Job overview

This post is an opportunity for you to join an expanding dynamic Molecular Pathology service positioned as a dedicated service within the Cellular Pathology department.

As a HCPC registered BMS, your current Histology knowledge and experience will give you the opportunity to develop your specialist diagnostic interests with the enthusiastic support of the team around you.

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.

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 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).

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

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

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?

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