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Job summary

Main area
Cellular Pathology
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week (Hours can be worked over 5 days, Monday to Friday)
Job ref
339-CCS6124-BAL
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT)
Employer type
NHS
Site
Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital
Town
Bristol
Salary
£49,387 - £56,515 per annum, pro rata for part time roles
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
10/11/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) logo

Senior Biomedical Scientist

Band 7

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 looking to appoint a full-time, HCPC-registered Senior Biomedical Scientist in the Histology Department at Southmead Hospital.

Applications are invited from enthusiastic, adaptable individuals who would enjoy working as part of a friendly team in this busy department. 

Histology training is an essential pre-requisite.  The successful candidate must have completed the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology, or equivalent and hold a DEP in Histology Dissection.

The ideal candidate will be organised, keen to learn and reliable. They must be able to work effectively as part of team, as well as being able to work independently.   Excellent communication skills are required and the candidate must have attention to detail.   Knowledge of ISO:15189 would be an advantage.

Main duties of the job

·     Undertake independent dissection and sampling of samples received for histopathology across a range of categories.

·        Working as part of a team, help to provide a core, routine diagnostic laboratory service in Cellular Pathology (Histology) in accordance with national and professional standards.

·    With other senior staff, participate in the supervision, training and development of staff in the department with a particular focus on dissection, including appraisals and absence management

·     Act as a positive role model and visible leader within the department

·    Support the cut up supervisor in the leadership of the day-to-day running of specimen reception and cut-up to ensure an efficient and effective workflow, working towards helping the department to deliver key performance indicators including turn around times

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 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.

Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:

  •  Better outcomes for our Patients
  •  More opportunities for our People
  •  Fairer more consistent care for our Population
  •  Best Value for Public Purse

Our vision for five years from now:

  • Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live.
  • We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources.
  • More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community.
  • Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care.
  • Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work.
  • We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career.
  • Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly.
  • We will contribute to system financial balance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  • Contribute to discussions of workflow patterns and methodology
  • Ensure the efficient and safe use of consumables and equipment within the working area
  • To be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of laboratory equipment.
  • Be responsible for resource management within their section, in particular,
  • ensuring adequate supplies of equipment, materials and reagents
  • initiating the requisitioning of supplies
  • prioritising work
  • ensure outputs of section meet appropriate standards
  • troubleshooting problems that occur
  • Participate in evaluation of new methods and equipment
  • Work according to the regulations and codes of practice governing aspects of Health and Safety relevant to the department.
  • Assist in research and development projects

Person specification

Education/Training/Qualifc

Essential criteria
  • HCPC Registration Biomedical Sciences
  • Postgraduate level qualification in Cellular Pathology equivalent to Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or MSc or documented equivalent experience and competence
  • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ongoing training in Cellular Pathology
  • Degree or equivalent in Biomedical Sciences
  • High level of theoretical and practical knowledge of Histological techniques and their clinical applications
Desirable criteria
  • Management or supervisory qualification or training
  • Hold the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunohistochemistry or be working towards this award
  • Experience of working in an NHS Cellular Pathology Laboratory, with specific experience in immunocytochemistry and special stains

Work Experience

Essential criteria
  • Extensive theoretical knowledge and practical experience of histopathology techniques to include immuncytochemistry and enzyme histochemistry
  • Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and practice applicable to laboratories
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of organising, training, supervising and mentoring of junior staff
  • Extensive knowledge of quality management and experience in BSN: EN ISO15189:2012
  • Experience of Neuropatholgical Techniques

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Good IT skills and knowledge of MS programs
  • Able to work to SOP's
  • Able to troubleshoot failures of laboratory equipment and procedures
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of departments IT system

Personal Qualit/Special circum

Essential criteria
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Ability to work in an accurate and timely manner with a high level of concentration
  • Able to provide judgement on a wide range of complex laboratory issues
  • Highly organised
  • Able to work effectively as part of a team, and independently

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Simon Florio
Job title
Operations Manager for Cellular Pathology
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0117 4149875
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