Job overview

The Histology Department at Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) in Somerset is looking for a qualified Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our team of professionals, and make a difference in the field! We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to providing a high-quality testing service and are enthusiastic about mentoring and sharing their knowledge. Take the next step in your career and be part of our innovative and dynamic organisation.

Our Histology team operates its service across two laboratories, Taunton and Yeovil. This position is primarily based at our Taunton Laboratory within our Essential Service Laboratory at Musgrove Park Hospital, although there may be some limited travel to Yeovil to support the service needs. You will have the opportunity to work in a laboratory that takes a leading technological approach with state-of-the-art technology in digital pathology and specimen tracking.

SYNLAB UK & Ireland have extensive experience of working in partnership with the NHS to deliver and improve pathology services through its existing pathology joint ventures - including Southwest Pathology Services (SPS). Our team at SPS have been fundamental to the principle of making a positive difference to healthcare in Somerset for over a decade. We hold ISO15189 UKAS accreditation and are an HCPC approved training Laboratory for both IBMS Registration and Specialist Portfolios.

At SYNLAB, we believe in nurturing a culture of well-being and ensuring our employees are supported both professionally and personally. We offer a Wellbeing Allowance worth up to £1500 per annum for our esteemed team members working in Band 2 - 6 roles, as well as £5000 welcome bonus for joining the business. SPS maintains a comprehensive training budget designed to support the career development of all staff members to include Specialist Diplomas, Masters Degrees and Dissection Expert Practice. This investment ensures that employees have access to the necessary resources and opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge and advance their professional growth.

Main duties of the job

As an Biomedical Scientist within the Histology team, you will perform routine and specialist testing, providing patient centred scientific excellence whilst maintaining high-quality standards in accordance with ISO15189. This includes, tissue dissection of Category A and B specimens, immunohistochemistry using the Leica Bond platform, Quality Control Procedures, cellular pathology tinctorial staining and audit.

You will supervise, mentor and support Medical Laboratory Assistants and Associate Practitioners within your department, sharing your knowledge, experience and passion for your work. SPS will commit to support you in developing your skills and knowledge in line with your professional growth and our business interests.

Most importantly, through our shared values, you will help to make a positive difference to the lives, health and wellbeing of those within our community.

Working for our organisation

Formed in 2012, Southwest Pathology Services (SPS) is a joint venture between SYNLAB and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. The partnership serves a population of around 500,000 and delivers services to the Trust and more than 100 GP practices, delivering on over 9 million tests annually.

Originally, there was a single site at each hospital with both undertaking similar urgent and non-urgent tests. We developed a central ‘hub’ laboratory in Taunton with an ‘essential services laboratory’ at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital to provide urgent testing.