Job summary
- Main area
- Cellular Pathology
- Grade
- Band 6/Annex 21
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (09:00 to 17:00 - Monday to Friday)
- Job ref
- 100-HS022-0825
- Employer
- Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Glangwili General Hospital
- Town
- Carmarthen
- Salary
- £39,263 - £47,280 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 01/09/2025 23:59
- Interview date
- 11/09/2025
Employer heading

Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Band 6/Annex 21
Our Hywel Dda values reflect who we are and how we behave. We continuously work together to be the best we can be as we strive to develop and deliver excellent services, putting people at the heart of everything we do. Throughout our recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you would demonstrate these values in the way that you work with us.
If you are registered Health Care professional considering relocating to the Hywel Dda area in West Wales please don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment campaigns team directly via [email protected]
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Hywel Dda University Health Board reserve the right to close vacancies after 24 hours if a large number of suitable applications are received. We encourage early applications to ensure consideration for a post.
Job overview
Applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals with a proven background of working in a Cellular Pathology environment, with the associated education and competency, to join this friendly, well-equipped Cellular Pathology department. The laboratory processes approximately 30,000 samples per year, providing essential services to the population of Hywel Dda University Health Board.
This is a Band 6 position under Annex 21, further details below. The post holder will work alongside the wider Cellular Pathology team to fulfil the daily operational requirements of this busy department. The central Histology laboratory service is situated on the Glangwili Hospital site in Carmarthen with a small satellite team based at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. This role will require the occasional working between sites.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with all grades of staff, both scientific and medical to ensure the effective delivery of the service. The post holder will also participate in a laboratory-based training program for all relevant staff and will be involved with the continuous competency assessment of the team members. We are committed to continued professional and career development of all our staff.
Main duties of the job
As Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Cellular Pathology, you will play a key role in the preparation and processing of tissue samples. You will perform a wide range of Histological techniques including Embedding, microtomy, Special stains, and Immunocytochemistry.
The post holder will be responsible for the organisation and quality of the work within the Cellular Pathology team in Glangwilli Hospital.
You will contribute to the Quality Assurance and continuous improvement of laboratory services, support training and supervision of junior staff and ensure compliance.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post, English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Working for our organisation
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This post is advertised as a Band 6 and ideally candidates for this role must have achieved the Specialist Diploma. However applicants who do not currently hold the qualification for the Band 6 role, are encouraged to apply and, if successful, will need to attain the qualification within 4 years and will be appointed under Annex 21 rules.
This means they will be supported by a development plan to develop the successful applicant to the Band 6 role. During the first year payment will be 60% of the top rate of Band 6 pay, second year 65%, third year 70% and fourth year 75%. Once the Specialist Diploma has been achieved, the post holder will then be paid at Band 6 (minimum point on the scale).
Failure to achieve the qualification in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 11.09.2025
Person specification
Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential criteria
- BSc. (Hons) Degree Life Science/Biomedical Science.
- HCPC Registration
- IBMS Specialist Diploma, or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through training and practical experience.
- Knowledge of medical laboratory sciences and techniques commensurate with a HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist.
- Knowledge of UKAS accreditation and quality management requirements.
- Knowledge of BSQR (2005), HTA and ISO 15189:2012, as applicable to the relevant discipline of work
- Documented evidence of on-going participation in CPD
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of hospital specialities.
- Medical laboratory knowledge in more than one pathology discipline
Experience
Essential criteria
- Clinical laboratory experience, commensurate with an experienced, HCPC Registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist
Other
Essential criteria
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner, as required (if appropriate)
- Flexible approach to needs of the service.
- Participate in shifts rota, including out of hours
Desirable criteria
- Welsh Speaker (level 1)
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Welsh language skills are desirable
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Dunisha Piyadasa-Jones
- Job title
- Histology Section Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01267 235151
- Additional information
Mr Craig Baker
Cellular Pathology/Mortuary Service Manager
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