Head of Pathology Service Development

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in London is seeking a Head of Pathology Service Development to lead scientific and technical projects. You'll manage a team, oversee laboratory operations, and ensure compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in clinical research, team management, and data analysis. This is a permanent full-time position offering competitive salary and benefits within the NHS structure.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

NHS Pension Scheme

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• HCPC registered Clinical Scientist or actively working towards registration.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Pathology Service Development team.
• Develop and implement pathology tests and ensure compliance with standards.
• Manage budgets and staff, including performance management.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Data analysis

Communication

Research governance

Education

Postgraduate qualification

PhD in relevant discipline

Tools

Statistical tools

Specialist software

Job description

Overview

The Pathology Service Development team designs, evaluates and develops assays and processes to improve NHSBTs pathology services. The role involves troubleshooting, developing and implementing pathology tests, managing laboratory operations and budgets, and ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The postholder will foster collaboration across NHSBT Pathology functions, provide supervision and training to staff, and promote a culture of scientific innovation that drives continuous improvement in patient care.

Main duties of the job

Head of Pathology Service Development, responsible for leading and managing specialist scientific and technical research, development and service improvement projects. Responsibilities include:

• Managing the budget and staff within the Pathology Service Development Team.
• Day-to-day management of the Pathology Service Development team including objective setting and performance management.
• Regularly analysing and interpreting complex scientific and biological data sets and generating reports accessible to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Communicating research, development and service improvement results and outcomes orally and in writing to internal groups and external colleagues.
• Providing specialist education and training to staff, colleagues and trainees.
• Developing experimental and analytical protocols to answer scientific and clinical questions.
• Conducting and supervising others to conduct experiments using a wide range of technical and scientific methods including biochemical, cellular, molecular and immunological techniques.
• Travel and spend time away from base, with prior notice; work irregular hours and overnight stays when required. Participation in shift rosters and on-call rotas and to provide cover during operational emergencies.

About us

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) plays a unique role in the NHS, helping people donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues and stem cells. Our core values are Caring, Expert and Quality. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Details

Date posted: 10 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 8b

Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 007633

Job locations: NHSBT - Colindale, Charcot Road, London, NW9 5BG

Job description and responsibilities

To learn more about the full job description and person specification, please refer to the recruitment profile linked in the advert.

What we offer

• Training and development opportunities associated with the role.
• Flexible working opportunities where the role allows.
• 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years.
• NHS Pension Scheme (defined benefit).
• Thrive program supporting learning and development for personal and professional growth.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• HCPC registered Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist OR actively working towards registration.
• Postgraduate qualification in leadership and management or equivalent experience.
• A PhD or Professional Doctorate in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (CPD).

Experience (Essential)

• Experience with research governance frameworks and ethical standards in clinical research, including informed consent, regulatory approvals, data protection and Good Clinical Practice.
• Knowledge of diagnostic and medical laboratory operations, quality management systems, regulatory standards, audits, accreditation and health and safety guidelines.
• Extensive experience in clinical and translational research laboratories, including sample handling, assay development and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience leading R&D and service improvement projects, including validation, implementation and deployment of solutions.
• Experience in data analysis, interpretation and visualization of complex biological data using statistical tools and specialist software.
• Experience in leading, managing and developing teams, setting expectations, timelines and conducting performance reviews.
• Significant postgraduate experience in transfusion, transplantation or related field.
• Strong understanding of NHSBT and the wider healthcare community.
• Experience in organizing and delivering education and training.
• Knowledge and understanding of budget management.

Additional information

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome. For visa information refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website. Employment may require a criminal records check for overseas applicants as appropriate.

Employer details

Employer: NHS Blood and Transplant

Address: NHSBT - Colindale, Charcot Road, London, NW9 5BG

Employer's website: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk