Specialist Biomedical Scientist

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

Job summary

A recognized healthcare provider in Blackpool is seeking a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join their Histology Department. This role involves conducting complex diagnostic procedures, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and effectively managing laboratory operations. Ideal candidates will have a BSc in Biomedical Science, relevant professional registration, and experience in a diagnostic histology or cytology laboratory. The position offers the chance to work in a newly established lab with a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a diagnostic histology/cytology laboratory for several years.
• Experience of manual and automated laboratory techniques in histology.
• Experience of accreditation systems and QC schemes in histology.

Responsibilities

• Ensure requests are processed accurately and timely according to department protocols.
• Safely handle infected specimens and hazardous materials as per defined protocols.
• Operate complex instrumentation and specialist equipment.
• Plan and prioritize workload according to service needs.
• Carry out laboratory policies, risk assessments, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Provide technical advice to medical and other staff as needed.
• Ensure accurate data entry and processing on systems.
• Participate in quality assurance schemes and research programs.

Skills

Good oral and written communication skills

Client/customer liaison

Good laboratory practice

Technical and organizational skills

Patient and calm

Assertive and decisive

Education

BSc Biomedical Science

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council

IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The Histology Department is looking for a suitably experienced and qualified Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join the friendly, well established team in Blackpool. We are a UKAS accredited laboratory with a brand new laboratory in 2023. The post holder will work in the context of the Objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in the Department of Cellular Pathology.

The post holder will carry out all tests and background tasks following established Standard Operating Procedures, within one of the following sections of the Cellular Pathology Department:

• Operational histopathology, tissue sectioning & staining
• Specimen reception, dissection and processing
• Immunocytochemistry and tinctorial staining

Rotation between all above sections takes place, but flexibility may be required, depending on service needs. Additional duties will be undertaken as directed by the Head of Department in consultation with the post holder.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Scientific and Technical: To ensure requests submitted to and accepted by the Department are processed in accordance with the agreed department protocols, in an accurate & timely manner. Plan, perform and control diagnostic procedures using automated and manual techniques to prescribed standards. Ensure correct operation of specialised tests and that laboratory analyses are within defined parameters.
2. To safely handle infected specimens (eg TB, HIV, Hepatitis B, C) and hazardous materials (eg toxic chemicals) according to defined protocols, including spillage control or other unexpected outcomes.
3. To set up and operate complex instrumentation and specialist equipment, such as microscopes, microtomes, automated processors and staining equipment.
4. To proceed safely in the event of anomalous results or equipment failures, reporting faults to senior staff and taking corrective action as appropriate.
5. To plan and prioritise workload according to service needs in conjunction with senior staff. To communicate and co-operate with colleagues to ensure efficient and effective delivery of service.
6. To carry out laboratory policies, risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures, recommend modifications and contribute to future developments.
7. To provide technical advice and explanation on complex matters to medical and other staff, within defined parameters, when needed.
8. To ensure accurate data entry and data processing on manual and automated systems.
9. To carry out Internal and External Quality Assurance Schemes.
10. To monitor stock levels and report deficiencies to senior staff.
11. To participate in approved research and audit programmes and in the evaluation of new instrumentation, policies and procedures.

Qualifications, experience and skills

• Qualifications: BSc Biomedical Science; Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council; IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent.
• Experience: Experience of working in a diagnostic histology/cytology laboratory, gained over several years; experience of manual and automated laboratory techniques in histology; experience of accreditation systems and QC schemes in histology.
• Skills: Good oral and written communication skills, client/customer liaison; good laboratory practice, technical and organizational skills; patient and calm, yet assertive and decisive when required.

Additional information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service may be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information please review the UK Visas and Immigration guidance.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers guidance.

Employer details

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool, FY3 8NR