St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Advanced Biomedical Scientist – Histology Specimen Dissection

The closing date is 21 July 2025

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen within the Cellular Pathology Department for 2 full time specimen dissectors. The post holder(s) will have appropriate skills to support our Technical Leads across a number of specialist sections of this division.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for these vacancies within the Histopathology Laboratory in our busy but friendly department.

We are looking for enthusiastic, and hard working BMS's who should be HCPC registered and have considerable experience working in a diagnostic histopathology laboratory.

The post holder(s) are expected to participate, as appropriate, in regional and national groups to develop guidelines and support development of Cellular Pathology provision across the London 5 network.

The department is an approved training laboratory and has full accreditation. We encourage personal development and actively support the IBMS CPD scheme by holding regular meetings and encouraging attendance at external meetings. Participation in further studies will be supported.

This post is based at St. George's Hospital however the post holder may be required to work at any of the SWLP sites as and when necessary.

Main duties of the job

1. To provide and co-ordinate specialist clinical technical services to patients that may include research and audit samples.

2. To undertake the day-to-day management of a section within the laboratory under the direction of a line manager.

3. Contribute to providing a professional clinical technical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department.

4. To provide the necessary training and supervision to staff within the section.

5. To actively participate in the extended BMS role of histology specimen dissection. As a guide working time will be approximately apportioned as a Specimen dissector. This will encompass B-E grade specimens, routine Advanced BMS duties including acting as the designated person responsible for managing and co-ordinating activities within the cut-up or routine section of the Histopathology Laboratory (this role may be shared with other Advanced BMS posts).

The post-holder responsibilities will include provision of advanced technical support, supervision, training, and management to provide a technical service that meet the Trust and national standards.

Find out more about South West London Pathology on our website

About us

South West London Pathology

An award winning NHS partnership providing a highly dependable, clinically assured and cost effective diagnostic pathology service.

South West London Pathology is an award winning pathology partnership between Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which provides a single, integrated pathology service across South West London and beyond.

Details

Date posted

07 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£54,320 to £60,981 a year Per annum incl HCAS (Inner)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

200-STG-713108-7273905-DK

Job locations

St. George's Hospital, Cellular Pathology Department, Jenner wing, Basement

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Job description

Job responsibilities

Histology Specimen Dissection

25. Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic B-E graded histopathology specimens (range will be dependent on experience, knowledge but also consultants discretion) which will encompass the following:

  • Evaluate clinical information on histopathology request cards and understand specimen idiosyncrasies.
  • Macroscopically examine, describe and photograph specimens where necessary.
  • Dissect and select relevant material for histological processing.
  • Select appropriate preparatory procedures to aid diagnostic interpretation e.g. decalcification etc.
  • Provide a provisional diagnostic macroscopic report dictation.
  • Be able to recall complex specimens with clarity, or have supporting evidence of dissection in way of drawings or pictures.

**Please refer to the attached job description and specification for more information**

Job description

Job responsibilities

Histology Specimen Dissection

25. Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic B-E graded histopathology specimens (range will be dependent on experience, knowledge but also consultants discretion) which will encompass the following:

  • Evaluate clinical information on histopathology request cards and understand specimen idiosyncrasies.
  • Macroscopically examine, describe and photograph specimens where necessary.
  • Dissect and select relevant material for histological processing.
  • Select appropriate preparatory procedures to aid diagnostic interpretation e.g. decalcification etc.
  • Provide a provisional diagnostic macroscopic report dictation.
  • Be able to recall complex specimens with clarity, or have supporting evidence of dissection in way of drawings or pictures.

**Please refer to the attached job description and specification for more information**

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • MSc in Biomedical Sciences
  • An honours degree or equivalent in a biological science
  • HCPC Registration
  • IBMS Specialist Diploma in Histology or equivalent experience
  • Equivalent experience at masters level

Desirable

  • Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
  • IBMS Diploma of Expert or Advanced Practice in Histological Dissection

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Proven experience post HCPC registration in the relevant discipline
  • Excellent working knowledge of all aspects of specialist subject in relevant discipline
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Evidence of ability to problem solve
  • Knowledge of health and safety legislation, policies and procedures
  • Evidence of experience of quality management systems, audits and document control
  • Knowledge of quality control and assurance

Desirable

  • Experience of training laboratory staff
  • Experience of clinical governance issues

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Able to follow written methodologies or protocols
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work
  • Intermediate level of computer skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Experience of IQC and/or EQA review

Other relevant requirements

Essential

  • Good hand eye co-ordination
  • Able to perform light physical work
  • Capable of intense periods of concentration
Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • MSc in Biomedical Sciences
  • An honours degree or equivalent in a biological science
  • HCPC Registration
  • IBMS Specialist Diploma in Histology or equivalent experience
  • Equivalent experience at masters level

Desirable

  • Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
  • IBMS Diploma of Expert or Advanced Practice in Histological Dissection

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Proven experience post HCPC registration in the relevant discipline
  • Excellent working knowledge of all aspects of specialist subject in relevant discipline
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Evidence of ability to problem solve
  • Knowledge of health and safety legislation, policies and procedures
  • Evidence of experience of quality management systems, audits and document control
  • Knowledge of quality control and assurance

Desirable

  • Experience of training laboratory staff
  • Experience of clinical governance issues

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Competence in PC word processing, spreadsheet and database software
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Able to follow written methodologies or protocols
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work
  • Intermediate level of computer skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Experience of IQC and/or EQA review

Other relevant requirements

Essential

  • Good hand eye co-ordination
  • Able to perform light physical work
  • Capable of intense periods of concentration

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. George's Hospital, Cellular Pathology Department, Jenner wing, Basement

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Employer's website

https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. George's Hospital, Cellular Pathology Department, Jenner wing, Basement

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Employer's website

https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

General Manager

Dalian Beaver

Dalian.Beaver@stgeorges.nhs.uk

02087254997

Details

Date posted

07 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£54,320 to £60,981 a year Per annum incl HCAS (Inner)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

200-STG-713108-7273905-DK

Job locations

St. George's Hospital, Cellular Pathology Department, Jenner wing, Basement

Blackshaw Road

London

SW17 0QT


Supporting documents

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