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Job summary

Main area
Cellular Pathology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 8a
Contract
Permanent: 37.5 hours per week
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Participation in pathology duty managers roster (On Call) is expected.)
Job ref
358-7641183-CSI
Employer
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Town
Leicester
Salary
£55,690 - £62,682 per annum pro rota for part time hours
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
18/01/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust logo

Advanced Scientist Dissector

NHS AfC: Band 8a

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Job overview

Advanced Scientist Dissector

 

Applications are invited for an Advanced Scientist Dissector to join our committed and enthusiastic team in the Cellular Pathology department in Leicester. The position will be based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and the Glenfield Hospital sites.

 

You will work with colleagues within the Cellular Pathology Department to ensure provision of a high quality Pathology service in UHL. Responsibilities will include specimen dissection and the training and supervision of Biomedical Scientists and junior medical staff in appropriate dissection techniques. You will be recognised as specialist in your field, and as such expert practice will comprise the most significant part of their role.

 

This post is intended to provide highly specialist dissection of complex specimens in support of the consultant reporting teams within the Cellular Pathology Service. This will involve day to day management of these sections under the direction of the Dissection Lead and consultant teams, ensuring that all aspects of performance, attendance and training are addressed in accordance with Trust Policy.

 

For further information/informal discussion, please contact:

 

Matthew Peatfield - 0116 258 6591.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

  • Assist the dissection lead in the Management and provision of service delivery in the specified area according to agreed departmental objectives by appropriate allocation of staff and material resources

  • Provide expert scientific and technical advice within the department and to service users, and assist medical staff in the interpretation of complex technical and scientific issues.

  • To perform independent dissection of complex specimens that fall within the RCPath designation of category A, B and C and a range of category D & E specimens.

  • Ensure management and training of staff in their area is in accordance with the department’s training plan and ensure that staff’s duties are consistent with their competence

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals: 

  • high-quality care for all, 
  • being a great place to work, 
  • partnerships for impact, and 
  • research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

  • we are compassionate,
  • we are proud, 
  • we are inclusive, and 
  • we are one team 

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  • Take an active role in departmental education activities including supervision and teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • Be responsible for the evaluation and implementation of new equipment, methods and practices for the section as appropriate
  • Maintain expert knowledge of current technological and scientific developments.
  • Senior point of contact for emergencies in the designated area.
  • Maintain continual professional education and promote lifelong learning for managed staff.
  • To work to the defined quality standards for all aspects of the service e.g. United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and all the standards this encompasses
  • The post holder will be expected to work with the Dissection lead/Advanced Biomedical Scientist responsible for Specimen Reception and Dissection regarding supervision of staff and scheduling of dissection sessions.
  • To review the performance of staff in consultation with the Quality and Training Manager and make recommendations for development and further training.
  • To provide documentation and quality data as required for the Quality Management System.
  • To deliver training to Biomedical Scientist staff, other staff grades (including medical staff and clinical scientists) and placement students, and to maintain relevant training records both for the dissection section and within general Histology.
  • To participate in research and trials support, including tissue sampling, the evaluation of research portfolios and the provision of tissue for external research and trials.
  • To create, maintain and review relevant Standard Operating Procedures. This includes writing Standard Operating Procedures electronically using the document control procedure
  • To promote and maintain a high standard of relevant education and training.
  • To assist with aspects of Health and Safety monitoring and Risk Assessments. To ensure all equipment and procedures are fit for purpose.

Please see job description/ person specification for further details  

Person specification

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours

Training & Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • BSc in Biomedical Sciences or other IBMS accredited degree
  • Hold HCPC registration
  • Must hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent
  • Must hold an MSc level qualification or demonstrate equivalent experience
  • Must hold the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection
  • Must hold the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) or have significant relevant experience of dissection of RCPath category D & E Histological specimens and show significant progression through an ASD
Desirable criteria
  • Other relevant courses with regards to H&S, supervision, quality or training

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Detailed understanding of job content.
  • Experience and advanced knowledge of a range of histology techniques including but not limited to tissue fixation; frozen sections, tissue processing, tissue decalcification, fat clearance, image capture for multiple specimen types.
  • Significant practical experience of dissection of category D & E specimens
  • Substantial post -registration experience in an ISO 15189 accredited NHS histology laboratory
  • Experience of training staff in complex histological dissection procedures

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to work with other staff to improve and develop working practices
  • Experience in demonstrating leadership qualities and supervisory skills personal knowledge and research findings

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential criteria
  • Full understanding and compliance with health and safety protocols.
  • Ability to maintain focus despite background noise and interruptions.
  • Ability to concentrate for long periods.
  • Understand and follow complex instructions.
  • Ability to interpret complex radiological images and clinical histories for histopathological correlation.

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to work undirected and autonomously making judgements on workflow
  • Maintains composure in pressurised situations.
  • Evidence of effective time management skills.
  • Evidence of a methodical approach.
  • Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work and readjust priorities accordingly.
  • Ability to undertake clinical audit and present findings.

Physical skills

Essential criteria
  • Must have excellent keyboard and IT skills
  • Dissection requires acute hand/eye co -ordination, physical dexterity, manipulation of fine tools.

Equality and Diversity

Essential criteria
  • Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential criteria
  • Commitment to undertake any further training required to develop the post holders own practice in line with new and evolving dissection standards and techniques

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoCare quality commission - Goodhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such 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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Matthew Peatfield
Job title
Cellular Pathology General Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0116 258 6591
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