Specialist Biomedical Scientist/Trainee Biomedical Scientist - Pathology

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Specialist or Trainee Biomedical Scientist to join the Cytology Department within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. You will be part of one of the UK’s largest and most respected Pathology services, delivering high‑quality, consultant‑led diagnostic support that directly impacts patient care. Working within a modern, collaborative laboratory environment, you will undertake a wide range of scientific and interpretive duties in Cytology, supported by expert colleagues and robust training pathways. The role offers excellent opportunities for professional development, including specialist training and mentoring responsibilities. Whether fully registered or progressing through training, you will play a valued role in maintaining our reputation for clinical excellence, innovation and teamwork.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
• Rotational cover on Saturdays & Public Holidays 08:00 to 12:00
• Part-time and job share will be considered

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the Department of Pathology
• Perform all core scientific and interpretive work, which corresponds to the training and qualifications of a Specialist Biomedical Scientist
• Be responsible for own work and use specialist training to operate complex equipment and solve problems
• Act as a mentor to and participate in the training/supervision of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Support Workers
• Validate, authorise and interpret Cytology results, issuing accurate reports and recommending further tests or actions in line with agreed protocols to support timely clinical decision‑making
• Maintain high standards of quality and compliance by actively participating in internal quality control, external quality assurance schemes, audit and continuous improvement activities
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot a range of complex laboratory equipment, ensuring safe use, first‑line maintenance and appropriate escalation of technical issues
• Manage workload effectively within the laboratory, prioritising urgent and routine samples, supporting service continuity and contributing to efficient use of resources

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• Applicants interested in the Specialist Biomedical Scientist post must be registered as a Biomedical Scientist with HCPC and have obtained a degree in Biomedical Science, and hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology, or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Applicants interested in the trainee Biomedical Scientist post must be qualified to BSc Honours level and their degree must be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as suitable for HCPC registration. The post holder will undertake a training programme to become registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). If already HCPC registered the post holder will undertake a post-registration training programme to complete their Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology
• Applicants must have previous experience of working in a NHS diagnostic laboratory environment and must possess good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. Other essential skills are accuracy and attention to detail, as well as having the ability to work as part of a team and understand health and safety when working with and handling chemicals / hazardous tissue

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:Pathology Operations Manager, Suzanne Ferrá, suzanne.ferra2@nhs.scot, 0141 354 9469

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Specialist or Trainee Biomedical Scientist to join the Cytology Department within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. You will be part of one of the UK’s largest and most respected Pathology services, delivering high‑quality, consultant‑led diagnostic support that directly impacts patient care. Working within a modern, collaborative laboratory environment, you will undertake a wide range of scientific and interpretive duties in Cytology, supported by expert colleagues and robust training pathways. The role offers excellent opportunities for professional development, including specialist training and mentoring responsibilities. Whether fully registered or progressing through training, you will play a valued role in maintaining our reputation for clinical excellence, innovation and teamwork.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

• Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00
• Rotational cover on Saturdays & Public Holidays 08:00 to 12:00
• Part-time and job share will be considered

Key responsibilities:

• Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the Department of Pathology
• Perform all core scientific and interpretive work, which corresponds to the training and qualifications of a Specialist Biomedical Scientist
• Be responsible for own work and use specialist training to operate complex equipment and solve problems
• Act as a mentor to and participate in the training/supervision of Trainee Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Support Workers
• Validate, authorise and interpret Cytology results, issuing accurate reports and recommending further tests or actions in line with agreed protocols to support timely clinical decision‑making
• Maintain high standards of quality and compliance by actively participating in internal quality control, external quality assurance schemes, audit and continuous improvement activities
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot a range of complex laboratory equipment, ensuring safe use, first‑line maintenance and appropriate escalation of technical issues
• Manage workload effectively within the laboratory, prioritising urgent and routine samples, supporting service continuity and contributing to efficient use of resources

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

• Applicants interested in the Specialist Biomedical Scientist post must be registered as a Biomedical Scientist with HCPC and have obtained a degree in Biomedical Science, and hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology, or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Applicants interested in the trainee Biomedical Scientist post must be qualified to BSc Honours level and their degree must be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences as suitable for HCPC registration. The post holder will undertake a training programme to become registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). If already HCPC registered the post holder will undertake a post-registration training programme to complete their Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology
• Applicants must have previous experience of working in a NHS diagnostic laboratory environment and must possess good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. Other essential skills are accuracy and attention to detail, as well as having the ability to work as part of a team and understand health and safety when working with and handling chemicals / hazardous tissue

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:Pathology Operations Manager, Suzanne Ferrá, suzanne.ferra2@nhs.scot, 0141 354 9469

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.