North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
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Job overview
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.
Advert
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; and maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy and patient safety.
The post holder will be responsible for maintaining accurate laboratory records, complying with quality management and health and safety requirements, and participating in service improvement activities. They will also work closely with biomedical scientists, pathologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of an efficient, high-quality diagnostic service.
Working for our organisation
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. 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. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
1. 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 ensuring that:
o There is consistency in the preparation of laboratory specimens
o Equipment safety and maintenance schedules are followed
o Health and safety standards are met
o Appropriate records are maintained (in both electronic and written formats)
• 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
• In addition, the post-holder may be required to provide occasional technical support
for some departmental research activities
2. 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 include:
o Preparation of reagents
o Filing of specimens and slides
o Cleaning & preparation of glassware and other lab materials
o Equipment maintenance
o Stock control
• To assist in training and supervising more junior staff within this Department
3. 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. This involves providing and receiving information both verbally and in
writing
4. 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
We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.
· 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. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
· The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.
· BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
· To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.
· If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.
· The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.
· By applying for this post, you are agreeing to Bristol NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.
· Please be aware of scams – unless specified above, we will only communicate with you via @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net e-mails and we will never ask you for any payments.
IMPORTANT:
Please note that if you apply for a position with this Trust, you may be contacted via Trac or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your Trac account and email accounts. We may also contact you by texting the mobile number, if provided, on the application form.
Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. Therefore, please apply for this post as soon as you can, if you are interested and you meet the requirements of the Person Specification
Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted for this job.
As a guide interviews should usually take place within 3 weeks of the closing date.
When providing employment reference details, please provide correct work-related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your referee must all be known to you in a line manager or professional lead capacity.
Biomedical Scientist in Bristol employer: BFT
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