
Job overview
Band 6 Experienced Biomedical Scientist - Cellular Pathology
The Cellular Pathology department has a vacancy for experienced BMS in the Histology section at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust based at the Whiteknights campus at the University of Reading.
Applicants for this post must be well-motivated HPC registered Biomedical Scientist and have a minimum of two years' post registration experience or equivalent. Specialist portfolio required or started.
We are looking for an experienced, competent and versatile individual with proven experience in Immunohistochemistry, frozen sections and all aspects of routine Histology. Experience in specimen dissection would be an advantage but not essential as training would be given.
Applicants will be required to undertake a practical test as part of interview process.
We are an IBMS accredited training laboratory and support training for Specialist portfolio if started will be given.
The post is full-time 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday (the department is about to undergo consultation for extended day/weekends in a shift pattern and would be an expectation to participate for the successful candidate).
There will be a practical element required at interview so all candidates must be able to attend face-to-face (Teams interviews will not be considered).
Main duties of the job
Provide complex and sensitive information, in the form of test results, to clinicians, nursing staff and appropriate others, overcoming any barriers to understanding and ensuring that due regard has been given to the significance and urgency of such results.
Transmit highly complex information to colleagues, including less experienced staff & staff undergoing training, in order to ensure an understanding of all techniques employed and the highly complex equipment used in the analysis of Pathological samples.
Analyse and interpret test and other data involving complex facts in pursuance of service needs and to benefit the patient.
This is a busy department, having merged with Wexham Park Hospital histology department into a facility located at Harborne House, White knights campus, University of Reading.
Workload combined is around 55,000 for histology and 5,000 NG. Performing a wide range of Immunohistochemistry techniques.
We have full UKAS accreditation. ISO 15189:2022.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will be an HPC registered Biomedical Scientist with well-developed specialist knowledge and skills appropriate to their Pathology service.
You will be required to work unsupervised (including on shift where appropriate and necessary), either as part of a team or independently, receiving, analysing and reporting specimens for Pathological investigations.
The post holder will be required to perform a complex range of tests using dedicated scientific equipment on all samples received.
You will be required to interpret and report results in accordance with agreed service protocols to clinicians and nursing staff in primary & secondary care.
The department has a full tracking system and digital pathology.
Knowledge and experience of UKAS 15189:2022.
You will also be required to ensure your appropriate continual professional development and evidence such, in accordance with the requirements of the Health Professions Council (HPC), and train and supervise less experienced staff as directed by you line manager.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- 2 years post registration
- IHC and or QA knowledge
Desirable
- UKAS experience
Qualifications
Essential
- IBMS BMS degree
Desirable
- Started Specialist portfolio
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Experienced Biomedical Scientist - Cellular Pathology with Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in Harborne House, University of Reading. It is listed as a Band 6 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 (plus 5% Fringe) per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 03 Sep 2026.
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