Job summary
Applications are invited from highly motivated Specialist Biomedical Scientists to join our Cellular Pathology team at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
We are looking for dynamic individuals to support our expanding service needs, applicants must demonstrate specialist level knowledge and experience of Cellular Pathology, technical skills and ability to support staff training, quality and development.
The department provides Histopathology, Cytopathology and Mortuary services housed within a purpose-built facility in a prime city-centre location. We receive a broad range of specimens from within the Trust, General Practitioners and as a specialist referral centre handle cases regionally, nationally and from overseas; we provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience with a wide range of specimens and repertoire of tests. We work closely with genomics services, accommodating the increasing complexity of integrated pathology and molecular diagnostics.
The laboratory is divided into a Specimen Reception, Slide Production, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Muscle & Nerve, Electron Microscopy, Neuropathology, Cytology, Genomics preparation, Mohs and research facility 'NovoPath'. We have established Advanced Practitioner roles undertaking specimen dissection with some undertaking RCPath reporting qualifications for BMSs.
- Interview Date Wednesday 02 July 2025
- 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week, including participation in Saturday rota (approximately one week in 6)
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Main duties of the job
To contribute to the provision of an effective clinical Cellular Pathology service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners, other Trusts and other users of the service. This will involve assisting a line manager with operational continuity by supervising, organising and directing Biomedical Scientists, Healthcare Science Associate Practitioners and Healthcare Science Assistants and also imparting specialist knowledge in clinical and technical situations and will report non-compliance's to their line manager. This would include training and mentorship of staff undertaking portfolios.
To ensure laboratory diagnostic tests and procedures are performed accurately and efficiently and results validated microscopically and judgement used in determining if further tests/procedures are necessary.
To microscopically interpret tissue and/or fluid samples, select and dissect areas for diagnosis e.g. renal biopsies.
To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment. To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH, Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any non-compliances to the Department Health and Safety Officer.
About us
Our staff oversee over 6,500 patient contacts every day, delivering high standards of healthcare from the following sites:
o Freeman Hospitalo Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)o Health Innovation Neighbourhood (on the former Newcastle General Hospital and Centre for Ageing and Vitality site)o Newcastle Dental Hospitalo Newcastle Fertility Centreo Northern Centre for Cancer Care, North Cumbriao Northern Genetics Serviceo Cramlington Manor Walks
These include a range of flagship services which deliver cutting-edge care (supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic services in both radiology and pathology) and are a catalyst for innovation to support pioneering clinical practice in the NHS.
We also have offices at Regent Point in Gosforth and community sites.
Please see attached information on what Staff Benefits we have to offer at our Trust under 'Documents to download' or 'Supporting documents'.
For further information on The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust please visit: Careers | Newcastle Hospitals | NHS | Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Job description
Job responsibilities
It is an essential requirement that all candidates are HCPC registered and have completed an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology. Applications will be considered if they have submitted a portfolio pending verification. If successful, they would be appointed as Band 5 Registered Biomedical Scientist until Specialist Portfolio certificate is received.
The laboratory is open Monday Friday, 7am 6pm, flexibility is encouraged to support the staff and the service. As a major Transplant Centre, we also provide an out of hours on-call service that is voluntary to join.
- The department of Cellular Pathology is made up of Histology, Cytology, Neuropathology, Research and Mortuary Services. The post holder will rotate between sections and participate as part of a team, in providing Cellular Pathology service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners, other Trusts and other users of the service.
- Procedures will be carried out without supervision under the guidance of a Senior Biomedical Scientist.
- To work as part of a team in the receipt of Cellular Pathology specimens, assisting in specimen dissection and preparing samples for processing, recording details on the laboratory information system, storage and eventual disposal of residual tissue.
- To undertake cryotomy on intraoperative tissue samples (frozen sections) and produce high quality sections in a timely and efficient manner.
- To carry out a wide range of laboratory procedures, e.g. taking X-rays of breast and bone samples, programming tissue processors, orientating and embedding tissue samples, preparing and analysing non-gynaecological cytology preparations, microtomy, tissue staining, immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, moleculardiagnostic procedures, validate results and use judgement in determining and initiating further procedures that may be required.
- To actively participate in the maintenance and basic trouble shooting of laboratory equipment, report any faults and non-compliances to a senior member of staff and take prompt and appropriate action in response to unexpected situations.
- To participate in Quality Control and correct any minor non-conformities and report any major non-compliant events to a senior member of staff.
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment for you, colleagues and visitors.
- To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH,Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any noncompliances to a senior member of staff.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy
Job description
Job responsibilities
It is an essential requirement that all candidates are HCPC registered and have completed an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology. Applications will be considered if they have submitted a portfolio pending verification. If successful, they would be appointed as Band 5 Registered Biomedical Scientist until Specialist Portfolio certificate is received.
The laboratory is open Monday Friday, 7am 6pm, flexibility is encouraged to support the staff and the service. As a major Transplant Centre, we also provide an out of hours on-call service that is voluntary to join.
- The department of Cellular Pathology is made up of Histology, Cytology, Neuropathology, Research and Mortuary Services. The post holder will rotate between sections and participate as part of a team, in providing Cellular Pathology service to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners, other Trusts and other users of the service.
- Procedures will be carried out without supervision under the guidance of a Senior Biomedical Scientist.
- To work as part of a team in the receipt of Cellular Pathology specimens, assisting in specimen dissection and preparing samples for processing, recording details on the laboratory information system, storage and eventual disposal of residual tissue.
- To undertake cryotomy on intraoperative tissue samples (frozen sections) and produce high quality sections in a timely and efficient manner.
- To carry out a wide range of laboratory procedures, e.g. taking X-rays of breast and bone samples, programming tissue processors, orientating and embedding tissue samples, preparing and analysing non-gynaecological cytology preparations, microtomy, tissue staining, immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, moleculardiagnostic procedures, validate results and use judgement in determining and initiating further procedures that may be required.
- To actively participate in the maintenance and basic trouble shooting of laboratory equipment, report any faults and non-compliances to a senior member of staff and take prompt and appropriate action in response to unexpected situations.
- To participate in Quality Control and correct any minor non-conformities and report any major non-compliant events to a senior member of staff.
- To work in compliance with local health and safety rules to ensure a safe working environment for you, colleagues and visitors.
- To adhere to department and Trust Health and Safety policies (including COSHH,Risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures) and to report any noncompliances to a senior member of staff.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us and for our patients, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent qualification
- IBMS Specialist Diploma (postgraduate) in Cellular Pathology or equivalent level of knowledge
- Current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a Cellular Pathology laboratory
- Broad knowledge of Cellular Pathology and specialist knowledge of Cellular Pathology including Laboratory Techniques
Desirable
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Able to organise and prioritise own work activities
- Communication skills
- Analytical and judgemental skills
- Planning and organisational skills
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent qualification
- IBMS Specialist Diploma (postgraduate) in Cellular Pathology or equivalent level of knowledge
- Current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a Cellular Pathology laboratory
- Broad knowledge of Cellular Pathology and specialist knowledge of Cellular Pathology including Laboratory Techniques
Desirable
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Able to organise and prioritise own work activities
- Communication skills
- Analytical and judgemental skills
- Planning and organisational skills
Desirable
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
