Expert Practitioner Histopathological Dissection

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 01 January 2025

Job summary

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL) is seeking to appoint a substantive Expert Practitioner Healthcare Scientist (Histological Dissection) within LCL. This is an excellent opportunity to join the largest provider of specialist histological pathology services in Cheshire and Merseyside.

The successful candidate will be a registered Biomedical or Clinical Scientist with a significant background in histopathology dissection and hold an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice (DEP) in Histological Dissection. We are seeking a strong leader with attention to detail and an innovation mindset.

Candidates who do not hold a DEP (dissection) are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will be supported to complete the portfolio and appointed under Annex 21 terms and conditions

In addition to the dissection role, candidates will be involved in the leadership and management for the dissection and specimen reception services in collaboration with a team of Expert Practitioner team leaders and Advanced Practitioners.

We're looking for people who see opportunities to innovate and lead, and who recognise that behind every sample is a patient. If you're someone who inspires those around you and is a true 'team player', we want to hear from you.

Interested candidates are welcome and encouraged to visit our new state of the art laboratory. Please note that our BMS dissection roles and scope of responsibility are currently under review.

Main duties of the job

Expert Practitioners undertake a wide range of complex scientific procedures which result in the correct interpretation of biological samples. Their decisions contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases, including cancer, and the investigation of other pathological processes. They dissect the full range of histological specimens from all specialties (Category A-C) and may dissect select specimens from all specialities, as per training and competence (Cat D-E).

The Expert Practitioner will provide support to the medical staff by participating in the weekly pan-departmental cut-up rota. They will continue to develop their learning and hone their skills throughout their tenure.

In addition to their dissection role, the successful candidate will take responsibility in the management of the specimen reception or dissection laboratories, ensuring effective processes are in place to provide timely specimen flow and the highest quality service.

Together with a team of expert and advanced dissectors, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring quality practices are adhered to in line with ISO15189 and ensure training for biomedical scientists and laboratory technicians is prioritised within their team.

Additionally, the post holder will collaborate with our advanced practitioners and consultant pathologists to assist with the training of medical specialist trainees where appropriate.

About us

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.

UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.

For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.

Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.

For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit their careers page.

Date posted

19 December 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

287-LCL-123-24

Job locations

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories

Liverpool

L7 8YE

Job description

Job responsibilities

Undertake a wide range of complex scientific procedures which result in the interpretation of biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes. They will dissect the full range of specimens from all specialties (Category A-C) as required and competent and may dissect select specimens from all specialties as per training and competence (Cat D-E).

Communicate using a wide range of complex scientific and medical terminology to clinical colleagues including pathologists, surgeons and radiologists ensuring full comprehension and appropriate action.

Play a lead role in the education, training and development of Biomedical Scientists and junior medical staff in the macroscopic description, dissection and sampling of specimens.

Play an active role in the service's training and education programme

Plays an active role in coordination and management of collection of tissue for research purposes.

For a full list of duties, please refer to the attached job description and person specification

Job description

Job responsibilities

Play a lead role in the education, training and development of Biomedical Scientists and junior medical staff in the macroscopic description, dissection and sampling of specimens.

Play an active role in the service's training and education programme

Plays an active role in coordination and management of collection of tissue for research purposes.

For a full list of duties, please refer to the attached job description and person specification

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Approve degree
HPC registration
MSc or relevant experience

Experience

Essential

Relevant post registration experience in a histopathology laboratory
In depth specialist knowledge of histology

Desirable

Evidence of practical experience in: non-gynae cytology, immunocytochemistry, renal and muscle biopsies.
IBMS Specialist diploma in histopathology

Skills

Essential

Evidence of a flexible and adaptable approach to work
Good time keeping
Evidence of ability to interact with other groups of staff
Self confidence
Evidence of good verbal skills

Desirable

Previous supervisory experience
Managing minor breaches of discipline
Motivational skills
Evidence of ability to write documents
Experience of in-house training of staff
Undertake Risk Assessments
Experience in managing health and safety

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Approve degree
HPC registration
MSc or relevant experience

Experience

Essential

Relevant post registration experience in a histopathology laboratory
In depth specialist knowledge of histology

Desirable

Evidence of practical experience in: non-gynae cytology, immunocytochemistry, renal and muscle biopsies.
IBMS Specialist diploma in histopathology

Skills

Essential

Evidence of a flexible and adaptable approach to work
Good time keeping
Evidence of ability to interact with other groups of staff
Self confidence
Evidence of good verbal skills

Desirable

Previous supervisory experience
Managing minor breaches of discipline
Motivational skills
Evidence of ability to write documents
Experience of in-house training of staff
Undertake Risk Assessments
Experience in managing health and safety

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.