Tissue Co-ordinator - Cellular Pathology

Leeds Teaching Hospitals; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a motivated Tissue Co‑Ordinator to contribute to molecular testing and whole-genome sequencing services. The role involves delivering workflows, managing documentation, and collaborating with various teams. Candidates should have strong IT skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and experience in lab environments. Join a pioneering department that values innovation and continuous improvement. Opportunities for development are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Experience in a complex healthcare work environment is desirable.
• Knowledge of biological sciences at a basic level is required, including cell biology and biochemistry.
• Prior laboratory experience in clinical record data handling and database management.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and collaborate with regional departments to ensure timely sample transfer.
• Maintain documentation and generate high-quality data in compliance with NHS England.
• Assist in planning training sessions for staff as needed.

Skills

Excellent IT skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Ability to communicate effectively

Education

GCSE Maths Grade A‑C or equivalent

GCSE English Grade A‑C or equivalent

Level 4 qualification in laboratory or science-related subject

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

A unique opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, proactive, motivated and passionate individual to join the team as part of the Cellular Pathology Genomics Centre (CPGC) working as a Tissue Co‑Ordinator.

The post holder will contribute to the direct and indirect delivery of molecular testing and whole‑genome sequencing service across the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT) region.

They will play a key role in the delivery of the requesting and reporting workflows for molecular testing within the region through a range of routine tasks in supporting biomedical, scientific, administrative and medical staff.

It is essential that the post holder has excellent IT skills and experience in data handling in order to organise relevant documentation.

Experience of working in a complex healthcare work environment is desirable. The post holder must possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels and a flexible and pro‑active approach.

An innovative department, we were the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning all surgical slides and the first to introduce automated tissue sectioners to the UK.

Expected interview date(s): 12th/13th January 2026

Main duties of the job

The post holder will contribute to the direct and indirect delivery of molecular testing and whole‑genome sequencing service across the WYAAT region. As part of the CPGC at Leeds, they will play a key role in the delivery of the requesting and reporting workflows for molecular testing within the region through a range of routine tasks in supporting biomedical, scientific, administrative and medical staff. The responsibilities encompass ensuring patient identification, eligibility, maintaining documentation, and the generation of high‑quality data in line with NHS England GLH requirements and as outlined in the NHSE National Genomic Test Directory. This requires the completion of paperwork and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure appropriate, timely, and accurate testing via the GLH lab and within cellular pathology.

Furthermore, the post holder will coordinate across centres within the region to ensure the provision of appropriate samples. The duties also include transcribing genomics reports into integrated reports for clinical sign‑out by Consultant Histopathologists and also educating secretarial colleagues in doing the same.

The post holder will also be responsible for undertaking macrodissection of tumour‑rich areas identified and marked by a pathologist/advanced practitioner on glass slides to support downstream molecular analysis.

About us

The department provides Histopathology, Andrology, Immunohistochemistry, Muscle, Molecular, Non‑Gynae Cytology and mortuary services for Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and surrounding primary care centres. We are a well equipped and innovative department being the first laboratory in the UK digitally scanning 100% of surgical slides, also introducing the UK's first automated tissue sectioners. We process circa 58,000 surgical cases, 2,000 autopsy cases and 6,000 non‑gynaecological cytology cases per annum. We are a continually improving department, striving for high quality staff and processes. As a training hospital we serve to expand the knowledge and skill of all staff. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved, and further development is encouraged. We have UKAS accreditation to ISO15189 standards. We endeavour to follow ‘The Leeds Way’ at all times putting the patient first at all times.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying ‘at risk’ members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Job responsibilities

