Job summary
- Main area
- Cellular Pathology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Fixed term: 7 months (Contract to end on 31/03/2026)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 249-7363300
- Employer
- Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- The Great Western Hospital
- Town
- Swindon
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 18/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Specialist Biomedical Scientist
NHS AfC: Band 6
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a unique organisation, serving as the sole integrated provider in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire system. Our scope extends beyond boundaries as we oversee adult community services in Swindon and provide acute care from the Great Western Hospital.
Our 5,500 staff have 1.2m patient contacts a year, with 13,000 operations carried out in our Theatres, around 4,000 babies born, and our emergency attendances are now well over 100,000 per year. Those numbers only tell part of our story about what an exciting time it is to join Great Western Hospitals.
We are cultivating a culture that fosters our ambitions, prioritising equality, diversion, inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. We aim to create an environment where every member of our team can truly thrive.
The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer; all applicants who have a disability can opt to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme, which means that, providing they meet the minimum essential criteria for the post, they will be offered an interview. We are also proudly accredited as a Veteran Aware organisation and have signed The Armed Forces Covenant.
If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close adverts prior to the published closing date. Therefore, we advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Job overview
We are offering an exciting fixed-term opportunity for an experienced and motivated Band 6 Biomedical Scientist to join our Cellular Pathology team.
This fixed term role is available until 31st March 2026 to support the service through a period of digital transformation, including improvements to workflow efficiency, electronic requesting, and preparation for future digital pathology developments. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality histological and/or cytological diagnostic services, while also contributing to quality, training, and service improvement initiatives.
Main duties of the job
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Undertake specialist duties in specimen dissection, embedding, microtomy, staining, immunohistochemistry, and/or non-gynae cytology
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Validate and authorise results in accordance with laboratory protocols and individual competency
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Provide support and supervision for junior staff, including Band 5 BMS and support workers
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Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes and audit processes
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Contribute to the implementation of digital pathology, including electronic requesting and LIMS optimisation
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Support the verification and validation of new tests, equipment, and workflow changes
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Assist in maintaining laboratory compliance with ISO 15189 and UKAS standards
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Engage with wider clinical and laboratory teams to support safe, efficient diagnostics
Working for our organisation
You’ll join a welcoming, experienced, and quality-focused Cellular Pathology team within a multi-specialty Pathology service committed to delivering safe and timely diagnostic services to our patients.
Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This fixed-term post is part of a wider programme of service improvement and digital modernisation. You’ll be encouraged to bring ideas, participate in project work, and develop your expertise in modern histopathology practices and laboratory IT systems. Whether you're aiming to grow into a leadership role or specialise in digital workflows, this opportunity provides a solid foundation for career development.
The post holder will work as a senior member of the laboratory team to support the operational delivery of high-quality histological and/or cytological investigations, including:
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Performing complex technical work across the histology workflow
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Ensuring safe and accurate handling, processing, and analysis of patient samples
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Monitoring quality and assisting in troubleshooting technical or workflow issues
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Supporting and mentoring junior staff and participating in training programmes
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Assisting with the introduction of electronic requesting, test catalogue updates, and LIMS configuration
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Participating in audits, SOP reviews, and preparation for UKAS accreditation inspections
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Contributing to innovation projects, including equipment upgrades and potential digital slide scanning developments
The role is fixed term until 31/03/2026 and will support both operational needs and strategic development in the Cellular Pathology service. You will report to the Cellular Pathology Section Manager and work closely with Consultant Pathologists, Pathology IT colleagues, and Quality staff to ensure the service remains safe, effective, and future-ready.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- BSc Hons in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Specialist Diploma or equivalent experience
- Training in basic and specialist laboratory techniques
Desirable criteria
- Further training courses (e.g. analyser/subject specific)
- Evidence of cross-disciplinary training and awareness
- ECDL
- Member of the IBMS or related professional bodies
- Evidence of CPD
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in a medical laboratory environment in discipline
- Ability to carry out a wide range of tests
- Has acted autonomously as a Biomedical Scientist
Desirable criteria
- Previous operational management, supervisory and/or training experience
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Graeme Getty
- Job title
- Pathology IT Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
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