Job summary
- Main area
- Division B-Histopathology
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent: Candidates are required to have an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular pathology or equivalent qualification. Applications may be accepted from HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists who are currently progressing through the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in histopathology. Successful candidates who have not yet finished the portfolio will be paid on AfC Band 5 based on their experience at that grade, until completion of either all “Histopathology Specialist Biomedical Scientist Competencies” or successful assessment and award of their Specialist Diploma qualification by the IBMS.
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 180-B-264061
- Employer
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Addenbrookes Hospital-Division B
- Town
- Cambridge
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 p.a. pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 08/03/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Band 6
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to join the Histopathology Department in the role of a Specialist Biomedical Scientist. We have recently moved to a brand-new state-of-the-art facility and are looking to expand our workforce.
The department is well-equipped, fully computerised, and UKAS-accredited to ISO 15189 standards.
If you like to be busy and enjoy working in a laboratory environment, then consider joining our team as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist.
A strong commitment to personal and professional development and teamwork is essential for this post. In return, you will be welcomed into a developing team as a key valued member, with opportunities for professional development and experience.
Candidates are required to have an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular pathology or equivalent qualification. Applications may be accepted from HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists who are currently progressing through the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in histopathology. Successful candidates who have not yet finished the portfolio will be paid on AfC Band 5 based on their experience at that grade, until completion of either all “Histopathology Specialist Biomedical Scientist Competencies” or successful assessment and award of their Specialist Diploma qualification by the IBMS.
Main duties of the job
Performs a wide range of routine healthcare science activities, namely related to immunohistochemistry (IHC), able to recognise multiple IHC stains and different human tissues and cellular structures to perform the daily quality control of IHC-stained slides. Support junior members of staff, including perform automated IHC staining, process IHC requests, block and slides checking, embedding and microtomy of different tissue types and specimens (biopsies and surgical), prepare antibody solutions, verify new IHC antibodies, as well as improve current or implement new methods/ protocols, produce IHC control blocks, maintain the equipment and laboratory records updated, perform stock levels check, and make orders when required.
Cambridge University Hospitals Histopathology department is one of the largest in the country with over 130 non-medical staff supporting over 50 consultant histopathologists. There is site-specific reporting, and we support many regional and national programmes. We are looking for people who have a desire to push the boundaries of current practice and want to join a transformational programme of work that will involve the adoption of new and innovative technologies and work practices. We have already adopted digital pathology and are looking to capitalise on the opportunities it offers. The department prides itself on staff development and offers many training and education opportunities for staff of all grades.
Working for our organisation
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 8th March 2026
Interview date - TBC
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- IBMS Accredited Biomedical Science Degree or equivalent
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent
- Actively participate in Continual Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable criteria
- Significant post-registration diagnostic pathology experience.
Experience
Essential criteria
- Significant practical experience of working as a Biomedical Scientist in Histopathology
- Experience of working in immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Experience of training staff in histopathological techniques
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working in the NHS
- Experience in immunohistochemistry quality checking
- Participated in the implementation of new tests/ procedures in Histopathology
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable knowledge of Histopathology procedures and techniques
- Practical and theoretical knowledge of immunohistochemistry procedures
- Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
- Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
- Understands the role of diagnostic Histopathology and IHC in a clinical setting
- Understanding and knowledge of roles and activities associated with the post
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of various immunohistochemistry tests
Skills
Essential criteria
- Good communication skills
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently
- Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques
- Able to organise and prioritise work to meet needs of the service
- Ability to identify inaccuracies and troubleshoot problems.
- Ability to supervise less experienced staff, including supporting the training of staff
Desirable criteria
- Credible and effective leadership qualities
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Leticia King Belford
- Job title
- Senior Biomedical Scientist (Section leader)
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01223 216354
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