Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Lead Scientist (Diagnostic Cytopathology), Band 8a


Location
Cheltenham, England
Salary
£57,528 - £64,750 (pa pro rata if part-time)
Profession
Health science services
Grade
Band 8
Deadline
21 Jul 2026
Contract Type
Permanent
Posted Date
07 Jul 2026
Medical Protection — the side of locally employed doctors from £83

Job overview

We are looking for a qualified advanced  Biomedical Scientist to lead the reporting of diagnostic cytology specimens.

You will hold the IBMS DEP or ASD in Diagnostic Cytopathology and have experience of screening and reporting on a range of diagnostic specimens, including FNA specimens.

The range of specimens that can be reported will be dependent on the qualification held and may include reporting both positive and negative samples.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will screen, report and authorise non-gynaecological cytology specimens from urinary, respiratory and serous fluid systems and where appropriate FNA specimens. The level of reporting will be dependent on the qualification that you hold. If you hold the ASD in Diagnostic Cytopathology, you will be reporting out positives as well as negatives.

You will also participate in provision of rapid onsite assessment of adequacy in relevant FNA clinics held within the Trust.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day organisation, maintenance and workflow and any other responsibilities associated with the section. In addition you will be responsible for teaching and the development of staff and maintaining at all times the required high standard and quality of current working practices.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To report at Consultant level by evaluating, reporting and authorising negative and positive non-gynae samples from urinary, respiratory and serous fluid systems, and FNA specimens. The level of reporting will be dependent on the qualification held.

To perform primary screening of all other non gynae cytology samples, prior to Consultant reporting and authorisation.

To participate in the Rapid On Site Assessment clinic.

To participate in training of biomedical scientists and junior medical staff (one to one and group sessions.)

To offer expert professional advice on the sampling and interpretation of specimens from urinary, respiratory and serous fluid systems.

To liaise with Consultant colleagues within pathology and clinical staff delivering patient care.

Attend MDTs as appropriate

Write and update accordingly, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the department.

Establish internal quality standards and that appropriate corrective measures are taken to ensure standards are maintained.

Be conversant with the department’s participation in external QA schemes and ensure prompt return of QA material and take appropriate measures as necessary to ensure standards are maintained.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
  • HCPC registration
  • MSc Biomedical Science (or equivalent)
  • IBMS DEP Diagnostic Cytopathology

Desirable

  • IBMS ASD Diagnostic Cytopathology

Clinical/Experience

Essential

  • Experience in diagnostic cytology preparation techniques
  • Experience in screening of diagnostic cytology specimens
  • Experience in reporting of diagnostic cytology specimens
  • Experience of teaching and training

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Detailed knowledge of theoretical and practical procedures for diagnostic cytology
  • Experience of Laboratory information systems

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Applying for this NHS job

This advert is for Lead Scientist (Diagnostic Cytopathology), Band 8a with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Cheltenham, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 (pa pro rata if part-time). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 21 Jul 2026.

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