Job description

Job responsibilities

• Interview Date: 16th October 2026
• 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week, including participation in Saturday rota (approximately one week in 6)
• 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

• To contribute to the provision of an effective Cellular Pathology service for The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners, other Trusts and other users of the service.
• The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team within Cellular Pathology, undertaking a wide range of diagnostic laboratory procedures with an appropriate degree of autonomy and under the guidance of Advanced Biomedical Scientists and Advanced Practitioners where required.
• Duties will include the receipt and registration of specimens, assisting in specimen dissection, preparation of samples for processing, recording information on the laboratory information system, storage of specimens and disposal of residual tissue in accordance with departmental procedures.
• The post holder will undertake a range of technical and scientific procedures including cryotomy for intraoperative consultations (frozen sections), tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and specialised staining techniques, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostic techniques appropriate to their area of work and competence. The post holder will validate results and use judgement in determining when further investigations or procedures may be required.
• The post holder will actively participate in the maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, reporting faults, incidents and non-compliances to senior staff as appropriate. They will contribute to quality management activities including quality control, quality assurance, audit and continuous improvement initiatives.
• All staff are required to work in compliance with departmental and Trust Health and Safety policies, including COSHH, risk assessments and standard operating procedures, to ensure a safe working environment for patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Specialist Biomedical Scientists will be expected to provide specialist scientific and technical expertise within Cellular Pathology, supporting the day-to-day operational delivery of the service. They will contribute to the supervision, organisation and training of Biomedical Scientists, Healthcare Science Associate Practitioners, Healthcare Science Assistants and staff undertaking registration portfolios and competency assessments.
• Specialist Biomedical Scientist will undertake more advanced technical duties, including the microscopic interpretation of tissue and/or fluid samples and the selection and dissection of tissue for diagnosis, where trained and competent to do so. They will contribute to service development, validation and implementation of new techniques, quality initiatives and improvement projects.
• Specialist Biomedical Scientists will also deputise for Advanced Biomedical Scientists as required, providing leadership, technical guidance and operational support to ensure continuity of service delivery.

Job Purpose

• 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.

Whilst Newcastle Hospitals are a forward thinking and highly innovative organisation, the use of Third-Party Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a risk to the integrity of our Recruitment & Selection processes. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual application or to the recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

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

• Basic IT knowledge

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Able to organise and prioritise own work activities
• Communication skills
• Analytical and judgemental skills
• Planning and organisational skills

Desirable

• Keyboard skills

Band 5 Meets All Criteria

Essential

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent qualification approved by the IBMS
• Health and Care Professions Council registration (HCPC)
• Knowledge of Cellular Pathology
• Previous laboratory experience as a Trainee Biomedical Scientist/Healthcare Scientist in an NHS Laboratory
• Familiarity with Health & Safety and COSHH
• Participates in CPD
• Keyboard skills
• Able to organise and prioritise own work activities
• Communication
• Planning and organisational skills
• Analytical and judgemental skills

Desirable

• Member of the IBMS
• Computer literacy

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

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Victoria Infirmary

317 02 Royal Victoria Infirmary

NE1 4LP

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Applicants who are nearing completion of an IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or Leadership and Management, or a relevant subject MSc are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Candidates who have not yet achieved the required qualification(s) will be appointed at Band 6 until completion.

• Interview Date: 23 October 2026
• 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week, including participation in Saturday rota (approximately one week in 6)
• 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.

• The department of Cellular Pathology is made up of several sections (see organisational chart) and the post holder will assist in operational continuity and provide specialised advice within one of these sections.
• 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 (BMS), Healthcare Science Associate Practitioners (HCSAP) and Healthcare Science Assistants (HSA) and also imparting specialist knowledge in clinical and technical situations.
• To provide specialist scientific knowledge and to work as a member of the team to assess, plan and contribute to the provision of a specialised service.
• 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 ensure that the section conforms to all internally and externally defined quality standards, investigate non- compliances, instigate remedial action, and to report such events to the Deputy/Operational manager and/or Quality Manager as appropriate.
• There is a requirement for the post holder to rotate through all different sections in the department.
• To assist the Deputy/Operational Managers in maintaining the performance of laboratory equipment within the section.
• 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.

Applicants must meet the essential criteria in the job description. Informal enquiries are welcome.

