Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Molecular Pathology

Job Summary

As part of a small team, the post holder will organise and perform the routine testing within the Laboratory and have a good understanding of current methodology which includes Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR.

The role includes independently pre-screening and interpreting/reporting Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridisation testing for breast cancer patients, with results directly issued to clinicians. Supervision and training of staff involved in the Molecular Pathology service is required, and possession of specialist knowledge in Cellular Sciences is a pre-requisite.

The post holder will be expected to have a sound knowledge and experience of pathological and histological diagnostic techniques gained by theoretical study and direct laboratory experience. Experience in molecular techniques is an advantage.

The post-holder will be required to maintain and develop further knowledge and skills in routine histology and molecular techniques and assist with routine work as dictated by the demands of the service. Within the changing landscape of Molecular Pathology, the post holder will participate in developmental and validation work for new methodologies.

The post holder will be expected to maintain and extend their knowledge via CPD and attendance at appropriate short courses in order to maintain registration as a BMS with the Health Care Professions Council.

Main Duties of the Job

• Independently performs complex specialist techniques (such as FISH and PCR) on tissue samples, ensuring the quality of the test through the use of interpretive skills and correct controls to validate the tests.
• Performs independent interpretation of FISH testing results and directly produces reports on negative test results to clinicians to guide treatment options.
• Independently assesses FISH cases and escalates complex interpretive decisions to more senior staff as appropriate for reporting.
• Performs troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex and expensive automated systems, ensuring appropriate records are kept and liaising with service engineers where appropriate.
• Leads a team to ensure that the quality of laboratory processes is to an appropriate high standard, and that results are timely and accurate.

Please note that this role may attract a high level of applications and may close earlier than the original closing date, so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.

About Us

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff, we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?

We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

Date Posted: 26 March 2025

Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-time

Reference Number: 359-6884230-T1-B

Job Locations: Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9QQ

Job Responsibilities

We have provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed.

Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS, you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document.

Person Specification

Qualification Essential:

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist and Relevant BSc degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent or IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology.

Desirable:

• IBMS certificates of extended or expert practice.
• Membership (MIBMS) or Fellowship of IBMS (FIBMS).
• Oncology experience in molecular pathology.

Experience/Knowledge Essential:

• Experience at AFC Band 5, or equivalent, in a routine Histology/Molecular Pathology laboratory.
• Experience in immunohistochemistry.
• Good understanding of laboratory accreditation.
• Clear evidence of relevant continued professional development (CPD) activity (for own benefit and as an example to junior staff).
• Evidence of acting in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Specialist understanding of Histology laboratory technique and its contribution to Histopathological diagnosis.
• Understanding of H&S requirements in laboratory.

Desirable:

• Experience with molecular techniques.

Skills Essential:

• Able to comprehend and analyse complex information and draw conclusions from it.
• Ability to organise own work and to do so under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Able to manage and prioritise the day-to-day work of a laboratory and direct staff accordingly.
• Able to troubleshoot and investigate issues and concerns and assist with finding solutions.
• Able to make informed decisions on service provision including the ability to escalate issues or concerns appropriately.
• Very good communication skills using all methods (verbal, e-mail).
• Good supervisory and teaching ability.
• Able to accept additional responsibility.
• Able to multitask, quick to learn and comprehend.
• Able to work as a team member and independently.
• High level of manual dexterity.

Desirable:

• Proficient use of Pathology computer system.
• Good IT skills including MS Office and Q Pulse.
• Ability to review and write SOPs clearly.
• Ability to conduct process audits.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer Details

Employer Name: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Address: Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9QQ

Employer's Website: https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)