Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The Methodist Church in Britain; Carshalton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wide range of staff benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Clear career pathways

Flexible working requests welcomed

Job summary

The Band 6 histopathology post sits in the Cellular Pathology department at the Royal Marsden, a fixed-term role of 14 months. The core of the work is analytical testing of clinical samples, including section cutting, automated immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridisation, alongside equipment maintenance.

You will rotate through every section, assist pathologists with diagnostic sampling, and deputise for a Section Manager when required.

Qualifications

• Degree in biomedical science.
• Educational qualification in mathematics.
• HCPC registration.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent experience.
• Able to follow SOPs and work to deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Clear writing and a diplomatic telephone manner.
• Ability to use in-house IT systems and Microsoft software.
• Ability to perform complex scientific calculations and data analysis.
• Attention to detail and good judgement.

Responsibilities

• Carry out analytical work on clinical samples to provide a diagnostic service for Trust clinicians and external second opinions.
• Perform core and advanced procedures, rotating through all sections of the department as required.
• Cut sections on microtomes from paraffin wax samples and mount them on slides.
• Assist with automated immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridisation.
• Receive and check specimens against request forms and LIMS, handling labelling errors, leaking samples and high-risk specimens.
• Carry out specimen dissection and biopsy transfer for category A and B samples.
• Assist pathologists with diagnostic sampling of fresh and formalin-fixed tissue.

Job description

This Band 6 histopathology post sits in the Cellular Pathology department at the Royal Marsden, a fixed-term role of 14 months. The core of the work is analytical testing of clinical samples, including section cutting, automated immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridisation, alongside equipment maintenance. The post serves Trust clinicians and outside second-opinion requests, involves rotating through every section, and may include deputising for a Section Manager. Applicants need HCPC registration and either the IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent experience.

What the job involves

• Carry out analytical work on clinical samples to provide a diagnostic service for Trust clinicians and external second opinions
• Perform core and advanced procedures, rotating through all sections of the department as required
• Cut sections on microtomes from paraffin wax samples and mount them on slides
• Assist with automated immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridisation
• Receive and check specimens against request forms and LIMS, handling labelling errors, leaking samples and high-risk specimens
• Carry out specimen dissection and biopsy transfer for category A and B samples
• Assist pathologists with diagnostic sampling of fresh and formalin-fixed tissue
• Process and prepare specimens and enter request data accurately
• Carry out tinctorial (special stain) techniques
• Maintain equipment, document daily maintenance to schedule and report breakdowns to the Laboratory or Deputy Manager
• Run quality control, validate or verify reports and meet statutory and Trust record-keeping requirements
• Maintain reagent records, log books and stock levels, reporting to senior staff; deputise for a Section Manager when required and train new team members

What’s required

Qualifications

• Degree in biomedical science
• Educational qualification in mathematics

Registration & licences

• HCPC registration

Experience

• Experience working in all areas of routine laboratory work
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent experience
• Able to follow SOPs and work to deadlines

Skills & knowledge

• Good interpersonal skills, clear writing and a diplomatic telephone manner
• Ability to use in-house IT systems and Microsoft software
• Ability to perform complex scientific calculations and data analysis
• Attention to detail and good judgement
• Able to resolve simple day-to-day problems and troubleshoot
• Full understanding of EQA and IQA and their implications

Other

• Able to work unsupervised
• Commitment to team working
• Evidence of personal development
• Full understanding of laboratory health and safety procedures

Nice to have

• Completed specialist portfolio or extensive post-registration experience
• Evidence of post-graduate study
• Able to perform basic training
• Awareness of organisational and logistical issues
• Enthusiasm for the role, job and profession
• Self-confident and contributes to laboratory meetings
• Flexible approach to work

What’s offered

• Wide range of staff benefits
• Learning and development opportunities
• Clear career pathways
• Flexible working requests welcomed from point of hire