Job summary
- Main area
- Molecular Pathology
- Grade
- Band 6 (Annex 21 for applicants working on specialist portfolio)
- Contract
- Permanent: Annex 21 for applicants working towards Specialist Portfolio
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (MON-FRI 09:00-17:00 Some flexibility on daily hours , service dependent)
- Job ref
- 359-7314005-T1-A
- Employer
- Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Maidstone Hospital
- Town
- Maidstone
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 07/08/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Specialist Biomedical Scientist (Molecular Pathology)
Band 6 (Annex 21 for applicants working on specialist portfolio)
Job overview
Molecular Pathology service is positioned as a dedicated service within the Cellular Pathology department. We are the designated Kent & Medway Cellular Pathology Genomic Centre and the successful candidate will join a team of scientists and support staff working in purpose-built lab facilities in modern hospitals. Fully accredited to ISO15189:2022, we provide a wide repertoire of specialist diagnostic and predictive testing for patients across Kent and Medway. This includes a diagnostic FISH HER-2 service which has recently transitioned to a digital platform and the successful candidate will have the opportunity participate in this service along with all other areas within the department. approachable attitude.Please note, experience in routine Histology is essential for this role and candidates unable to demonstrate this will not be shortlisted. A specialist diploma in Cellular Pathology or Molecular Pathology is a pre-requisite. Suitable candidates who are within one year of completion of this are encouraged to apply (and will be subject to Annex 21 until obtained). We would consider applications from HCPC-registered staff who do not have an IBMS Specialist diploma, looking for a development opportunity to join us on Annexe 21 B6 for 2 years, moving to full B6 on completion of the IBMS Specialist portfolio and relevant competencies.
Main duties of the job
- Independently performs complex specialist techniques (such as FISH and PCR) on tissue samples, ensuring the quality of the test through use of interpretive skills and using the correct controls to validate the tests
- Performs independent interpretation of FISH testing results and directly produces reports on negative test results to Clinicians in order to direct them on treatment options.
- Independently assess FISH cases and escalate complex interpretive decisions to more senior staff as appropriate for reporting.
- Performs troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex and expensive automated systems ensuring appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
- Leads a team to ensure that the quality of laboratory processes is to an appropriate high standard, and that such results are timely and accurate
- As a holder of a Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology, you will have experience of working in a routine Histopathology laboratory including immunohistochemistry, and will be able to troubleshoot, solve problems and supervise and train your team. You will therefore need to be able to communicate well with staff at all levels, motivate your team and have a friendly and
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible
Working for our organisation
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed.
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person specification
Qualification
Essential criteria
- HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist
- In possession of or working towards IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology
- Relevant BSc degree in Biomedical Science
Desirable criteria
- IBMS certificates of extended or expert practice
- Membership (MIBMS) or Fellowship of IBMS (FIBMS)
- Oncology experience in molecular pathology
Experience/ Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Experience at AFC Band 5, or equivalent. in a routine Histology/Molecular Pathology laboratory
- Experience in immunohistochemistry
- Good understanding of laboratory accreditation
- Clear evidence of relevant continued professional development (CPD) activity (for own benefit and as an example to junior staff)
- Evidence of acting in a supervisory or team leadership role
- Specialist understanding of Histology laboratory technique and its contribution to Histopathological diagnosis
- Good Understanding of H&S requirements in laboratory
Desirable criteria
- Experience with solid tissue Molecular techniques
Skills
Essential criteria
- Able to comprehend and analyse complex information and draw conclusions from it
- Ability to organise own work and to do so under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Able to manage and prioritise the day to day work of a laboratory and direct staff accordingly.
- Able to trouble shoot and investigate issues and concerns and assist with finding solutions.
- Able to make informed decisions on service provision including the ability to escalate issues or concerns appropriately.
- Very good communication skills using all methods (verbal, e-mail)
- Good supervisory and teaching ability.
- Able to accept additional responsibility
- Able to multitask, quick to learn and comprehend.
- Able to work as team member and independently
- High level of manual dexterity
Desirable criteria
- Proficient use of Pathology computer system
- Good IT skills including MS Office and Q Pulse
- Ability to review and write SOP’s clearly
- Ability to conduct process audits
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Pete Deal
- Job title
- LEAD BMS
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01622228445
- Additional information
Gillian Donald (Clinical Scientist) - 01622 224060
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