Job summary
- Main area
- Clinical Support
- Grade
- Band 8d
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 360-C-10739
- Employer
- West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Watford General Hospital
- Town
- Watford
- Salary
- £93,540 - £107,535 pa inc HCA
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 23/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Band 8d - Consultant Healthcare Scientist
Band 8d
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced Consultant Healthcare Scientist (Gynaecology) to join our Cellular Pathology service at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Based primarily at Hemel Hempstead Hospital, with some cross-site working at Watford General Hospital, the postholder will provide consultant level expertise in histopathology reporting and dissection within their scope of practice.
This senior role requires proven independent reporting experience, strong commitment to clinical governance and quality, and the ability to work collaboratively with consultant colleagues, biomedical scientists and HSL staff.
The successful candidate will also contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, training and service development, helping to shape the future of Cellular Pathology in a forward-looking and developing Trust.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will undertake independent histopathology reporting and complex specimen dissection within their certified scope of practice, ensuring high standards of diagnostic accuracy.
They will be responsible for interpreting results, identifying abnormalities and providing clinical recommendations, including appropriate referral to multidisciplinary team meetings.
The role requires active participation in MDT discussions, contributing expert Cellular Pathology input to patient management decisions. The postholder will also ensure compliance with accreditation and governance requirements, support clinical audit, and apply evidence-based practice to service delivery.
They will assist in supervising and training medical trainees, maintaining a strong focus on developing diagnostic expertise within the department.
Working for our organisation
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact [email protected]
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The postholder will provide consultant level Cellular Pathology services, including specialist dissection, independent histopathology reporting, and expert advice to clinical teams.
They will work closely with the Clinical Lead, consultant colleagues, biomedical scientists and HSL staff to deliver a safe, effective and accredited diagnostic service.
Responsibilities include participation in governance and quality improvement, contributing to service development, and representing the department at Trust and regional forums.
The role also carries responsibility for education, training and supervision of staff within the department. The post is full-time, based primarily at Hemel Hempstead Hospital. Core hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. There are no on-call or out-of-hours requirements.
Person specification
Education
Essential criteria
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or equivalent statutory regulation as appropriate.
- Postgraduate Master’s degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification/experience).
- RCPath/IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) in Histopathology Reporting in an appropriate Cellular Pathology specialty.
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in line with professional registration requirements.
Desirable criteria
- Fellowship or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IBMS, RCPath).
- Higher degree (e.g. Professional Doctorate, PhD) or equivalent research experience in Cellular Pathology.
- Evidence of leadership or management training.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Extensive and detailed knowledge of Cellular Pathology, including current national and professional guidelines relating to diagnostic practice, service provision and quality standards.
- In-depth understanding of histological techniques, diagnostic criteria, and reporting practices relevant to Cellular Pathology. Knowledge and practical understanding of quality management systems, accreditation standards (e.g. UKAS), and external quality assurance (EQA) schemes.
- Sound knowledge of clinical governance principles, including risk management, audit, and incident investigation.
- Understanding of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and digital pathology applications.
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation, including COSHH, and infection prevention and control requirements.
- Knowledge of finance and budget management systems and processes.
Desirable criteria
- Familiarity with regional and national service development priorities for Cellular Pathology.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies and their integration into diagnostic services.
- Awareness of NHS strategy, cancer pathways and diagnostic targets influencing service delivery.
Experience
Essential criteria
- Significant post-registration experience working at a senior level within Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of independent histopathology reporting at consultant level within scope of practice, including provision of clinical interpretation and advice to clinicians
- Demonstrable expertise in specialist dissection and reporting of complex tissue specimens.
- Experience of supervising, training, coaching and mentoring staff at different levels, including biomedical scientists and medical trainees.
- Evidence of active involvement in quality management, accreditation processes, and clinical governance activities.
- Proven experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, and implementation of quality improvement initiatives
- Track record of contributing to service development and delivery, including policy or guideline development.
- Experience of presenting complex scientific or clinical information to professional audiences at local or national level.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of leading or contributing to research projects in Cellular Pathology
- Evidence of involvement in regional or national networks, professional bodies, or working groups.
- Experience of contributing to or leading digital pathology or service transformation projects.
Skills
Essential criteria
- Highly developed analytical and interpretive skills, with the ability to recognise complex patterns of abnormality and relate them to clinical contexts.
- Proven ability to provide independent clinical advice to multidisciplinary teams and senior clinicians.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, influence and negotiate effectively at all levels
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey highly complex and sensitive information clearly and appropriately.
- Demonstrated ability to undertake clinical and technical risk assessments and resolve service issues.
- Skilled in conducting and presenting clinical audits, service evaluations and quality improvement projects.
- Ability to prioritise and manage own workload and that of others, often under pressure and with competing demands.
Desirable criteria
- Ability to prepare and present complex scientific information at national or international meetings.
- Evidence of skills in change management and service transformation.
- Familiarity with the use of advanced digital tools, molecular techniques or AI applications in pathology.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Katie Lyle
- Job title
- Pathology Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
If you have problems applying, contact
- Address
-
Watford General Hospital
Vicarage Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0HB
- Telephone
- 01442 365235, or 07423032842
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