Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Integrated Care System; Carmarthen; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Carmarthen is looking for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology. This role involves preparing and processing tissue samples, contributing to quality assurance, and supervising junior staff. Candidates should have a BSc in Life Science, HCPC Registration, and preferably an IBMS Specialist Diploma. This position supports professional development and requires occasional travel between hospital sites.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Support for Welsh language learning

Qualifications

• Experience in a clinical laboratory as a HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist.
• Knowledge of medical laboratory sciences and techniques.
• Understanding of UKAS accreditation and quality management.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process tissue samples in a Cellular Pathology environment.
• Contribute to the quality assurance and improvement of laboratory services.
• Train and supervise junior staff.

Skills

Cellular Pathology expertise

Histological techniques

Communication skills

Quality Assurance

Ability to work between locations

Education

BSc. (Hons) Degree in Life Science/Biomedical Science

HCPC Registration

IBMS Specialist Diploma

Job description

Applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals with a proven background of working in a Cellular Pathology environment, with the associatededucation and competency, to join this friendly, well-equipped Cellular Pathology department. The laboratory processes approximately 30,000 samples per year, providing essential services to the population of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

This is a Band 6 position under Annex 21, further details below. The post holder will work alongside the wider Cellular Pathology team to fulfil the daily operational requirements of this busy department. The central Histology laboratory service is situated on the Glangwili Hospital site in Carmarthen with a small satellite team based at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. This role will require the occasional working between sites.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with all grades of staff, both scientific and medical to ensure the effective delivery of the service. The post holder will also participate in a laboratory-based training program for all relevant staff and will be involved with the continuous competency assessment of the team members. We are committed to continued professional and career development of all our staff.

Main duties of the job

As Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology, you will play a key role in the preparation and processing of tissue samples. You will perform a wide range of Histological techniques including Embedding, microtomy, Special stains, and Immunocytochemistry.

The post holder will be responsible for the organisation and quality of the work within the Cellular Pathology team in Glangwilli Hospital.

You will contribute to the Quality Assurance and continuous improvement of laboratory services, support training and supervision of junior staff and ensure compliance.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post, English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.Our services are provided in:o Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwesto Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshireo Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settingso 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providerso Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job responsibilities

This post is advertised as a Band 6 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the Specialist Diploma. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 6 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 4 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.

This means they will be supported by a development plan to develop the successful applicant to the Band 6 role. During the first year payment will be 60% of the top rate of Band 6 pay, second year 65%, third year 70% and fourth year 75%. Once the Specialist Diploma has been achieved, the post holder will then be paid at Band 6 (minimum point on the scale).

Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.

As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 11.09.2025

Person Specification

Qualifications & Knowledge

• BSc. (Hons) Degree Life Science/Biomedical Science.
• HCPC Registration
• IBMS Specialist Diploma, or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through training and practical experience.
• Knowledge of medical laboratory sciences and techniques commensurate with a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Knowledge of UKAS accreditation and quality management requirements.
• Knowledge of BSQR (2005), HTA and ISO 15189:2012, as applicable to the relevant discipline of work
• Documented evidence of on-going participation in CPD
• Knowledge of hospital specialities.
• Medical laboratory knowledge in more than one pathology discipline

Experience

• Clinical laboratory experience, commensurate with an experienced, HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Other

• Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner, as required (if appropriate)
• Flexible approach to needs of the service.
• Participate in shifts rota, including out of hours
• Welsh Speaker (level 1)

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.