Job summary
The Histology department receives, examines and reports upon a wide range of diagnostic tissue samples. These vary widely in terms of size and complexity. The appropriate examination, dissection and sampling of such samples is essential to accurate and timely diagnosis, particularly as many of these will be cancer cases.
Due to the complex nature of this task an advanced understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology is necessary. In addition to these academic requirements a high degree practical skill and experience is essential. An understanding of the distinction between normal variation in tissue and pathological disease is essential so that incidental or unexpected findings of disease can be correctly identified and sampled.
Applicants that do not meet the full essential criteria may be considered for Annex 21 developmental role, where full support to complete the necessary criteria will be given.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will hold and maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS). They will fulfil their dissection duties in accordance with RCPath guidelines and will be required to perform dissection of histological tissue samples, under the supervision of a Consultant Pathologist.
They will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries and will be required to verify and validate completed work. Because they will be undertaking dissection duties under local agreement it is essential the post holder demonstrates, and maintains, continuing competence through a system of ongoing review which will be overseen by Consultant Histopathologists.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
o At least 27 days of annual leaveplus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefitso Blue Light card eligibilityo And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please emailmtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.netif this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please emailmtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.netif this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection or equivalent competency in A-C category dissection.
- Membership or Fellowship of IBMS (MIBMS or FIBMS)
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in dissection - or equivalent competency in D and E category dissection.
Knowledge
Essential
- Advanced understanding of histopathology and anatomy with up to date knowledge of RCPath guidelines for specimen dissection
- Evidence of proficiency in dissecting a wide range of specimen types and pathologies
- Understanding of H&S requirements in laboratory
- Understanding the basic requirements for laboratory accreditation under ISO15189
Desirable
- Managing workflow and experience of "lean" working concepts
Skills
Essential
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work without direct supervision.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Evidence of staff leadership and line management
- Evidence of involvement in staff training and development with strong supervisory and teaching ability
- Basic IT literacy
Desirable
- Understanding of Pathology computer systems
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Proficient in use of digital dictation system
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection or equivalent competency in A-C category dissection.
- Membership or Fellowship of IBMS (MIBMS or FIBMS)
- IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in dissection - or equivalent competency in D and E category dissection.
Knowledge
Essential
- Advanced understanding of histopathology and anatomy with up to date knowledge of RCPath guidelines for specimen dissection
- Evidence of proficiency in dissecting a wide range of specimen types and pathologies
- Understanding of H&S requirements in laboratory
- Understanding the basic requirements for laboratory accreditation under ISO15189
Desirable
- Managing workflow and experience of "lean" working concepts
Skills
Essential
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work without direct supervision.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Evidence of staff leadership and line management
- Evidence of involvement in staff training and development with strong supervisory and teaching ability
- Basic IT literacy
Desirable
- Understanding of Pathology computer systems
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Proficient in use of digital dictation system
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).
