Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Histopathology

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000

Job description

Job summary

The Histopathology Department at Dorset County 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, depending 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.

About us

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.

Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.

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

Date posted: 27 March 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 a year Per Annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 405-25-HS165SBS

Job locations: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY

Job description Job 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

To assist with maintaining the training and competency of departmental staff in order to support the department's activities.

Training records are updated and maintained for staff members as appropriate.

To maintain the systems for error logging to standards required by UKAS and the Trust.

Ensure working within technical areas is safe, of necessary standard, and cost effective.

Working closely with colleagues and provide support to meet the Pathology Quality Management System, SOPs, audits, policies etc.

Carry out Audits within the department as appropriate.

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Please contact us at [e-mail] if you are unable to view or download the attachment.

For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications & Training Essential

• HCPC registration
• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY

Employer's website: DCHFT Careers