Specialist Biomedical Scientist | North Bristol NHS Trust

North Bristol NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Bristol is seeking a skilled Cytology Scientist to join their team. The successful candidate will be responsible for screening and quality control of cytology samples, supervising junior staff, and participating in research. This role requires state registration and expertise in cytology. The position offers a dynamic work environment focused on patient care and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Competence in performing cervical cytology and non-gynae cytology.
• Experience in quality control of cytology samples.
• Ability to train and supervise junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Conduct primary screening and QC screening of cytology samples.
• Manage day-to-day operations and supervise a small team.
• Participate in internal and external quality control procedures.

Skills

Cytology expertise

Quality control

Supervisory skills

Communication skills

Education

State Registration

Job description

Cytology is housed in new state‑of‑the‑art Pathology laboratories in North Bristol NHS Trust. The service provides Cervical Screening via HPV testing for the whole of the South West as well as Diagnostic Cytology for the Bristol and North Somerset area.

Successful candidates will join a dynamic, friendly and motivated team committed to providing excellent services for patients.

The role involves primary screening and QC screening of Cytology samples while maintaining national standards, preparation of diagnostic samples (including at an off‑site one‑stop clinic), participation in the quality management process, supervision and training of other staff in the department, managing a small team, staff recruitment, and involvement in research and equipment evaluations.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti‑discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all under‑represented groups.

Responsibilities

1. Be competent to work on rotation in Cervical Cytology and Non‑gynae Cytology sections of the laboratory.
2. Participate in screening of cervical smears including the assessment of smear quality, providing recommendation for recall interval, reporting negative smears and referring abnormal and suspicious cases to appropriate Team Leader / Checker.
3. Participate in Quality Control (rapid review) of screened slides.
4. Participate in HPV testing and issuing results.
5. Participate in the reception and documentation of specimens for Cytology in accordance with laboratory policies and protocols.
6. Participate in the entry of data to laboratory computer systems.
7. Participate in specimen processing and the production of cytology preparations for microscopic examination.
8. Prepare staining solutions and reagents and assist in the maintenance of adequate stocks of reagents and consumables.
9. Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area.
10. Be responsible for the day‑to‑day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment with which you are working.
11. Work in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for use in the department and participate in their development and review.
12. Participate in record‑keeping processes, including maintenance records, electronic and paper based.
13. Participate in the production of reports and the maintenance of departmental records.
14. Participate in internal quality control procedures including taking responsibility for technical authorisation of work.
15. Interpret and technically validate all routine and specialist tests.
16. Assist in research and development projects.
17. Assist in audit.
18. Participate in internal and external quality control procedures.
19. Participate in quality assurance procedures and corrective actions.
20. Participate in risk management of the department including error reporting and corrective actions.
21. Assist in the supervision of trainee biomedical scientists and MLA’s.
22. Participate in the training and teaching of trainee biomedical scientists, Cytoscreeners, newly qualified staff, MLA’s and other healthcare professionals.
23. Ensure that the exchange of information is accurate at all times, through competent verbal and written skills.
24. Communicate with clinicians, laboratory and nursing staff from North Bristol Trust and other NHS organisations regarding samples required, appropriateness of tests, provision of results etc.
25. As relevant, notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of duties.
26. Be responsible for organising allocated work.
27. Deputise for senior staff.
28. Participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and procedures.
29. Undertake further training.
30. Undertake continued professional development.
31. Be personally responsible for maintaining State Registration, which is a requirement of employment at this grade.
32. Work according to the regulations and codes of practice governing aspects of Health and Safety relevant to the department.
33. Maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the section.

This advert closes on Tuesday 2 Dec 2025.