• Toperform appropriate procedures and tasks consistent with the job holder’s level of knowledge, skills and experience. These tasks may vary from day to day but examples would include
• To direct secretarial staff and if required help with secretarial duties including booking in of cases, test ordering, and transcription of results for molecular testing at the CPGC
• To undertake macrodissection of tumour‑rich areas identified and marked by a pathologist/advanced practitioner on glass slides, following established laboratory protocols and quality standards, to support downstream molecular analysis
• Develop proficiency in the use of cellular pathology and GLH lab information systems and quality management systems
• Participate in the quality agenda and compliance monitoring of the CPGC service including (but not limited to): Datix reporting & basic immediate investigation of issues, contributing to quality documents updates & SOPs
• Coordinate and collaborate with regional WYAAT cellular pathology departments to ensure timely transfer of appropriate samples to the GLH and take proactive measures to ensure that agreed turnaround times are met
• Attend and actively participate in monthly CPGC/Solid Malignancy Diagnostic Services (SMDS) management meetings and multidisciplinary team meetings, including preparing agendas and recording minutes
• Develop and implement SOPs for the CPGC, providing support to laboratory and secretarial staff across WYAAT. Regularly review and update SOPs, and conduct relevant audits
• Assist the CPGC leadership team in planning and organizing training sessions for staff as needed
• Collaborate with the WGS nursing lead and multidisciplinary teams to ensure proper routing of fresh tissue and blood samples
• Maintain effective communication with relevant staff members
• Ensure accurate record‑keeping in compliance with requirements from UKAS and RCPath
• Utilise approved data collection templates and systems to accurately input all necessary information in accordance with the CPGC operational plan
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting KPIs and other metrics, conducting periodic audits, and providing input into monthly CPGC/GLH Quality meetings
• Ensure adherence to health and safety policies, promptly reporting any incidents
• Professional Development and Education: Attend relevant study sessions related to Genomic Medicine and GLH at an appropriate level
• Complete Trust annual mandatory training programmes
• Maintain own competence in established procedures and participate in relevant training where required
• Support waste reduction and continuous improvement initiatives for designated area
• Support collaborative team working across all sections
• Participates in the collation of service user/stakeholder feedback
• Supports with documentation and SOPs when evaluating and verifying new methods/instruments/tests
• Supports with identification of service improvement opportunities and implementation of improvement actions
• Assists in the delivery of continuous improvement/development plans for specialist area

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

• Good interpersonal skills
• Supportive of communal tasks
• Sympathetic to the needs of others
• Hard‑working and flexible in time management
• Able to fulfil all Occupational Health and Health and Safety requirements of the role

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

• Understanding of team working within a clinical laboratory
• Understanding of relevant health and safety issues
• Knowledge of biological sciences at a basic level is required. This includes knowledge of cell biology, biochemistry, and some knowledge of disease processes
• Possess prior laboratory experience in clinical record data handling and database management
• Use of basic IT packages including Microsoft Excel
• Familiarity with archival clinical tissue handling and clinical metadata collection is advantageous
• A background in biological sciences (HNC or equivalent) is desirable

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

This post is an important component of the operational plan to successfully deliver our KPIs as set by NHSE within the Service Specification for CPGCs and GLHs. Effective communication, alongside robust organization, will facilitate delivery; the successful applicant will be supported in delivering an agreed communication plan across the region.

Special Working Conditions

(i) PHYSICAL EFFORT: The components of this post are varied and require flexibility and effective organization to work across the region as required. Time at a computer screen is integral, and good practice health and safety principles will apply. No heavy lifting or exposure to environmental hazards is required for this post. Standard hospital infection prevention and control measures apply regarding human tissue handling and transportation.

(ii) MENTAL EFFORT: Attention to detail in both clinical and project data collated is crucial. Competing demands may occur and require active decision making and prioritization, which may be stressful. The project supported by this post requires the introduction of additional practices to that of standard of care and therefore influencing and problem‑solving, alongside education and support may be challenging.

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

• Knowledge of conventional IT software and IT literacy
• Able to work in a team and independently
• Flexible approach to work

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths Grade A‑C or equivalent
• GCSE English Grade A‑C or equivalent
• Level 4 qualification in a laboratory or science‑related subject OR IBMS Certificate of Achievement part II

Experience

• Knowledge of a wide range of administrative procedures
• Proven record of good personal organisation
• Previous experience of working in a laboratory

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.