Expert Scientist Dissector - Histology in Northampton

The Cellular Pathology department receives, examines and reports upon a wide range of diagnostic tissue samples, which vary widely in terms of size and complexity. The appropriate examination, sampling and analysis is essential to accurate and timely diagnosis, particularly as many of these will be cancer cases. Due to the complex nature of this task, an advanced understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology and specialised histology techniques is necessary.

The post holder will understand the distinction between normal variation in tissue and pathological disease, which is essential for correctly identifying and sampling incidental or unexpected findings of disease. The post holder will hold and maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS). They will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries and will be required to verify and validate completed work in their assigned subsection. It is essential that the post holder demonstrates and maintains continuing competence, overseen by the Operational Manager and Consultant Histopathologists. The post holder will also be expected to maintain an efficient workflow through effective prioritisation and use of organisational skills and problem solving.

Main duties of the job include:

• Having a pivotal role within dissection at a large Cellular Pathology department.
• Assisting in the delivery of a quality driven, patient focused, staff supported service consistent with pathology's aims and objectives.
• Working closely with senior leadership and clinical teams, providing expert professional skills and advanced knowledge in the macroscopic description, dissection, and block sampling of tissue specimens to support accurate histological reporting and high-quality patient care.
• Supporting the Advanced Scientist Dissector to provide resilience in dissection and cover RCPath category C specimens as well as GI Category D & E specimens upon training.
• Providing support and training in category A - B specimens.

The post holder must be registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist and will undertake Continuing Professional Development and clinical audit. They must hold Membership (MIBMS) or Fellowship (FIBMS) of the Institute of Biomedical Science and possess the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice including the GI module.

Key responsibilities include:

• Communicating effectively with all members of the Pathology staff, clinicians, and visitors to the department.
• Ensuring confidentiality of all written, verbal and electronic information.
• Keeping accurate and complete records in line with legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Preparing and presenting information on equipment, processes, scientific and technical topics.
• Attending and participating in departmental meetings and presentations.
• Maintaining and promoting the professional image of Pathology, laboratory medicine and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust.

The post holder will be expected to dissect, describe and select appropriate areas for microscopic examination for both simple and some complex specimens (as defined by category).

As an Expert Scientist Dissector, the post holder will demonstrate and provide a wealth of knowledge to junior staff and be instrumental to the development of their dissection skills. They will apply highly specialised professional judgement, scientific knowledge and practical skills to complex problem solving and quality control issues, ensuring that corrective actions are instigated in the event of non-compliance.

Essential qualifications and experience include:

• Minimum of 5 years working experience in a hospital laboratory, including operation and maintenance of analytical equipment and quality indices.
• Experience of coordinating day-to-day laboratory activities.
• Experience of current platforms in use and technical understanding of analytical platforms for routine patient sample testing.
• Experience of IQC/EQA and its use.
• Experience in expert dissection, including GI.

Essential skills include:

• Oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Planning and organisational skills.
• Able to supervise and organise a team of Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical support workers.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.