Senior Biomedical Scientist Cellular Pathology Quality Lead

NHS; Hereford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking an experienced HCPC-registered Senior Biomedical Scientist as a Quality Lead. The role involves managing the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards, and leading audits. Candidates must have significant post-registration experience in histopathology and technical expertise in specimen preparation. The position is based in Hereford and offers opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration experience in histopathology required.
• Hands-on skills in specimen preparation, embedding, and microtomy.
• Training and development experience needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Quality Management System for the Histopathology department.
• Act as lead for internal and external audits.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures.
• Oversee non-conformance management and root cause analysis.
• Coordinate the internal audit schedule.
• Provide technical advice on complex histopathology procedures.
• Lead staff training on quality principles.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpretive skills at bench level

Ability to work independently

Theoretical and practical histopathology knowledge

Education

Current Registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist

BMS degree and MSc or equivalent

Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Tools

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced HCPC-registered Senior Biomedical Scientist to join our Histopathology team as a Quality Lead (Band 7). This pivotal role involves managing the department's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards, leading audits, and driving continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will provide technical and regulatory expertise, support the Histopathology Manager, and train staff in quality principles.

Applicants must have significant post‑registration experience and be currently practising in a histopathology laboratory, with hands‑on skills in specimen preparation, embedding, microtomy, and staining techniques.

Main Duties of the Job

• Managing the Quality Management System (QMS) for the Histopathology department to ensure compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards and Trust policies.
• Acting as the departmental lead for internal and external audits, inspections, and assessments.
• Developing, implementing, and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining document control.
• Overseeing non‑conformance management, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Coordinating the internal audit schedule and participation in External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes.
• Monitoring and reporting quality indicators, turnaround times, and performance data.
• Providing specialist technical advice and supporting complex histopathology procedures when required.
• Leading staff training on quality principles, UKAS requirements, and quality tools.
• Deputising for the Histopathology Manager and contributing to strategic planning and operational management.
• Supporting research, validation, and audit projects to drive service improvements.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications (Essential)

• Current Registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
• BMS degree and MSc or equivalent qualifications and experience
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Training and development experience

Desirable

• IBMS CEP in Quality

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities (Essential)

• Capable of frequent and extended periods of concentration
• Able to work alone, unsupervised and independently
• Good understanding of theoretical and practical histopathology
• Good interpretive skills at bench level
• Accurate and attentive to detail
• Able to plan day‑to‑day organization of a work area

Experience (Essential)

• Post registration experience in histopathology
• Working knowledge of laboratory bench areas
• Knowledge of laboratory computer systems (LIMS)
• Ability to work accurately from written protocols
• Ability to use, control and maintain analytical systems

Additional Requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Information About the Employer

Wye Valley NHS Trust, Histopathology Department, Hereford County Hospital, Union Walk Hereford, HR1 2ER.

Employer website: https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/