Histopathology Biomedical Scientist

GOSH International; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 5 Histopathology Biomedical Scientist for a full-time, permanent role in London. You will support the provision of specialist paediatric pathology services, partake in a rotation of sections, and assist with a major digitisation project.

The role emphasises research activity, continuing professional development and maintaining high-quality standards within UKAS ISO 15189 frameworks.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and effective communication with staff and patients.
• Proficiency in histopathology lab procedures including embedding, microtomy and special stains.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing to a team.

Responsibilities

• Participate in routine diagnostic service across multiple subspecialties (surgical, neuropathology, neuromuscular).
• Contribute to research and development projects and assist with digitisation of work (whole slide scanning).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of techniques and accreditation standards (ISO 15189, HTA).
• Handle, process, transport and dispose of samples in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Histopathology techniques

Work without supervision

Attention to detail

Cryotomy

Education

BSc Biomedical Science

Job description

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Just so you know, we don’t target individuals unprompted and offer them employment, without a full interview process taking place. If you receive an unsolicited offer from GOSH, please refer this immediately to [e-mail]

Main area Histopathology Grade Band 5 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Participation on the late shift rota will be required once trained and competent.) Job ref 271-CCS-8312573

Site Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust Town London Salary £38,488 - £46,852 Inclusive per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 03/11/2026 23:59 Interview date 19/11/2026

Job overview

The role is to assist in the provision of specialist paediatric pathology services, which encompasses a wide variety of specialist techniques in: Specimen Reception, Tissue Banking, Dissection, Cryotomy, Microtomy, Special Stains, Immunohistochemistry, Electron Microscopy, Enzyme Histochemistry, and specialist techniques for renal, cardiac and muscle biopsies. You will take part in a rotation through the different sections, as required, to provide an efficient, effective, and high-quality service.

The department is highly research active, and you will be required to assist with a variety of projects as well as instigating and promoting research and development of new techniques, as required. In addition, a project to digitise the work using whole slide scanning is in progress and you will be given the opportunity to be involved in and assist in the process and expansion of this project.

In summary, the work of the department is highly specialised, complex, and diverse and we are constantly striving to improve. Therefore, you will be required to gain and then maintain a wide range of skills, knowledge and technical expertise as well as continue to learn and develop.

Main duties of the job

• To participate in all aspects of the routine diagnostic service which may include Routine Surgical, Neuropathology, Neuromuscular Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Enzyme Histochemistry and Immunocytochemistry, Research and Development.
• To work as part of a team to provide an excellent quality service, producing timely results for a range of patients, including urgent surgical, transplant, post-mortem and research.
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge, skills, and experience for a variety of specialist techniques, such as rapid histochemical investigation of intraoperative frozen sections, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme histochemistry procedures
• To correctly handle, process, transport and dispose of all sample types to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and in a way that is respectful to the patient (e.g., Human Tissues Act 2004, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Data Protection Act 2018)
• To make sure that information and data entered on the pathology computer system is accurate and confidentiality is maintained
• To work within and help maintain UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation
• To undertake the technical work of the lab and train and other staff as required.
• To ensure safe working of self and colleagues and to work within the code of practise described in the Departmental Safety Manual and the Health and Safety at Work Act

Working for our organisation

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

GOSH Culture and Values

• Experience of working as part of a diverse team and of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
• BSc Degree in Biomedical Science
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Experience in an accredited clinical histopathology laboratory
• Evidence of CPD

Experience/Knowledge

• Specialist knowledge in histopathology
• Knowledge of quality assurance, accreditation standards (ISO 15189, HTA) and quality management systems
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
• Experience with Paediatric samples
• Experience with Neuropathology samples

Skills/Abilities

• Good Interpersonal Skills – able to communicate effectively with staff (written and verbal)
• Competent in Histopathology laboratory procedures including Embedding, Microtomy, and Special Stains
• Ability to work without supervision
• High level of attention to detail
• Competent in Cryotomy

Please be advised that:

The recruitment process for all admin and clerical roles at Bands 2-4 will be a two stage recruitment process whereby shortlisted candidates will undertake an online literacy, numeracy, ICT and typing test. Only those candidates who pass the competency test will proceed to a formal interview.

The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification criteria for this post will be shortlisted. Please note that where high volumes of applicants have been received, additional criteria may on occasion be used to determine the final shortlist.

We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.