Job summary
The post holder must be a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist registered with the HCPC, possess a relevant higher degree (e.g. MSc in Pathological Sciences) and hold the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection including successful completion of the gastrointestinal and / or cardiothoracic module. The successful candidate will hold the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Dissection and have the knowledge and experience of working at this advanced level in gastrointestinal and / or cardiothoracic histopathology. However, consideration will be given to candidates with the Advanced Specialist Diploma or experience of dissection at this level in other specialties or who are working toward this qualification who may be appointed into an Advanced Practitioner Training role (Band 7). On completion of this qualification, they will move into the Advanced Practitioner role (Band 8a).
Consideration will also be given to Clinical Scientists who have completed the Specialist Scientific Training Programme in Tissue Dissection and who can demonstrate appropriate / relevant experience in gastrointestinal and / or cardiothoracic dissection.The successful candidate may also be asked to undertake dissection in other specialties depending on their experiences and qualifications held.
Main duties of the job
With support from the Consultant Histopathologist team, and following competency assessment, you will be independently dissecting category A - E specimens using RCPath data sets.
You will, in conjunction with Consultant Pathologists, interpret national policies for their specialised section and take part in their implementation.
Sharing the responsibility with Specialty Lead Pathologist of specialist team for training of BMS / resident doctors in cut up techniques.
You will be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience of the specialist techniques associated with dissection including decalcification, fixation, macro photography and dissection, tissue processing and embedding techniques.
We support and encourage our Biomedical Scientists to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities, which could be internal talks and seminars, as well as attending approved courses. We also have a dedicated Training Lead, supporting the Cellular Pathology strategy for training, as well as Training Officers within each department. The department also has full HCPC training status for pre and post registration IBMS portfolios, and full ISO 15189 accreditation.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.
As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat sits with the Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how we care for you as you care for others. Most importantly, it also contains critical information youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.
As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration, through possession of an acceptable degree
- Relevant MSc or equivalent qualification
- IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection or qualification via the STP prgramme
- Holds the IBMS ASD
- Evidence of ongoing CPD
Desirable
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists
- Leadership / management qualification
Knowledge
Essential
- A working knowledge of RCPath cancer data sets and dissection guidelines including block selection for diagnosis and research
- Extensive histopathology laboratory knowledge including decalcification, fixation, tissue processing, and embedding techniques.
- Awareness of all local and national legislation / policies relating to relevant aspects of Lab Med
- Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards including uncertainty of measurement, validation, verification etc
Desirable
- A working knowledge of the RCPath retention and storage of pathological records and specimens guidelines
training and experience
Essential
- Extensive tissue dissection experience
- Extensive experience in an adult histopathology laboratory
- training and supervision of staff including junior medical staff
- experience in managing health and safety
- experience of participation and preparation for an ISO inspection
- Experience of leading a team
Desirable
- Experience of dealing with user complaints
- Experience in incident investigation / root cause analysis
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent presentation skills
- Good communication skills (verbal and written)
- Evidence of working as part of a team
- Good time management and prioritisation skills
- Good IT skills including commonly used software packages in the laboratory and dissection areas
- Able to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to individuals or groups
Attributes
Essential
- Remain calm under pressure
- Adopt a flexible approach to working
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration, through possession of an acceptable degree
- Relevant MSc or equivalent qualification
- IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection or qualification via the STP prgramme
- Holds the IBMS ASD
- Evidence of ongoing CPD
Desirable
- Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists
- Leadership / management qualification
Knowledge
Essential
- A working knowledge of RCPath cancer data sets and dissection guidelines including block selection for diagnosis and research
- Extensive histopathology laboratory knowledge including decalcification, fixation, tissue processing, and embedding techniques.
- Awareness of all local and national legislation / policies relating to relevant aspects of Lab Med
- Knowledge of ISO 15189 standards including uncertainty of measurement, validation, verification etc
Desirable
- A working knowledge of the RCPath retention and storage of pathological records and specimens guidelines
training and experience
Essential
- Extensive tissue dissection experience
- Extensive experience in an adult histopathology laboratory
- training and supervision of staff including junior medical staff
- experience in managing health and safety
- experience of participation and preparation for an ISO inspection
- Experience of leading a team
Desirable
- Experience of dealing with user complaints
- Experience in incident investigation / root cause analysis
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent presentation skills
- Good communication skills (verbal and written)
- Evidence of working as part of a team
- Good time management and prioritisation skills
- Good IT skills including commonly used software packages in the laboratory and dissection areas
- Able to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to individuals or groups
Attributes
Essential
- Remain calm under pressure
- Adopt a flexible approach to working
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).
