Senior Biomedical Scientist Non-Gynae Cytology

NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health trust in Liverpool is seeking an experienced Cytology Laboratory Manager to lead its ambitious cytology services spanning multiple hospital sites. This role focuses on operational leadership, ensuring high-quality, timely diagnostics while managing compliance with standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in laboratory management and workforce development, aiming to improve patient outcomes and take part in service innovation. The position offers a Band 7 contract with a competitive salary ranging from £47,810 to £54,710 annually.

Qualifications

• Strong operational leadership in cytology services.
• Proven ability to manage compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards.
• Experience in workforce management and team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management for the Cytology service and ensure high-quality diagnostics.
• Manage quality assurance processes and compliance with national standards.
• Supervise Team Leaders and staff development activities.
• Oversight of laboratory processes and technical advice.
• Conduct audits to assure continuous service improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Management

Accreditation Compliance

Workforce Development

Communication

Education

Relevant professional qualifications in Cytology

Experience in laboratory management

Job description

Overview

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories is seeking an experienced and motivated Cytology Laboratory Manager to help lead one of the largest and most progressive cytology services in the region. The service delivers a high volume of diagnostic cytology across multiple hospital sites, with demand continuing to grow and opportunities emerging for service expansion and restructure. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a high-impact diagnostic service recognised for innovation, quality, and patient-centred care. You will work alongside an experienced Cellular Pathology team, delivering safe, efficient, and accredited cytology services, supporting clinic adequacy provision, turnaround times, and service resilience, while leading service improvement, workforce development, and structural change. The role may evolve as the service structure is reviewed. For further information or to arrange an informal visit, please contact Mr Robert Lee, Cytology Manager, Cellular Pathology.

We offer the opportunity to influence strategic direction, support service expansion, and make a meaningful difference to patient outcomes within a supportive and ambitious organisation.

Main duties of the job

• Provide operational and professional leadership for the Cytology service, ensuring safe, high-quality, and timely diagnostic delivery across multiple sites. Oversee day-to-day laboratory and clinic support activity, maintain compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards, and support performance against turnaround time targets. Lead and develop a specialist workforce, promote staff wellbeing, and build resilience within a small, high-pressure team.
• Drive service improvement, support service expansion and restructure, and collaborate with clinical, managerial, and cellular pathology colleagues to adopt new technologies and improve patient outcomes.

About Us

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The Trust is part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust. The Group aims to improve care for patients and is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues.

For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West. Hospitals include Aintree University Hospital (adult major trauma site), Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital (specialising in women and babies), and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (100% single bedrooms, complex planned care and specialist services). For roles at Liverpool Women’s, please visit their careers page.

Details

Date posted: 26 January 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 287-DTC-7-26

Job locations: Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, Liverpool, L7 8YE

Job Description

Job responsibilities

• Service Leadership and Operational Accountability: Provide senior operational and professional leadership for the Cytology service, ensuring safe, timely, and high-quality diagnostic delivery from sample receipt through to reporting support and archiving; take delegated day-to-day responsibility for service performance, workflow management, capacity planning, and escalation of operational issues; work collaboratively with Cellular Pathology management, Laboratory Managers, Team Leaders, and clinical colleagues to support service resilience and continuity.
• Quality Management, Governance and Accreditation: Support the implementation and maintenance of compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, Trust policies, and relevant national standards; ensure effective quality control, quality assurance, internal audit participation, non-conformance management, and CAPA; participate in investigation of incidents, complaints, and service risks; ensure SOPs, validation records, and document control systems are maintained and adhered to.
• Workforce Management, Training and Development: Provide line management and supervision for Team Leaders and senior cytology staff; support workforce planning, recruitment, induction, appraisal, performance management, and absence management; ensure staff are trained, competent, and authorised with clear competency assessment and training frameworks; promote staff wellbeing, CPD, equality, and a positive team culture.
• Technical Oversight and Specialist Practice: Maintain specialist oversight of cytology laboratory processes, including sample preparation, screening support, reporting workflows, and archiving; provide senior technical advice and problem-solving support; support validation, verification, and implementation of new techniques, equipment, and workflows, including digital cytology developments.
• Audit, Research and Service Improvement: Support service-led audits, quality improvement projects, and innovation; assist with laboratory support for research or clinical trial activity where applicable; ensure traceability, documentation, and quality standards; use audit outcomes and performance data to inform service improvement.
• Resources, Equipment and Infrastructure: Support stock control, procurement processes, and supplier liaison for cytology consumables and equipment; ensure equipment is maintained, validated, and fit for purpose; contribute to planning for service capacity, sustainability, and future development.
• Health, Safety and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, infection prevention, and local risk management procedures; identify and escalate operational and clinical risks and support control measures; promote a positive safety culture.
• Communication and Service Contribution: Act as a key operational contact for Cytology-related matters; contribute performance information, reports, and assurance to Cellular Pathology management and governance meetings; support service change, expansion, and restructure under the direction of senior management.