Whilst Newcastle Hospitals are a forward thinking and highly innovative organisation, the use of Third-Party Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a risk to the integrity of our Recruitment & Selection processes. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual application or to the recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential

• MSc in Biomedical Sciences or an equivalent qualification e.g. HSD / level of knowledge
• BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience and knowledge in Cellular Pathology gained as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

• Training and Leadership experience through work based practice and/or course attendance
• Knowledge and experience of Laboratory Accreditation and governance e.g. UKAS ISO15189 and Human Tissue Authority (HTA)

Skills & Abilities

Desirable

• Keyboard and IT related skills

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

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Victoria Infirmary

317 02 Royal Victoria Infirmary

NE1 4LP

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Band 5

The Department of Blood Sciences is made up of several sections as shown in the organisation chart and the post holder will normally rotate between them and participate as part of a team, in providing laboratory support to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.

The post holder will practice as a registered Biomedical Scientist without supervision under the guidance of a Team Leader Biomedical Scientist. At other times the post holder will perform tasks without supervision and will evaluate situations and seek advice from senior members of staff by telephone if deemed appropriate.

Responsibilities

The post holder will rotate through different sections of Blood Sciences.

To assist in the preparation of specimens for analysis, including the separation of blood, serum and plasma, and the cataloguing and storage of specimens.

To carry out laboratory diagnostic tests, validate results and use judgement in determining and initiating further tests that may be required.

To actively participate in the maintenance and basic trouble shooting of automated 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 the department Quality Assurance programmes, correct any minor non-compliances and to report any major non-compliant events to a senior member of staff.

Maintain an up to date relevant knowledge of the technical aspects of the laboratory.

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 non-compliances to a senior member of staff.

More experienced staff will be required to supervise the work of more junior staff and assist with their training.

Band 6

The department of Blood Sciences plays a pivotal role in provision of diagnostic services, which are essential for the delivery of high quality clinical care, both within the Trust and in Primary Care.

The post holder will act as an experienced and specialist registered Biomedical Scientist to provide a comprehensive and continuous 24/7 Blood Sciences service as an aid to effective diagnosis and treatment. They will confirm analytical and technical validity of investigations, liaising with clinical staff to ensure diagnostically abnormal results are acted upon urgently.

Responsibilities

The post holder may rotate through different sections of Blood Sciences as required.

Perform analytical and other laboratory work as directed by senior staff within Blood Sciences.

Ensure satisfactory completion and validation of routine and specialist analyses.

Ensure data integrity when entering demo graphics and results into the laboratory information system.

Operate subject to manufacturer's constraints and laboratory policy, instruments and analysers in, or associated with, the laboratory.

To troubleshoot, repair and maintain instruments and analysers in, or associated with, the laboratory for correct operation, keeping equipment in optimal condition for use, making adjustments as necessary.

Check the validity and reliability of analytical processes, maintaining and monitoring satisfactory performance by use of internal quality control.

Ensure prompt referral of results that exceed action limits in accordance with departmental policy.

Adhere to laboratory quality control and Health & Safety policies, ensuring documentation of maintenance procedures, lot numbers and control material.

Maintain an up to date relevant knowledge of the technical aspects of the laboratory.

To continually improve service provision by, when necessary, contributing to the development of SOPs or undertaking development work.

In the absence of the Section Leaders supervise the work of a section.

Assist Section Leaders in the organisation of work within a subsection of Blood Sciences.

In the absence of the Section Leader ensure adequate stocks of reagents and consumables are available for the efficient running of the section.

Undertake, when required, training of rotational Section Leaders staff within a section of Blood Sciences.

Undertake training of Registered Biomedical Scientists and Trainee BMS staff within a section of Blood Sciences.

Participate, under the supervision of the Section Leader, in any audit connected with a section of Blood Sciences

Please note it is a requirement of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that all successful candidates who require a DBS for the post they have been offered pay for their DBS certificate.The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first months pay.

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.

Person Specification

Band 5

Essential

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent qualification
• Health Professions Council registration as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable

• Knowledge of basic IT
• Keyboard skills
• Undertaking postgraduate qualification
• Career aspirations in the NHS

Band 6

Essential

• Experience working in a Blood Sciences discipline
• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
• Health and Care Professions Council registration
• Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Specialist Portfolio, IBMS Diploma of Specialist Practice, Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) Log Book or equivalent qualification

Desirable

• Knowledge of basic IT
• Keyboard skills
• Undertaking post grad qualifications

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

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide

317 Trustwide

NE1 4LP

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

• The department of Microbiology and Virology is made up of several specialist sections as shown in the organisation chart and the post holder will normally rotate between them and participate as part of a team, in providing Microbiology and Virology laboratory support to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners and other legitimate users of the service.
• Procedures will be carried out without supervision under the guidance of an advanced Biomedical Scientist. The post holder will be required to evaluate situations and seek advice from senior members of staff if deemed appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or other subject approved by IBMS & / or accredited by HCPC or working towards said qualifications
• Health & Care Professions Council registration as BMS (or commencing pathway to becoming State Registered)

