Senior Biomedical Scientist - Cellular Pathology

NHS; Chichester; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Senior Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology to lead quality standards and manage laboratory sections at St Richards Hospital, Chichester. Applicants should be HCPC registered with leadership training and NHS experience. The position involves complex diagnostic investigations, staff training, and ensuring compliance with UKAS standards. The salary ranges from £47,810 to £54,710, and the role offers the potential for professional development and participation in a diverse workplace.

Qualifications

• Experienced in training junior laboratory staff on standard techniques.
• Knowledge of UKAS ISO 15189 standards and laboratory accreditation.
• Demonstrated awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion issues.

Responsibilities

• Act as departmental Quality Lead ensuring compliance with standards.
• Manage sections within the Cellular Pathology laboratory.
• Provide high-quality service as a Senior Specialist HCPC Registered BMS.

Skills

Supervise unqualified staff

Specialist knowledge in Cellular Pathology

Participate in audit data production

Use of Quality Management System

Education

HCPC Registration as Biomedical Scientist

Post-registration experience in NHS cellular pathology

Leadership training or equivalent experience

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Senior Biomedical Scientist – Cellular Pathology

The closing date is 06 January 2026

The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester with a spoke laboratory at Worthing Hospital) within the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently deals with approximately 35,000 – 40,000 histology specimens from across West Sussex, including St Richards Hospital, Chichester, Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.

In addition to routine histology samples the department undertakes work in immunocytochemistry (ICC), special stains, non‑gyne‑diagnostic cytology and preparation of samples for molecular testing referral. The department is in the process of implementing digital pathology using Hamamatsu scanners and Sectra PACS.

The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 08:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 08:00 to 17:00, also Monday to Friday. There is no direct laboratory cover at Southlands Hospital.

Main duties of the job

The post involves regular rotation and participation in different sections of the laboratory including cut‑up/biopsy transfer, frozen sections, embedding, microtomy, special stains, immunocytochemistry and QC.

As a biomedical scientist the post holder will undertake a range of complex investigations to assist in the diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment. These investigations include manual, semi‑automated and automated techniques on specialised analytical equipment.

The post holder must maintain professional registration, demonstrating high professional standards of knowledge and competency by undertaking personal continuing professional development. They must also participate in the training and development of other staff.

About us

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Job responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.

• The post holder will act as the departmental Quality Lead, responsible for maintaining and promoting quality standards within the Cellular Pathology service. This includes ensuring ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 requirements and supporting continuous quality improvement across all aspects of the department.
• To provide day‑to‑day management of allocated sections within the Cellular Pathology laboratory under the direction of the Lead / Deputy Head / Head BMS.
• To practice as a Senior Specialist HCPC Registered BMS and provide a high quality service at all times.
• An advanced scientific knowledge of cellular pathology along with the ability to demonstrate extensive experience of staff support, training, development and supervision is essential.
• An extensive knowledge and awareness of the requirements of UKAS ISO 15189 standards and the UKAS accreditation journey.
• The successful candidate will act as part of the Cellular Pathology Senior Specialist BMS team and as the Quality Lead for Cellular Pathology.
• See attached Job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications and experience

• Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist
• Post‑registration experience in NHS cellular pathology laboratory
• Leadership training or equivalent experience
• Experience of training junior laboratory personnel in a variety of standard techniques
• Experience of laboratory accreditation to UKAS ISO 15189

Skills

• Proven ability to supervise and train unqualified staff.
• Up-to-date and in‑depth highly specialist knowledge of Cellular Pathology.
• Able to participate in the production and interpretation of audit data.
• Use of a Quality Management System such as Q‑pulse.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

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.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

£47,810 to £54,710 a year Per annum pro rata