Expert Practitioner - Cytology

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Liverpool is seeking an Expert Practitioner Scientist / Laboratory Manager – Cytopathology Reporting (Non‑Gynaecology) to lead their renowned cytopathology service. The successful candidate will manage a dynamic lab team and oversee the reporting of benign cytology samples, ensuring high scientific standards. Applicants must possess relevant qualifications, leadership experience, and the ability to guide technical staff effectively. The position offers the potential for flexible working arrangements and supports diversity in hiring.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Equal opportunities in recruitment

Qualifications

• Experience of leadership and management within a Pathology setting.
• Knowledge of UKAS ISO15189:2012 standards and QC/QA protocols.
• Previous supervisory experience, including staff appraisals and recruitment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the non-gynaecological cytology service to maintain scientific standards.
• Educate and train laboratory staff in specimen processing.
• Coordinate research and development for cytopathology.

Skills

IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Non-Gynaecological Cytology

IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology

HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist

MSc or PhD in a relevant specialty

Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science

Evidence of training Healthcare Scientists and junior medical staff

Strong workload prioritisation and organisational skills

Education

MSc or PhD in a relevant specialty

Post-graduate management qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Job description

Job Title

Expert Practitioner Scientist / Laboratory Manager – Cytopathology Reporting (Non‑Gynaecology)

Role Summary

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories is seeking a substantive full‑time expert practitioner to lead the largest non‑gynaecology cytopathology service in the region. The laboratory supports a range of specialist MDTs, second opinions, referrals, research and clinical trials. With 5,000 cases per year and ongoing development of rapid H&N diagnosis clinics, adequacy clinics across HPB and thyroid, and a proposed Lung ROSE clinic, the post holder will manage the laboratory team, drive service development and actively report benign cytology samples.

Key Responsibilities

• Independent interpretation and reporting of benign cytopathology specimens as per the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) competency framework.
• Lead the non‑gynaecological cytology service, ensuring scientific standards are upheld and guiding technical staff on specimen processing.
• Verify and validate scientific and clinical interpretation of results and determine subsequent patient investigations.
• Maintain and demonstrate ISO15189:2022 laboratory accreditation through robust QA/QC procedures.
• Educate and train laboratory staff in macroscopic description, specimen preparation, and sampling.
• Supervise and recruit Biomedical Scientists and technical support staff.
• Coordinate research and development for cytopathology and collaborate with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Non‑Gynaecological Cytology
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
• MSc or PhD in a relevant specialty
• Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science
• Post‑graduate management qualification or equivalent experience
• Evidence of training Healthcare Scientists and junior medical staff
• Experience of leadership and management within a Pathology setting
• Evidence of procurement experience
• Extensive CPD portfolio in cytopathology
• IT skills and knowledge relevant to laboratory information systems
• Understanding of health & safety in a laboratory environment
• Knowledge of UKAS ISO15189:2012 standards and QC/QA protocols
• Ability to produce timely macroscopic descriptions and microscopy reports for clinicians
• Strong workload prioritisation and organisational skills
• Experience with validation of biological control material
• Previous supervisory experience, including staff appraisals and recruitment

Desirable Attributes

• Holding an IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Non‑Gynaecological Cytology (highly considered)

Employment Details

The position is based in Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Aintree, Broadgreen and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The Trust is part of the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group. This role is for Band 3 or above and is not eligible for right‑to‑work visa sponsorship.

Flexible working arrangements may be considered from day one of employment. The Trust is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applicants from under‑represented groups.

Equal Opportunities Statement

All applicants will receive a fair evaluation. We value talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce that reflects the local community.

Additional Information

Applicants are required to comply with safeguarding and DBS procedures. The cost of the DBS background check will be minorly deducted from the salary, following completion of the role.