Job vacancy: Biomedical Scientist - Cellular Pathology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston

Job summary

Main area: Cellular Pathology
Grade: Band 5
Contract: Fixed term: 24 months (FTC to cover current STP's in training)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 438-PB4507

Employer: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Royal Preston Hospital
Town: Preston
Salary: £32,073 - £39,043 Per annum/Pro Rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 18/08/2026 08:00

Biomedical Scientist - Cellular Pathology

Band 5

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Transfer of histology samples

Embedding and microtomy of histology blocks

Staining and quality control of Histology slides

Tinctorial special stains

Neuropathology techniques

Immunocytochemistry preparation for differential diagnosis of cancer

Potential training in dissection

Working for your organisation

We have 10000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.

Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.

You’ll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you’d never have done. You’ll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path.

You’ll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care and enhancing their experience which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description for more information

To direct more junior staff regarding technical and work issues

Dealing with telephone enquiries from nurses, clinicians, healthcare practitioners, giving technical advice on results and use of the service

Appropriate recording of Inventory management within the section to ensure accurate recording of receipt and issue of stock

Work flexibly

Where appropriate, to explain testing procedures and risks to patients and their guardians; collect data on patients health and medication and to obtain informed consent for procedure, if required

To assist in effective verbal and written communication by qualified and unqualified staff

To communicate, as appropriate, using information technology

Report any issues and complaints to appropriate person

Performs work duties to the standards required as a HCPC Biomedical Scientist

Undertake the correct procedures for the handling of specimens, pre and post analysis.

Maintain and operate equipment used in the preparation and analysis of specimens.

Perform a range of specialist and routine laboratory tests autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease processes under investigation.

Demonstrate awareness of factors affecting sample integrity, risks associated with the sample reagents, or method and other tests indicated by the outcome of the analysis.

Use the main laboratory computer system in accordance with service requirements

Performs work consistent with health and safety legislation, policies, procedures and assessment of risk

Ensures that all adverse incidents are reported to Datix (and to the MHRA where appropriate) in a timely manner

Correct and safe use and safety of equipment and physical environment.

Troubleshooting complex issues on analytical equipment

Receipt, checking, preparation, safe handling, dealing with spillage and storage of biological samples for analysis (including high risk samples).

Teach and train staff specialised techniques

Person specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential criteria

UK biomedical Science Degree
HCPC registration

Desirable criteria

IBMS membership

Knowledge and experience

Essential criteria

Experience of employment and working in a UK Cellular Pathology laboratory as a BMS for more than 6 months
Experience and working knowledge with a UK Pathology LIMS system
Experience and working knowledge of a UK QMS system with UKAS UK accreditation
Experience of performing routine histology, special staining manual and automated techniques, frozen sections, bone dissection, immunohistochemistry varying platforms , non gynae cytology

Desirable criteria

Neuropathology experience
Electron microscopy preparation and scanning

Skills and abilities

Essential criteria

Substantial experience in all routine aspects of Cellular Pathology
Experience in training others in Cellular Pathology techniques
Ability and evidence of organising and prioritising personal workload to ensure targets are met
Evidence of good interpersonal skills
Evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail

Thanks for taking the time to view this advert; we’re looking forward to receiving your application. You should be aware that the vacancy may close earlier than the published date if sufficient applications are received so it would be best to apply as soon as you can. We’ll contact you by e-mail to update you on the progress of your application so please check the e-mail account that you applied from (including spam/junk) regularly.

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership, neurodiversity or veteran status are encouraged to apply for this post. Our Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is available Here

To support you in your application process we’ve created a What we can offer you guide that shows what you can expect when you join our hospitals. The guide includes links to our strategic aims and objectives as well as our values, development support and rewards and benefits. To help you get the best from your application we’ve also put together two guides to help you make your application the best it can be. Just click here and here to go through them, or have them open as you complete your application.

We recognise that the recruitment process may present barriers for some and you may need personal adjustments to enable you to participate in our recruitment process. Please make contact with the recruitment team at the earliest opportunity to ensure that measures can be put in place to enable your application for this post.

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If you choose to use AI or other tools to assist in writing your application, it's essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section. While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. There is also a risk that it can generate false or misleading information.

AI-generated job applications can often be generic, impersonal and may not accurately reflect your qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experiences. It is crucial that you personalise your supporting statement by articulating these in your unique voice. Relying solely on AI to write your application or supporting information section is not advocated by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and could negatively impact your chances of success in the application process.

We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Supporting Information

The supporting information section is an opportunity for you to showcase how your qualifications, knowledge, skill and experiences align with the requirements and criteria outlined in the job description and person.

Our recruiting managers score applications based on the criteria listed in the person specification. They will be looking for evidence of how you meet these criteria. To increase your chances of securing an interview, provide examples of how you have applied your skills and knowledge in real-life situations. Share work-related successes and challenges you’ve navigated that align with the criteria. These could be from various aspects of your life, including work, education, and personal experiences.

Consider structuring your supporting information section with clear headings or bullet points. This approach will help both you and the recruiting manager navigate through your application more effectively.

Working Smarter pledge

We are reminded everyday of how important life is, so as part of our Working Smarter pledge we offer a variety of flexible working options and wellbeing support to enable our people to find and maintain the right work-life balance.

Secondments

If you are applying for a secondment role please ensure you have agreement from your current line manager prior to attending an interview. Also please ensure you have read the LTHTR Secondment Policy. A copy of this can be found on the intranet or by contacting [email protected]

Young People

Please note a young person must be in part-time education or training until they’re 18. therefore if you are under 18 we are unable to employ you on a full time basis, unless it is in an apprenticeship role.

Disclosure and Barring Service checks

If the role you’ve applied for requires a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check we will administer this on your behalf and the cost will be recovered from your salary, either as a one-off payment, or over 3 months. The level of check required depends on the role that you have been offered. Currently the charges are - Basic DBS check £26.40 Standard DBS check £26.40 and Enhanced DBS check £54.40. You should be aware that if you are successful in obtaining a position that requires a DBS check but later withdraw your application, you may be required to reimburse the cost of the DBS check. DBS checks remain free of charge for volunteer positions. The DBS Code of Practice can be accessed here.

In line with guidance from United Kingdom Health Security Agency, all staff and volunteers are required to comply with Trust Infection Prevention and Control processes in relation to safe working. This includes mask wearing and adherence to social distancing at all Trust sites.

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We look forward to hearing from you soon!