Job Description

We are seeking a Band 5 Registered Biomedical Scientist to join our team.
To work as part of the Cellular Pathology team as a Biomedical Scientist involved in the technical preparation of specimens and performing defined procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures. This will include all aspects of the routine service provided by the department.
Main duties of the job
1. As a HCPC-Registered Biomedical Scientist, perform a full range of analytical, technical and other laboratory duties within cellular pathology.
The daily technical activities of the histology and cytology laboratory include:
1. Section cutting2. Embedding.3. Staining and checking sections.4. Immunohistochemistry.5. Computer work to process samples through the laboratory.6. Filing of slides or blocks if required.7 Collecting solvents if required.8 Non-Gynae and Andrology technical work, and specimen dissection, as detailed below.
This list is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake all histology techniques and train in the handling of non-gynae cytology if not already experienced.
About us
"Our STAR values - Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives."
Details
Date posted
15 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
31,049 to 37,796 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
249-7284756
Job locations
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
Job description
Job responsibilities
2. Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures, risk assessments, etc., relating to technical work. Review documents where necessary through liaison with senior staff.
3. Be responsible and work as part of a team to achieve optimal handling and throughput of the departmental workload to ensure specimens are processed in a timely manner.
4. To participate in the departmental rota to ensure skills are maintained in each area of the laboratory and cover all areas specific to the post-holders level of competence. This may include early start times of 08.00 at times and late finishes up to 17:15 depending on service needs
5. Maintain professional competence and scientific skill in the performance of all tests and investigations.
6. Use, and daily maintenance, of expensive specialist equipment (e.g. microscope with heated stage, cytospin, stainer, etc.) as part of day-to-day technical work
7. Deliver training in specialist technical processes and use of laboratory equipment/IT systems (Winpath and Qpulse) to new/less experienced staff.
8. Answer queries from less experienced laboratory staff about how to carry out specialist technical processes and how to use laboratory IT systems, equipment, etc.
9. Daily use of laboratory IT system (Winpath) to enter/authorise diagnostic results or search for results/patient specimens, answer queries etc.
10. Takes an active part in departmental Quality Management processes to ensure compliance with the standards laid down by UKAS ISO 15189. This includes some responsibility for review and update of SOPs, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, etc. designated to the post-holder by the Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager. Recording departmental incidents/errors/non-compliance with standards.
11. Participate in stock control within the cellular pathology department, including requests for ordering consumables items as required, and participating in the annual Trust-wide stock check.
12. As an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist actively participate in Continuing Professional Development activities. These activities must be recorded, and evidence produced when necessary. Job description
Job responsibilities
2. Follow departmental Standard Operating Procedures, risk assessments, etc., relating to technical work. Review documents where necessary through liaison with senior staff.
3. Be responsible and work as part of a team to achieve optimal handling and throughput of the departmental workload to ensure specimens are processed in a timely manner.
4. To participate in the departmental rota to ensure skills are maintained in each area of the laboratory and cover all areas specific to the post-holders level of competence. This may include early start times of 08.00 at times and late finishes up to 17:15 depending on service needs
5. Maintain professional competence and scientific skill in the performance of all tests and investigations.
6. Use, and daily maintenance, of expensive specialist equipment (e.g. microscope with heated stage, cytospin, stainer, etc.) as part of day-to-day technical work
7. Deliver training in specialist technical processes and use of laboratory equipment/IT systems (Winpath and Qpulse) to new/less experienced staff.
8. Answer queries from less experienced laboratory staff about how to carry out specialist technical processes and how to use laboratory IT systems, equipment, etc.
9. Daily use of laboratory IT system (Winpath) to enter/authorise diagnostic results or search for results/patient specimens, answer queries etc.
10. Takes an active part in departmental Quality Management processes to ensure compliance with the standards laid down by UKAS ISO 15189. This includes some responsibility for review and update of SOPs, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, etc. designated to the post-holder by the Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager. Recording departmental incidents/errors/non-compliance with standards.
11. Participate in stock control within the cellular pathology department, including requests for ordering consumables items as required, and participating in the annual Trust-wide stock check.
12. As an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist actively participate in Continuing Professional Development activities. These activities must be recorded, and evidence produced when necessary.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
• Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

• MIBMS

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience of working in a diagnostic Histology laboratory.
• Experienced in embedding, microtomy, staining histology samples
• QC checking of samples

Desirable

• Preparation at cut-up of BMS specimen dissection
• Immunohistochemistry experience
• Non-Gynae cytology/andrology experience
• Involvement in quality management processes including reviewing SOPs, and recording departmental incidents
• Previous experience of Health and Safety processes, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively
• Good time management
• Ability to work independently and take direction and to pass on information accurately and timely.
• Able to build effective working relationships with staff and colleagues
• Good hand/eye coordination

Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
• Registration with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

• MIBMS

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience of working in a diagnostic Histology laboratory.
• Experienced in embedding, microtomy, staining histology samples
• QC checking of samples

Desirable

• Preparation at cut-up of BMS specimen dissection
• Immunohistochemistry experience
• Non-Gynae cytology/andrology experience
• Involvement in quality management processes including reviewing SOPs, and recording departmental incidents
• Previous experience of Health and Safety processes, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively
• Good time management
• Ability to work independently and take direction and to pass on information accurately and timely.
• Able to build effective working relationships with staff and colleagues
• Good hand/eye coordination

Skills Required