Job overview
The Cellular Pathology team at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a motivated, experienced, and enthusiastic Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our busy yet friendly department.
Our department processes approximately 44,000 surgical and diagnostic requests each year across our two hospital sites – Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital. As part of a large general hospital trust, we handle a diverse range of tissue and diagnostic cytology specimens, including post-mortem work.
The main Cellular Pathology Laboratory is based at the Bedford Hospital site, with an expectation that staff may be required to cover occasional shifts at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital site.
The Pathology service holds full UKAS accreditation and is HTA and MHRA compliant.
Applicants should possess a strong background in general histology, including practical experience and working knowledge of special techniques such as immunohistochemistry.
For further information, please contact: Charlotte Emmony – Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager 📞 01234 355122 ext. 4656 📧 [email protected]
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist in the day to day operations and technical aspects of the service.
The post holder will assist the Specialist BMS & Senior BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS]. They will assist in the implementation of change as directed by the laboratory seniors/manager, when delegated or appropriate to service needs.
The post holder is expected to implement policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.
The post holder will assist in the training and development of scientific and support staff.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Details of the specific service, departmental responsibilities, accountabilities, and objectives are outlined in the Role Descriptor document accompanying this Biomedical Scientist (BMS) job description.
The post holder will support the day-to-day operations and technical aspects of the service, working closely with senior Biomedical Scientists to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, efficient, and effective service in accordance with the Quality Management System (QMS).
They will assist in the implementation of service improvements and operational changes as directed by senior laboratory staff or the Laboratory Manager, in line with service requirements.
The post holder will be responsible for implementing policies and procedures to ensure the service remains compliant with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation, and relevant discipline-specific regulatory bodies.
In addition, the post holder will contribute to the training and development of both scientific and support staff.
As an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will play an active role in supporting the effective delivery of departmental services.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, including good use of written English (spelling and grammar)
- Ability to expertly embed min. 45 blocks per hour
- Ability to expertly section min. 20 blocks per hour
Desirable
- Flexible in approach and adaptability to change
- Practical knowledge of Cellular Pathology automation
Expereience
Essential
- Experience of working within a Cellular Pathology laboratory in the UK
- Digital Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry experience
Desirable
- Cutting frozen sections
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent
- HCPC registered
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 5 Biomedical Scientist Cellular Pathology with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Luton, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 per annum. The contract type is 12 months (Fixed Term). The application deadline is 04 Aug 2026.
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