
Job requirements
Essential
26 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
At least three years' post-registration experience working in a hospital laboratory environment
- Experience
Be able to demonstrate a high level of specialist knowledge and practical experience in histology
- Experience
Experience of training and development in a busy hospital environment
- Experience
IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology
- Qualifications
IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection
- Qualifications
Member or Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
- Qualifications
BSc (Hons) or equivalent in Biomedical Science
- Qualifications
MSc or working towards attaining a higher qualification
- Qualifications
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Qualifications
Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Skills and Knowledge
Leadership
- Skills and Knowledge
Good working knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems
- Skills and Knowledge
Good working knowledge of Laboratory Equipment
- Skills and Knowledge
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other hospital IT systems
- Skills and Knowledge
Ability to use highly complex automated equipment.
- Skills and Knowledge
Ability to maintain standards of accuracy and hand to eye coordination in repetitive manual techniques and working in a methodical, organised manner
- Skills and Knowledge
Ability to undertake the technical validation of results.
- Skills and Knowledge
Communication and interpersonal skills
- Skills and Knowledge
The ability to work using own initiative and without supervision.
- Skills and Knowledge
Interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results
- Skills and Knowledge
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Skills and Knowledge
Understanding of Health and Safety legislation and procedures
- Skills and Knowledge
Practical knowledge of departmental equipment and methods
- Skills and Knowledge
Problem solving skills
- Skills and Knowledge
Demonstrable ability to lead by example
- Skills and Knowledge
Demonstrable ability to make informed decisions in area of responsibility
Desirable
1 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Experience of working at the Senior BMS level
Job summary
NHS Band 7 Salary:£49,387 - £56,515 per annum
Hours Per Week: Full time 37.5 hrs
Contract Type: Permanent
The Portsmouth Histology department is seeking a highly motivated and appropriately skilled Senior Biomedical Scientist in Dissection to join our dedicated and professional team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual with a strong background in histology, excellent skills in specimen dissection and a commitment to delivering high-quality diagnostic services. The successful candidate will play a role in supporting accurate diagnosis, maintaining highest standards of patient care, and contributing to the effective delivery of our pathology service.
The Histopathology department at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust processes around 43,000 cases, generating ~350,000 slides per year. We are UKAS accredited against ISO 15189 standards and we hold training laboratory status from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and support training where appropriate.
Main duties of the job
Tol undertake the role of expert specimen dissector in a range of sub-specialties in Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) categories A to C.
You will work in accordance with the RCPath guidelines; and comply with national cancer datasets and tissue pathways in conjunction with local clinical direction and requirements.
To be an active part of the BMS dissection team and assist in the training of others.
To act as part of the B7 Senior BMS team within Histopathology, providing senior level advice and support.
Provide leadership, advice, and support to the wider team; and deputise for the Histopathology Operational Manager as needed.
About us
Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.
Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.
Details
- Date posted: 13 October 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: REF2679W
- Job locations: Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Portsmouth, England, PO6 3LY, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
To be a member of the DEP-qualified cut up and Senior BMS team.
To perform independent dissection of complex specimens within define scope of practice, seeking clinical advice where necessary.
To maintain all associated departmental records and documentation related to the role.
To assist in the provision of service delivery in the specified area of work.
To assist the dissection leads and HISOM in providing scientific and technical advice within the department and to service users.
To participate in the training and development of scientific and medical trainees.
To participate in meetings required for role (senior BMS huddle, dissection meeting, lab meeting).
To provide specialist advice to colleagues and service users.
To liaise with colleagues from external departments as required to ensure optimal patient care.
To function within a core team of senior Biomedical Scientists and participate in staff supervision, training, performance reviews, recruitment and absence management.
Participate in the laboratory rota as required for service needs as determined by the HISOM.
To work closely with and build professional relationships with all Pathology disciplines.
Ensure laboratory equipment is safe, validated, adequately maintained and calibrated.
To participate in the quality management system including the preparation for and participation in and resolution of any findings from UKAS inspections.
To ensure Health and Safety is maintained in the relevant working area.
To participate in the on-call service (voluntary) if desirable.
For full job details and person specifications please refer to attached Job Description.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Biomedical Scientist - Dissection with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust in Portsmouth, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Biomedical scientist role. The advertised salary is £49,387 to £56,515 a year. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 26 Oct 2026.
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