Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Histopathology

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Job overview

The Histopathology Department at Dorset Country Hospital is looking to recruit a well-motivated, enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist. The post is permanent and full time reporting to the Head Biomedical Scientist / Histopathology Laboratory Manager.

Applications are invited from enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are committed to the provision of a high-quality service, with a background of working in a diagnostic laboratory and have specialist knowledge of Histopathology processes, ideally having completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma for Cellular Pathology.

The post holder will be involved with the delivery of routine and urgent histology, non-gynaecological cytopathology, andrology and immunohistochemistry samples through the laboratory in collaboration with other laboratory staff and department personnel.

Applications from HCPC registered individuals without an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology may be considered for an offer of a position subject to progress towards completing the Specialist Portfolio; a Band 5 position may be offered, dependant on circumstances.

Main duties of the job

Once fully trained, the post holder would be expected to lead and be part of the Histopathology team, working as a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist within the laboratory to ensure the satisfactory delivery of the complete range of service offered by the histopathology department, in collaboration with other laboratory staff. You will be working closely with Consultant Histopathologists and laboratory staff whilst communicating regularly with other service users in the hospital.

Working for our organisation

Dorset County Hospital Foundation NHS Trust is the leading provider of healthcare in West Dorset, and the Histopathology department is fully UKAS accredited to ISO15189 (2012) and is well-equipped to provide a full diagnostic service to the acute hospital, as well as the community services in the West Dorset area. The department has a LIMS in partnership with laboratories across Dorset (One Dorset Pathology), along with a lab-wide replacement of equipment through a new managed equipment service contract for the Southern Counties Pathology (South 6) network.

You would be joining a friendly, welcoming team of approximately 25 staff who are committed to the provision of a high-quality service, working alongside Biomedical Support Workers, Associate Practitioners and Biomedical Scientists and reporting to the Histopathology Laboratory Manager.

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Skills and expertise are achieved and maintained to perform duties in the Histopathology department including but not limited to:

• Specimen Dissection / Transfer
• On-Call cover for overnight breakdowns of tissue processors
• Embedding
• Microtomy & Cryotomy
• Staining of Special Stains
• Microscopic QC of H&E, Special Stains and Immunohistochemistry
• Case allocation to Consultant Pathologist
• Immunohistochemistry
• Non-Gynae Cytology slide preparation
• Andrology Analysis of Semen samples

1. To assist with maintaining the training and competency of departmental staff in order to support the department's activities.
2. Training records are updated and maintained for staff members as appropriate.
3. To maintain the systems for error logging to standards required by UKAS and the Trust.
4. Ensure working within technical areas is safe, of necessary standard, and cost effective.
5. Working closely with colleagues and provide support to meet the Pathology Quality Management System, SOPs, audits, policies etc.
6. Carry out Audits within the department as appropriate.

Person specification

Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria

• HCPC registration

Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences, or equivalent
• Evidence of specialist training in Histopathology technical areas
• Completion of IBMS Specialist Portfolio for Cellular Pathology

Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria

• At least 3 years Post-Registration experience in a Histopathology laboratory
• Evidence of CPD
• Evidence of having carried out immunohistochemistry techniques and perform a range of tests appropriate to the post demonstrating accuracy and attention to detail
• Evidence of effective communication with all levels of staff
• Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies
• Evidence of training in tissue transfer and small dissection

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of COSHH and Risk Assessments required in the laboratory environment
• Evidence of having carried out Diagnostic Cytology techniques
• Evidence of working in an NHS laboratory environment

Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria

• Evidence of the ability to perform skilled tasks in the Histopathology discipline; Embedding, Microtomy and Microscopy QC
• Evidence of the ability to supervise and train staff to maintain high standards
• Evidence of the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with service users and other members of staff and professionals relevant to Laboratory services
• Evidence of ability to plan and prioritise own work.
• Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Evidence of an awareness of the need to seek timely support from colleagues, and service support, to minimise analytical downtime or to resolve technical problems

Our Mission
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

Important Information

Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.

The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.

You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.