Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Dissection

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to manage dissection activities in a busy pathology laboratory. Candidates should hold HCPC registration and a BSc in Biomedical Science, with responsibilities including surgical dissection of specimens and management of junior staff. The role also requires advanced analytical skills and adherence to quality management protocols. The position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative pathology service in London.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Evidence and experience of quality management systems, audits and document control.
• Experience of training staff in a busy pathology laboratory.
• Knowledge of all aspects of specialist subject.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic specimens.
• Accurately macroscopically examine and dissect specimens.
• Manage performance of junior staff.

Skills

Advanced practical analytical skills

Timely accurate working

Methodical

Well organised

Self-motivation

Good communication and presentation skills

Education

HCPC Registration

BSc Biomedical Science

FIBMS, MIBMS or equivalent

MSc in a relevant discipline

Tools

Pathology computer systems

Job description

Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Dissection

To undertake the day to day management of the dissection area and specimen reception sections within the laboratory under the supervision of the Operational lead for that area.

To develop and improve professional expertise and specialist skills

To actively participate in the training programmes required for the advanced dissection role.

As a guide the working time for the dissection postholders will be apportioned as follows:80% dissection, encompassing A-C grade specimens (as appropriate and only where training and competency has been completed or consultant supervision is in place)

20% routine advanced BMS duties including assisting with managing and co-ordinating activities within the cut-up or routine section of the histopathology laboratory. It is expected that this role may be shared by other BMS posts.

Clinical audit will be required to be completed periodically as a demonstration of on-going clinical effectiveness.

To manage performance and undertake appraisals of junior staff.

Main duties of the job

Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic A-C graded histopathology specimens (range will be dependent on experience, knowledge but also consultants discretion) which will encompass the following:

• Evaluate clinical information on histopathology request forms and understand specimen idiosyncrasies.
• Accurately macroscopically examine, describe and photograph specimens where necessary.
• Dissect and select relevant material for histological processing.
• Select appropriate preparatory procedures to aid diagnostic interpretation e.g. decalcification etc.
• Provide a provisional diagnostic macroscopic report dictation.
• Be able to recall specimens with clarity, or have supporting evidence of dissection in way of drawings or pictures.

The post holder should also:

• Expect to work towards attaining formal IBMS qualifications in Histological Dissection if they do not possess them on appointment.
• Be aware of knowledge and self limitations, and have a low threshold for seeking advice.
• Keep adequate records of specimens dissected, including error logs and topical reflective practices.
• Gain and maintain macroscopic and microscopic knowledge of specimens and body systems via lectures attended and via self-teaching.
• Form a management link between laboratory management and junior staff.
• Manage performance of junior staff.
• Work with laboratory management in formulating working practices and policies for the department.

About us

The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health.The Pathology Partnership was formed in May 2021. Between 2021 and 2024 the Partnership undertook a complex transformation programme to establish a single network of laboratories, underpinned by a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and single Quality Management System (QMS).The Partnership has a main hub laboratory at the Royal London Hospital and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at the six other hospital sites served by the Partnership.The Partnership has three operational divisions:o Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistryo Microbiology and Virologyo Cellular Pathology and Cancer DiagnosticsThe 2024/25 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £121m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 860 WTE.We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the Pathology Partnership and Barts Health at this band

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.

Person Specification

Experience

• Use of Pathology computer systems
• Evidence and experience of quality management systems, audits and document control
• Evidence and experience of quality control, assurance and governance
• Evidence of experience of training staff
• Previous experience in a large busy pathology laboratory

Knowledge

• Knowledge of all aspects of specialist subject.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.

Qualifications

• HCPC Registration.
• BSc Biomedical Science.
• FIBMS, MIBMS or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Practice in Histological Dissection or registered and working towards the Diploma of Expert Practice.
• MSc in a relevant discipline.
• Management Training.
• IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice.
• Quality Management Training.
• Health And Safety experience.
• Quality Management Training.
• Health And Safety experience.

Skills

• Advanced practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work.
• Timely accurate working.
• Methodical.
• Able to follow written methodologies or protocols
• Well organised. Precise.
• Numerate. Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Quick to learn and comprehend.
• Able to work as team member.
• Self-motivation. Accepts responsibility.
• Evidence of ability to problem Solve.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work.
• Ability to show flexibility by performing multiple tasks.
• Prepared to work with biological materials.
• Able to follow written methodologies or protocols

Personal and people development

• Able to perform light physical work.
• Capable of intense periods of concentration.
• Good hand eye co-ordination.

Communications

• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Able to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

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.