Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Band 6) - Cellular Pathology

An exciting opportunity has arisen at South West London Pathology, St. George's NHS Foundation Trust Hospital for a Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our Cellular Pathology Department focusing in Histology. This post is based at St. Georges' Hospital; however, the post holder may be required to work at Croydon University Hospital as part of our specialist services.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Specialist Biomedical Scientist with significant experience in Cellular Pathology which should include biopsy transfer, embedding, microtomy, special stains and frozen sections to join our expanding team and work on rotation through our dynamic, forward-thinking laboratory. After training, you will rotate through specialist services, including Immunohistochemistry, Moh's surgery, OSNA (One Step Nucleic Acid Amplification) and Neuropathology.

You will be part of a large, friendly, and supportive team that values collaboration, personal development, and clinical excellence. We are currently providing regular in-house and where possible external CPD opportunities for our staff. We are committed to your growth, development and progression.

Our modern Cellular Pathology lab processes over 60,000 cases a year across 10 specialities. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation with modern state-of-the-art equipment, including the Ventana Ultra Plus, Leica Bond Prime platforms, Dako Artisan Special Stainer and the Dream Path block and slide storage solution. As part of our transformation journey, we are actively implementing Leica digital pathology technology with an exciting go-live target of July 2025. In addition to this, we have a dedicated immunohistochemistry laboratory currently under construction, with completion set for August 2025, all this places us firmly on the path to the future of diagnostics.

We welcome you to embrace this opportunity to explore new specialties, in a thriving and progressive environment.

Job Responsibilities

• To be proficient in designated areas of diagnostic work within the department and to provide a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff.
• To undertake a range of diagnostic tests and screening procedures through to initial interpretation.
• To ensure that test procedures are carried out according to SOPs, assess that other junior staff are competent and participate in their regular review and update.
• To undertake technical validation of highly complex results from laboratory investigations to ensure accuracy and precision as specified by laboratory protocols.
• To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
• To carry out corrective action when quality control and assurance procedures indicate loss of performance.
• To take part in duties without supervision at a level of autonomy requiring decision making but can refer to more senior or medical staff for support.
• Ensure that documentation is maintained to the Trust standard (including electronic records).

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

• Essential: An honours degree or equivalent in a biological science, HCPC Registration, Hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice.

Knowledge and Experience

• Essential: Proven experience post HCPC registration in the relevant discipline, Excellent working knowledge of specialist subject in relevant discipline, Evidence of continuing professional development, Knowledge of health and safety issues, Experience of quality management systems.

Skills and Abilities

• Essential: Practical specialist analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work, Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software, Accuracy and attention to detail, Able to follow written methodologies or protocols, Able to work as part of a team, Ability to work under pressure, Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work, Intermediate level of computer skills, Excellent communication and presentation skills, Use of enhanced pathology computer systems.

Other Relevant Requirements

• Essential: Good hand-eye coordination, Able to perform light physical work, Capable of intense periods of concentration.

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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.