Histopathology Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic and talented registered Biomedical Scientist to join the Histopathology Department as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, within the Paediatric Laboratory Medicine Service at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH).

GOSH is a national centre of excellence in the provision of specialist children's health care; and it provides the widest range of paediatric services of any hospital in the UK. Our purpose is to advance care for children and young people with complex health needs so they can fulfil their potential (

The Histopathology Department comprises a consultant-led team providing a comprehensive tissue-based Paediatric and Perinatal diagnostic service. You will aid the Histopathology Department to provide an efficient, effective and high-quality service.

Main duties of the job

The Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) will provide expert assessment and management of histopathology case load, using complex communication skills, judgement, discretion, and decision making. You will monitor and assist with improving standards of care, supervising, teaching, and supporting colleagues providing skilled professional leadership. Where appropriate you will act as an expert in your field and lead and/or participate in initiatives to improve standards of care for the client group and assisting to advancing the ACP role.

The Advanced Clinical Practitioner is service driven, and the role is structured around the Department of Health Guidance across the four domains of Advanced Practice, those being:

1. Expert Practice

2. Practice and Service Development, Research and Evaluation

3. Education and Training

4. Professional Leadership and Consultancy

You will be required:

• To work to a high level of personal and professional autonomy, using specialist knowledge and skills to deliver independent assessment, histopathological examination, and diagnosis/report writing.
• To work collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team to provide best clinical care, including participation in multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) if required.
• To facilitate evidence-based practice and promote and undertake research and clinical audit within the service. Design and provide clinical/practical and theory-based education and training.
• To work with innovation and flexibility to adapt to a fast-changing specialty and play an integral role in the operational/strategic development of the service.

The department is highly research active, and you will be required to assist with a variety of projects as well as instigating and promoting research and development of new techniques, as required.

In summary, the work of the department is highly specialised, complex, and diverse and we are constantly striving to improve. Therefore, you will be required to gain and then maintain a wide range of skills, knowledge and technical expertise as well as continue to learn and develop.

Working for our organisation

We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we’ll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.

Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women’s networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.

We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please see the attachment/s below.

Person specification

Combined Values

Essential criteria

• Combined Values

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential criteria

• BSc Degree in Biomedical Sciences or relevant subject
• MSc Degree in Genomics or another relevant subject
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology
• Experience in an accredited clinical histopathology laboratory
• Evidence of CPD

Desirable criteria

• Leadership and management training
• IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histopathological Dissection
• Working towards completion of the IBMS / RCPath Advanced Specialist Diploma in Placental Histopathology Reporting

Experience/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Significant knowledge and extensive experience as a BMS in histopathology, including competency in quality checking routine H&E, special stains and immunohistochemistry as well as understanding of clinical investigations and the implications of findings
• Knowledge of quality assurance, accreditation standards, HTA and health and safety legislation
• Experience with Quality management systems, Quality Improvement, Change Control and Validation
• Experience with Audits, Incident reporting and investigation (, RCA and CAPA)
• Understanding of clinical governance framework
• Experience with Paediatric and Perinatal samples, including specimen dissection
• Experience with Digital Pathology

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Good Interpersonal Skills – able to communicate effectively with staff (written and verbal)
• Ability to work without supervision and supervise others
• Flexible, adaptable nature and able to prioritise and work in a changing environment
• Ability to lead, train, and motivate other staff while being self-motivated
• High level of accuracy and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to write complex documents, such as SOPs, investigation reports, and change documents to a high standard
• Planning, organisation, and time management skills