Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Molecular Pathology

NHS; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic Molecular Pathology service as a Biomedical Scientist at a leading NHS Trust. You'll work in a modern lab, performing complex diagnostic tests and leading a team to maintain high-quality standards. This role offers opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

At least 27 days of annual leave

Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist required.
• Experience in routine Histology and immunohistochemistry is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex specialist techniques like FISH and PCR on tissue samples.
• Lead a team to ensure high standards of laboratory processes.

Skills

Communication

Team Leadership

Problem Solving

Education

Relevant BSc degree in Biomedical Science

IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology

Tools

Pathology computer system

MS Office

Job description

Job summary

This post is an opportunity for you to join an expanding dynamic Molecular Pathology service positioned as a dedicated service within the Cellular Pathology department.

As a HCPC registered BMS, your current Histology knowledge and experience will give you the opportunity to develop your specialist diagnostic interests with the enthusiastic support of the team around you.

We are the designated Kent & Medway Cellular Pathology Genomic Centre and the successful candidate will join a team of scientists and support staff working in purpose-built lab facilities in modern hospitals. Fully accredited to ISO15189:2022, we provide a wide repertoire of specialist diagnostic and predictive testing for patients across Kent and Medway. This includes a diagnostic FISH HER-2 service which has recently transitioned to a digital platform and the successful candidate will have the opportunity participate in this service along with all other areas within the department.

As a holder of a Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology, you will have experience of working in a routine Histopathology laboratory including immunohistochemistry, and will be able to troubleshoot, solve problems and supervise and train your team. You will therefore need to be able to communicate well with staff at all levels, motivate your team and have a friendly and approachable attitude.

Please note, experience in routine Histology is essential for this role and candidates unable to demonstrate this will not be shortlisted. A specialist diploma in Cellular Pathology or Molecular Pathology is a pre-requisite. Suitable candidates who are within one year of completion of this are encouraged to apply (and will be subject to Annex 21 until obtained).

Main duties of the job

• Independently performs complex specialist techniques (such as FISH and PCR) on tissue samples, ensuring the quality of the test through use of interpretive skills and using the correct controls to validate the tests
• Performs independent interpretation of FISH testing results and directly produces reports on negative test results to Clinicians in order to direct them on treatment options.
• Independently assess FISH cases and escalate complex interpretive decisions to more senior staff as appropriate for reporting.
• Performs troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex and expensive automated systems ensuring appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
• Leads a team to ensure that the quality of laboratory processes is to an appropriate high standard, and that such results are timely and accurate

Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.

About us

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?

We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

o At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefitso Blue Light card eligibilityo And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below

Details Date posted

07 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

359-6884230-T1-C

Job locations

Maidstone Hospital

Hermitage Lane

Maidstone

ME16 9QQ

Job description Job responsibilities

Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document.

Job description Job responsibilities

Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document.

Person Specification Qualification Essential

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist and Relevant BSc degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent or IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology

Desirable

• IBMS certificates of extended or expert practice
• Membership (MIBMS) or Fellowship of IBMS (FIBMS)
• Oncology experience in molecular pathology

Experience/ Knowledge Essential

• Experience at AFC Band 5, or equivalent. in a routine Histology/Molecular Pathology laboratory
• Experience in immunohistochemistry
• Good understanding of laboratory accreditation
• Clear evidence of relevant continued professional development (CPD) activity (for own benefit and as an example to junior staff)
• Evidence of acting in a supervisory or team leadership role
• Specialist understanding of Histology laboratory technique and its contribution to Histopathological diagnosis
• Understanding of H&S requirements in laboratory

Desirable

• Experience with molecular techniques

Skills Essential

• Able to comprehend and analyse complex information and draw conclusions from it
• Ability to organise own work and to do so under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Able to manage and prioritise the day to day work of a laboratory and direct staff accordingly.
• Able to trouble shoot and investigate issues and concerns and assist with finding solutions.
• Able to make informed decisions on service provision including the ability to escalate issues or concerns appropriately.
• Very good communication skills using all methods (verbal, e-mail)
• Good supervisory and teaching ability.
• Able to accept additional responsibility
• Able to multitask, quick to learn and comprehend.
• Able to work as team member and independently
• High level of manual dexterity

Desirable

• Proficient use of Pathology computer system
• Good IT skills including MS Office and Q Pulse
• Ability to review and write SOP's clearly
• Ability to conduct process audits

Person Specification Qualification Essential

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist and Relevant BSc degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent or IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology

Desirable

• IBMS certificates of extended or expert practice
• Membership (MIBMS) or Fellowship of IBMS (FIBMS)
• Oncology experience in molecular pathology

Experience/ Knowledge Essential

• Experience at AFC Band 5, or equivalent. in a routine Histology/Molecular Pathology laboratory
• Experience in immunohistochemistry
• Good understanding of laboratory accreditation
• Clear evidence of relevant continued professional development (CPD) activity (for own benefit and as an example to junior staff)
• Evidence of acting in a supervisory or team leadership role
• Specialist understanding of Histology laboratory technique and its contribution to Histopathological diagnosis
• Understanding of H&S requirements in laboratory

Desirable

• Experience with molecular techniques

Skills Essential

• Able to comprehend and analyse complex information and draw conclusions from it
• Ability to organise own work and to do so under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Able to manage and prioritise the day to day work of a laboratory and direct staff accordingly.
• Able to trouble shoot and investigate issues and concerns and assist with finding solutions.
• Able to make informed decisions on service provision including the ability to escalate issues or concerns appropriately.
• Very good communication skills using all methods (verbal, e-mail)
• Good supervisory and teaching ability.
• Able to accept additional responsibility
• Able to multitask, quick to learn and comprehend.
• Able to work as team member and independently
• High level of manual dexterity

Desirable

• Proficient use of Pathology computer system
• Good IT skills including MS Office and Q Pulse
• Ability to review and write SOP's clearly
• Ability to conduct process audits

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Address

Maidstone Hospital

Hermitage Lane

Maidstone

ME16 9QQ

Employer's website

https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Address

Maidstone Hospital

Hermitage Lane

Maidstone

ME16 9QQ

Employer's website

https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)