Expert Scientist Dissector - Histology

Job overview

The Cellular Pathology department receives, examines and reports upon a wide range of diagnostic tissue samples, these vary widely in terms of size and complexity. The appropriate examination, sampling and analysis is essential to accurate and timely diagnosis, particularly as many of these will be cancer cases. Due to the complex nature of this task an advanced understanding of anatomy, physiology pathology and specialised histology techniques is necessary

• The post holder will understand the distinction between normal variation in tissue and pathological disease which is essential so that incidental or unexpected findings of disease can be correctly identified and sampled.
• The post holder will hold and maintain professional registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS).
• The post holder will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries and will be required to verify and validate completed work in their assigned subsection.
• It is essential the post holder demonstrates and maintains continuing competence which will be overseen by the Operational Manager and Consultant Histopathologists.
• The post holder will also be expected maintain an efficient workflow through effective prioritisation and use of organisation skills and problem solving.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will have a pivotal role within dissection at a large Cellular Pathology department and will assist in the delivery of a quality driven, patient focused, staff supported service consistent with pathology’s aims and objectives in a manner commensurate with the profession.

The post holder will be expected to work closely with the senior leadership and clinical teams, providing expert professional skills and advanced knowledge in the macroscopic description, dissection, and block sampling of tissue specimens to support accurate histological reporting and high-quality patient care.

The post holder will support the Advanced Scientist Dissector to provide resilience in dissection and cover RCPath category C specimens as well as GI Category D & E specimens upon training.

The post holder will provide support and training in category A – B specimens

The post holder must be registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist and will undertake Continuing Professional Development and clinical audit.

The post holder must hold Membership (MIBMS) or Fellowship (FIBMS) of the Institute of Biomedical Science.

The post holder must possess the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice including the GI module.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communicate in a manner that is consistent with legislation policies and procedures.

Communicate effectively with all members of the Pathology staff, clinicians, and visitors to the department. Improve communication using communication skills and be aware of possible barriers to communication and how to overcome them. Deal sensitively with patient/ clinician enquiries in stressful situations.

Ensure confidentiality of all written verbal and electronic information. Keep accurate and complete records in line with legislation, policies, and procedures. Provide approved departmental information and advice to other healthcare professionals, patients, and the public, referring on appropriate specialist request for information outside their area of responsibility. Where required prepare and present information on equipment, processes, scientific and technical topics.

Attend and participate in departmental meetings and presentations. Effectively communicate outcomes and content of relevant meetings to team members.

Share information and best practice to improve levels of service provided by Pathology.

Maintain and promote the professional image of Pathology, laboratory medicine and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust.

The post holder will be expected to dissect, describe and select appropriate areas for microscopic examination for both simple and some complex specimens (as defined by category).

Category C (Moderate Complexity)

Category D (High Complexity)

Category E (Very High Complexity) Gastrointestinal Dissection

• As an Expert Scientist Dissector, the post holder will demonstrate and provide a wealth of knowledge to junior staff and be instrumental to the development of their dissection skills.
• An Expert Scientist Dissector is part of a clinical support team whose purpose is to provide timely and accurate high-quality scientific information that will assist service users from the hospital and community, in the establishment of a clinical diagnosis and monitoring of patient treatment. They will apply highly specialised professional judgement, scientific knowledge and practical skills to complex problem solving and Quality control issues and ensure that corrective actions are instigated in the event of non-compliance.
• The post holder will use highly specialised knowledge to advise service users on laboratory protocols and convey information in a concise and clear manner that will be of help to service users in formulating patient care plans and management.
• The Expert Scientist Dissector will advise service users of the suitability of methods of fixation and preparation and will work to ensure timely delivery of fully completed requests.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.