise.

10. To authorise reports when given the delegated responsibility. To participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department.

11. To provide and receive complex information to inform work colleagues or external contacts e.g. other departments, G.P.s or visitors to the department. This may include providing advice, explanation of results and instruction

12. Be responsible for Standard Operating Procedures being implemented, reviewed and maintained.

13. Ensure the key performance indicators for the area covered are met through effective operational planning and allocation of resources.

14. Ensure standards relating to clinical practice required for accreditation and continuing compliance with regulatory bodies where appropriate are maintained.

15. To provide specialist advice to other professionals.

16. To undertake as required a range of complex specialist scientific, clinical and technical duties demonstrating continuing technical and scientific skills.

17. Manage all non-medical, non-clinical scientist and non-nursing staff within the relevant area on a day to day basis in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines.

18. To conduct staff appraisals where required.

19. To ensure that sickness and absence is managed effectively in line with the Trusts Sickness Absence Policy.

Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential

• Honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
• MSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent experience
• IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice Diagnostic Cytopathology
• IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) Diagnostic Cytopathology reporting.
• Registration with the HCPC
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable

• Recognised management qualification
• Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences

Knowledge and Experience Essential

• Significant experience in the practice of Laboratory Medicine
• Experience in handling HR issues
• Experience in staff recruitment and selection
• Proven experience of leadership and management
• Ability to carry out staff appraisals
• Experience of pathology quality management systems
• Significant experience in problem solving

Desirable

• Experience of training laboratory staff
• Experience of clinical governance issues

Skills and Abilities Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Commitment to proactive management
• Ability to find creative solutions to management problems
• Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements
• Ability to plan, organise and manage own and others' work
• Ability to work under pressure
• Dealing with conflict situations
• Ability to motivate individuals
• Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements

Other relevant requirements Essential

• Self Motivated
• Flexible approach
• Able to perform light physical work
• Capable if intense periods of concentration

Person Specification Qualifications and Training Essential

• Honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
• MSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent experience
• IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice Diagnostic Cytopathology
• IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) Diagnostic Cytopathology reporting.
• Registration with the HCPC
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable

• Recognised management qualification
• Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences

Knowledge and Experience Essential

• Significant experience in the practice of Laboratory Medicine
• Experience in handling HR issues
• Experience in staff recruitment and selection
• Proven experience of leadership and management
• Ability to carry out staff appraisals
• Experience of pathology quality management systems
• Significant experience in problem solving

Desirable

• Experience of training laboratory staff
• Experience of clinical governance issues

Skills and Abilities Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Commitment to proactive management
• Ability to find creative solutions to management problems
• Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements
• Ability to plan, organise and manage own and others' work
• Ability to work under pressure
• Dealing with conflict situations
• Ability to motivate individuals
• Full understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements

Other relevant requirements Essential

• Self Motivated
• Flexible approach
• Able to perform light physical work
• Capable if intense periods of concentration

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.

UK Registration

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

Additional information 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.

UK Registration

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

Employer details Employer name

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Georges Hospital NHS Trust

Blackshaw Road

Tooting

SW17 0QT

Employer's website

https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Georges Hospital NHS Trust

Blackshaw Road

Tooting

SW17 0QT

Employer's website

https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)