Progressive Specialist Biomedical Scientist Full Time NEW

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Specialist Healthcare Scientist to join their friendly, forward-thinking team within a busy and continually developing department. This post carries responsibility for supporting the full range of services and therefore opportunity to rotate and work in several areas within Cellular Pathology. Applicants are expected to have excellent technical knowledge and experience in histological techniques, and preferably a Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology.

This post is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual to contribute to a rapidly developing service. The post also presents an opportunity for personal development, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is also actively supported. The laboratory is IBMS approved for training and education and is UKAS accredited.

Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate well developed interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to lead and support individual and team working. The successful candidate will need to have an excellent knowledge of histology laboratory processes and will be required to undertake and supervise the processing of histopathology specimens in cut-up, specimen reception and referrals area, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality results to support patient diagnosis and treatment.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

This is a progressive post and therefore the post holder will be expected to develop skills to be able to deliver the job description in full.

As part of this you will complete an IBMS specialist portfolio in Cell Sciences.

Analytical & Interpretive

• Oversee the receipt and processing of specimens for diagnostic purposes in accordance with laboratory protocols. Prioritising and organising daily workflow in specimen reception, referrals and cut up areas,
• Interpret clinical request forms, applying judgement to determine urgency and appropriate handling.
• Assess specimen and data quality, resolving routine issues and escalating complex problems to senior staff.

Quality & Safety

• Ensure all work complies with ISO 15189, HTA, and Trust safety requirements.
• Participate in departmental audits, EQA, IQC, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Report incidents, non-conformances, and near-misses, suggesting corrective and preventive actions.
• Handle biological, chemical, and potentially hazardous materials safely, following COSHH, HTA, and infection control procedures.

Training & Supervision

• Deliver induction and competency-based training for staff and students in cut-up and specimen reception.
• Monitor and assess competence, maintaining training records and escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Provide effective handover and communication between shifts.

IT & Data Management

• Oversee the accurate entry of specimen and patient data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Maintain working knowledge of LIMS, remote monitoring, and quality management software.

Service & Professional Development

• Maintain HCPC registration and evidence of CPD.
• Participate in R&D, method validation, and service development projects as directed.
• Contribute to the implementation of new technology and procedures in the section.

The successful candidate will need to undertake aspects of diagnostic laboratory work and support the operational management team to take forward key service and workforce objectives. Participation in training and assessment of competency of junior staff within these areas, contributing to the maintenance of a safe, efficient, and compliant service in line with ISO 15189 2022 and other relevant regulatory standards.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• HCPC approved Biomedical Science degree (BSc) or other HCPC approved degree/top ups
• HCPC registered
• Evidence of current CPD activities
• Significant previous experience in a medical laboratory
• Currently working towards an IBMS specialist portfolio (in relevant discipline) or equivalent

Desirable criteria

• IT competency (hospital IT systems, Outlook, Microsoft)
• Experience in a large acute hospital laboratory