Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Pathology Digital & Informatics Lead

The closing date is 27 April 2026

Job summary

As we embark on the next stages of our Pathology Digital Transformation Programme an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Biomedical Scientist to join our Digital Pathology team on a permanent basis.

The post holder will practice as a specialist registered Biomedical Scientist and act as the dedicated Pathology Digital Lead for the day to day support and development of Pathology IT systems such as; Winpath Enterprise LIMS, specialist middleware systems, ICE and NPEX.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.

Main duties of the job

o The post holder will act as the dedicated Pathology lead for Pathology clinical applications and wider Pathology requirements including analyser and middleware etco Act as a technology champion; working with staff across all disciplines on embracing technological changes and ensuring these are implemented in a safe manner. Role in encouraging pathology staff to upskill with IT.o Responsible for the coordination and implementation of change, including large scale Pathology IT change programmeso Ensure Pathology staff across all roles and disciplines are aware of and up to date with business continuity procedures in the event of downtime whether planned or unplannedo Liaison with 3rd party companies on, issues, risks, implementations and updateso Auditing of users, and ensuring appropriate access to systems is maintained alongside Applications Managemento Ensure appropriate SOPs for all Pathology staff on the use of IT systems exist and are up to date in line with Pathology Quality Management Standards.o Ensure IT enables lab to maintain ISO/MHRA standards.o Undertake IT related corrective actions and flag risks as appropriateo The post holder will be responsible for the maintenance of equipment in relation to Pathology systems across the department and lead on the implementation of new technology, procedures and policies.

About us

We manage three major locality hospitals at North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham, plus a number of smaller community hospitals and clinics from Tynemouth to Berwick on Tweed, covering one of the largest geographical areas of any NHS trust in the country. Leading in innovation and quality - opening a state of the art Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, the first of its kind in England. Do you want to work in one of the best performing NHS organisations in England? Work in an organisation that supports its staff and focuses on staff experience as much as it does the experience of its patients? You can live and breathe in an area that has the cleanest air, cost effective living, great nightlife, some of the best schools with a wealth of history available on your doorstep. Sound too good to be true? Well it isn't, this is what you get when you work for Northumbria Healthcare, this is the Northumbria Way! Please read 'applicant guidance notes' before submitting your application.

Details

Date posted

13 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

319-7887332KD

Job locations

North Tyneside Hospital

Rake Lane

North Shields

NE29 8NH


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will practice as a specialist registered Biomedical Scientist in the Pathology Department, working as part of a team in the provision of a high-quality diagnostic service to Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust and General Practitioners. Working as the lead for Pathology IT alongside regional colleagues on strategic developments as part of the ePath Programme Post holder will be responsible for the management and co-ordination of the technical activities of the Digital & Informatics speciality area, working alongside senior colleagues on the strategic management of Pathology systems such as LIMS, NPEX, Middleware and ICE across the whole department The post holder will take the lead role in resolving any technical failures or managerial non-conformities that arise through the improper or incorrect use of Pathology systems, which may impact on service delivery. This will include the investigation of relevant incidents according to the trust incident management policy and in conjunction with Pathology Quality Manager, introducing service change as required and monitoring impact of change. To ensure the resilient delivery of pathology information management by providing both application and operational support, working within scope of competence to ensure day to day delivery of pathology IT solutions, and ensuring system inputs and outputs satisfy the needs of the users. Post holder will be responsible for identifying and planning for the modification of pathology systems to meet the changing requirements of service users To keep abreast of developments in laboratory informatics that may benefit the quality of services provided by the NHCT Pathology Service Acting as the dedicated Pathology lead for Pathology clinical applications and wider Pathology requirements including analyser and middleware etc Ensures operational integration across all IM&T applications in use across the NHCT Pathology service Ensuring staff across the trust and wider community including Primary Care, Community and regional colleagues are aware of changes to Pathology IT systems and processes They will also participate in the supervision, training and development of Trainee/Newly Qualified and specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) on the safe and proper use of Pathology IT systems.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will practice as a specialist registered Biomedical Scientist in the Pathology Department, working as part of a team in the provision of a high-quality diagnostic service to Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust and General Practitioners. Working as the lead for Pathology IT alongside regional colleagues on strategic developments as part of the ePath Programme Post holder will be responsible for the management and co-ordination of the technical activities of the Digital & Informatics speciality area, working alongside senior colleagues on the strategic management of Pathology systems such as LIMS, NPEX, Middleware and ICE across the whole department The post holder will take the lead role in resolving any technical failures or managerial non-conformities that arise through the improper or incorrect use of Pathology systems, which may impact on service delivery. This will include the investigation of relevant incidents according to the trust incident management policy and in conjunction with Pathology Quality Manager, introducing service change as required and monitoring impact of change. To ensure the resilient delivery of pathology information management by providing both application and operational support, working within scope of competence to ensure day to day delivery of pathology IT solutions, and ensuring system inputs and outputs satisfy the needs of the users. Post holder will be responsible for identifying and planning for the modification of pathology systems to meet the changing requirements of service users To keep abreast of developments in laboratory informatics that may benefit the quality of services provided by the NHCT Pathology Service Acting as the dedicated Pathology lead for Pathology clinical applications and wider Pathology requirements including analyser and middleware etc Ensures operational integration across all IM&T applications in use across the NHCT Pathology service Ensuring staff across the trust and wider community including Primary Care, Community and regional colleagues are aware of changes to Pathology IT systems and processes They will also participate in the supervision, training and development of Trainee/Newly Qualified and specialist Biomedical Scientists (BMS), Associate Practitioners (AP) and Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) on the safe and proper use of Pathology IT systems.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • IBMS Approved BSc (Hons) or equivalent
  • Relevant masters level of knowledge or equivalent experience
  • State Registration (Health Professions Council)
  • Evidence of Continuing professional development

Desirable

  • PRINCE 2 Practitioner or equivalent experience in the leading of projects and change initiatives

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Significant post state registration Pathology experience or significant experience of working with clinical/NHS systems and data interfaces.
  • Experience of operating within a formal and structured data environment
  • Advanced knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems
  • Understanding of Pathology regulatory requirements e.g. UKAS

Desirable

  • Management experience

Other Requirements

Essential

  • You may also need to travel between Trust premises as required for the performance of your duties. You may also be expected to work at any of the trust sites. The Trust would consider making reasonable adjustments to the role, if necessary, to enable a disabled person to undertake the role
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • IBMS Approved BSc (Hons) or equivalent
  • Relevant masters level of knowledge or equivalent experience
  • State Registration (Health Professions Council)
  • Evidence of Continuing professional development

Desirable

  • PRINCE 2 Practitioner or equivalent experience in the leading of projects and change initiatives

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Significant post state registration Pathology experience or significant experience of working with clinical/NHS systems and data interfaces.
  • Experience of operating within a formal and structured data environment
  • Advanced knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems
  • Understanding of Pathology regulatory requirements e.g. UKAS

Desirable

  • Management experience

Other Requirements

Essential

  • You may also need to travel between Trust premises as required for the performance of your duties. You may also be expected to work at any of the trust sites. The Trust would consider making reasonable adjustments to the role, if necessary, to enable a disabled person to undertake the role

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North Tyneside Hospital

Rake Lane

North Shields

NE29 8NH


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North Tyneside Hospital

Rake Lane

North Shields

NE29 8NH


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Pathology Programme Manager

Hannah Bacon

hannah.bacon@nhct.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

13 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

319-7887332KD

Job locations

North Tyneside Hospital

Rake Lane

North Shields

NE29 8NH


Supporting documents

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