Biomedical Scientist | Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT)

We are seeking a motivated Biomedical Scientist to join our specialist Neuropathology Laboratory, contributing to the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic neuropathology and muscle pathology service for Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and a range of external organisations, including other healthcare trusts, coronial services, and criminal investigation agencies.

The post holder will rotate through the various sections of the laboratory, including biopsy and autopsy histology, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme histochemistry. The role is based on a standard working pattern of 9:00am to 5:15pm, although some flexibility may occasionally be required to meet service demands. Neuropathology is part of the Cellular Pathology Department, and the successful candidate may increasingly be required to support work within Histology as service needs evolve. Full training will be provided to develop the competencies and skills required for the role.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a specialist diagnostic neuropathology and muscle pathology service. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will rotate through the various sections of the laboratory, including biopsy and autopsy histology, immunohistochemistry, enzyme histochemistry and cytology.

Key responsibilities include:

• Processing, embedding, sectioning and staining tissue specimens;
• Performing specialist laboratory techniques on surgical, autopsy and muscle biopsy samples;
• Supporting urgent intraoperative diagnostic services;
• Maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy and patient safety;
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records;
• Complying with quality management and health and safety requirements;
• Participating in service improvement activities.

The post holder will work closely with biomedical scientists, pathologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of an efficient, high-quality diagnostic service.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce, we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them.

Scientific / technical:

• To participate in the reception, preparation, documentation and subsequent safe disposal of all specimens;
• To adhere to and assist in ensuring ongoing accuracy of established protocols and procedures;
• To assist in investigation into laboratory incidents and other aspects of ensuring ongoing quality such as auditing following appropriate training;
• To ensure completion of appropriate training and maintenance of competency, escalating any training needs;
• To rotate through all sections of the department, participating in the duties;
• To provide occasional technical support for some departmental research activities.

Service support:

• To assist in implementing both internal QC and external QA activities;
• To assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the department’s facilities;
• To assist in training and supervising more junior staff within this Department.

Communications:

The post-holder is required to communicate biomedical information of varying degrees of complexity with medical, scientific and secretarial staff within the Cellular Pathology Department, and in other departments both within and outside of the Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

Other duties:

The post-holder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the grade of post, and in the event of staff absence, may be required to cover for both higher and subordinate grades within the Cellular Pathology Department.