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Able to organise and prioritise own work activities
• Communication skills
• Analytical and judgemental skills
• Planning and organisational skills

Desirable

• Keyboard skills and some technical skills
• Additional responsibilities e.g. manual handling, first aid
• Awareness of the role of Healthcare Science Practitioner / Biomedical Scientists

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• CPD
• Computer literacy
• Familiarity with Health & Safety and COSHH
• NHS laboratory experience

Desirable

• Specialist training courses
• Knowledge of the role of microbiology and/or virology
• Aware of ISO 15189 and evidence of its importance

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

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Freeman Hospital

317 01 Freeman Hospital

NE7 7DN

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us (Opens in a new tab)

Job description

Job responsibilities

• The Department of Blood Sciences is comprised of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology/Blood Transfusion and Immunology.
• The Blood Sciences Department is located at both the Freeman and RVI hospital sites whilst providing a service to the whole Trust and to Primary Care as well as being a regional and national reference laboratory for other Trusts.
• The post holder will manage all technical staff in Blood Sciences (Senior BMS, BMS, Trainee BMS, Associate Practitioners, Senior Healthcare Science Assistants, Healthcare Science Assistants (HCSA) and clerical staff).
• The post holder is responsible for the provision of an effective scientific service within the Blood Sciences Department, to The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, General Practitioners, other NHS Trusts and other users of the service. This will involve using highly developed knowledge and organisational skills and the post holder will be the lead specialist in that field (shown in the organisation chart).
• To provide specialised scientific knowledge and to work as a member of the team to assess, plan and contribute to the provision of a specialised service.
• Routinely operate laboratory equipment, including microscopy where necessary, reporting all appropriate specimens and referring any abnormalities on for medical opinion.
• To provide a patient focussed service in relevant wards and clinics. This involves capillary or venous phlebotomy services and providing a near patient testing service so that immediate results are issued for action by clinical staff.
• To ensure laboratory diagnostic tests and procedures - including those on "High Risk" specimens - are performed accurately and efficiently and judgement used in determining if further tests / procedures are necessary.
• To use advanced levels of knowledge and experience to coordinate activity in all laboratory and point of care areas whilst directing other staff members.
• To assess all blood and body fluid samples and report all cases not requiring medical opinion.
• To undertake internal and external quality control of all aspects of the Blood Sciences test repertoire to ensure highest quality of service from all performed tests.
• To ensure laboratory diagnostic tests and procedures are performed accurately and efficiently and results validated macroscopically and microscopically and judgement used in determining if further tests/procedures are necessary.
• To ensure that the performance of laboratory equipment within the section complies with standards and in the event of failure or mal-function takes prompt and appropriate action to ensure continued running of the section.
• To ensure that Blood Sciences conforms to all internally and externally defined quality standards.
• 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 non-compliances.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Accredited Degree
• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council
• Further specialist qualification (Fellowship of Institute of Biomedical Science/Masters degree)

Desirable

• Management qualification

SKILLS

Essential

• Evidence of effective leadership skills
• Strong analytical, organisational and planning skills
• Able to understand complex problems quickly and to identify workable solutions
• Evidence of effective team building skills
• Ability to multitask
• Good hand eye co-ordination

Desirable

• Keyboard and IT related skills

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Previous experience in a Senior BMS role with supervisory responsibilities in a Blood Sciences related discipline
• Extensive experience and in depth specialist knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology or Immunology
• Broad experience of all the main sections of a Blood Sciences related discipline
• Promote and partake in Continuous Professional Development
• Firm understanding of UKAS accreditation requirements
• Experience of implementing automation in Blood Sciences
• Experience of writing SOPs
• Experience of quality issues in Blood Sciences (Audit, EQA & IQC)
• Practical experience of management
• Experience in training
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety issues
• Experience of problem solving and maintaining and trouble shooting equipment
• Sound working knowledge of the Data Protection Act

Desirable

• Experience of dealing with grievance procedures
• Experience of Appraisal system
• Experience of stock control
• Experience of and training in undertaking staff appraisals

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

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Freeman Hospital

317 01 Freeman Hospital

NE7 7DN

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://careers.nuth.nhs.uk/why-us (Opens in a new tab)