Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Histopathology

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, depending on circumstances.

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.

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.

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

1. Specimen Dissection / Transfer
2. On-Call cover for overnight breakdowns of tissue processors
3. Embedding
4. Microtomy & Cryotomy
5. Staining of Special Stains
6. Microscopic QC of H&E, Special Stains and Immunohistochemistry
7. Case allocation to Consultant Pathologist
8. Immunohistochemistry
9. Non-Gynae Cytology slide preparation
10. Andrology Analysis of Semen samples
11. Assist with maintaining the training and competency of departmental staff
12. Update and maintain training records for staff members as appropriate
13. Maintain systems for error logging to standards required by UKAS and the Trust
14. Ensure working within technical areas is safe, of necessary standard, and cost-effective
15. Work closely with colleagues and provide support to meet the Pathology Quality Management System, SOPs, audits, policies, etc.
16. Carry out Audits within the department as appropriate