Expert Practitioner - Histological Dissection

Job overview

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL) is seeking to appoint a substantive Expert Practitioner Healthcare Scientist (Histological Dissection) within LCL. This is an excellent opportunity to join the largest provider of specialist histological pathology services in Cheshire and Merseyside.

The successful candidate will be a registered Biomedical or Clinical Scientist with a significant background in histopathology dissection and hold an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice (DEP) in Histological Dissection. We are seeking a strong leader with attention to detail and an innovation mindset.

Candidates who do not hold a DEP (dissection) are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will be supported to complete the portfolio within 2 years.

In addition to the dissection role, candidates will be involved in the leadership and management for the dissection and specimen reception services in collaboration with a team of Expert Practitioner team leaders and Advanced Practitioners.

We're looking for people who see opportunities to innovate and lead, and who recognise that behind every sample is a patient. If you're someone who inspires those around you and is a true 'team player', we want to hear from you.

Interested candidates are welcome and encouraged to visit our new state of the art laboratory. Please note that our BMS dissection roles and scope of responsibility are currently under review.

Main duties of the job

Expert Practitioners perform complex scientific procedures, interpreting biological samples that support the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease, including cancer. They dissect a wide range of histological specimens (Categories A-C) and selected Category D-E specimens in line with training and competence, while supporting the departmental cut-up rota. They maintain and develop expertise throughout their career. The role includes managing specimen reception or dissection laboratories to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality service. Working with expert dissectors, advanced practitioners, and consultant pathologists, they uphold ISO15189 standards and lead training for biomedical scientists, laboratory technicians, and medical specialist trainees.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Undertake complex scientific procedures involving the examination, interpretation, and dissection of biological specimens to support the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of disease and other pathological conditions.
• Independently dissect the full range of Category A-C specimens and selected Category D-E specimens within approved competency and scope of practice.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Cellular Pathology specimen reception and/or dissection laboratories, ensuring compliance with accreditation, regulatory, quality, and health and safety requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Senior Management to provide specialist expertise, support service development, and maintain high-quality laboratory services.
• Communicate complex scientific and medical information effectively with pathologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to support patient care.
• Lead the education, training, assessment, and professional development of Biomedical Scientists, laboratory staff, and junior medical colleagues in specimen examination, dissection, and sampling techniques.
• Contribute to departmental training programmes and workforce development initiatives.
• Coordinate and manage the collection of tissue samples for research and other approved projects in accordance with governance requirements.
• Independently assess, describe, sample, and dissect benign and malignant biopsies and surgical resections within the agreed scope of practice (Categories A-C and selected D-E specimens).
• Provide expert scientific advice to clinical and medical colleagues to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management.
• Maintain expert-level dissection knowledge and practice in accordance with current Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) guidance and professional standards.
• Exercise professional judgement when selecting and adapting dissection procedures to ensure optimal specimen examination and sampling.
• Support quality assurance, service improvement, and innovation within the department.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organisation.
• Demonstrates resilience and professionalism when dealing with complex, stressful, or distressing situations.
• Ability to maintain concentration and produce accurate, clinically focused work over extended periods.
• Commitment to quality improvement, patient safety, and continuous professional development.
• Ability to produce complex documentation, reports, and training materials with clarity and precision.

For a full list of duties, please refer to the attached job description and person specification.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.