About this role
Job summary
To participate in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic neuropathology and muscle pathology service to Bristol foundation and to a few external organisations including other healthcare trusts, and some coronial and criminal investigation services.
The post-holder will be expected to rotate through the various sections of the Laboratory (biopsy & autopsy, immunohistochemistry; enzyme histochemistry;). The role requires working hours between 9.00am and 5.15pm, with occasional flexibility required to meet service needs.
Neuropathology resides within the Cellular Pathology department, and the post may be required to work within Histology increasingly overtime. Appropriate training will be provided to enable post holders to develop the necessary competencies to fulfil the requirements of the role
Main duties of the job
Paraffin wax histology of surgical biopsies -Assisting a pathologist with specimen cut-upProcessing and embedding specimens into waxMicrotomy of wax blocks using a rotary microtome to produce sections for mounting on slidesStaining of these slides by a range of dye methods to demonstrate specific tissue components
Paraffin wax histology of autopsy specimens to include -Processing and embedding large specimens into waxMicrotomy of large dimension wax blocks using a rotary microtome to produce sections for mounting on large format slides
o Urgent interoperative diagnostic methods -Staining of biopsy tissue smears for inter-operative diagnosisFreezing and cutting sections of these frozen blocks of biopsy tissue using a cryostat. These sections are mounted on slides and stained.
o Enzyme histochemistry of muscle biopsies -Dissection, sampling and rapid freezing of specimens using iso-pentane cooled in liquid nitrogenUsing a cryostat to cut sections of the frozen muscle for mounting on glass slidesPerforming a range of enzyme histochemical incubations on mounted sections of the specimen to demonstrate the pattern of activity of these enzymes in the muscle tissue
o Immunohistochemistry - Application of immunohistochemistry techniques to both wax-embedded and frozen tissue samples.
Cytology methods -Preparation of slides containing cells extracted from cerebral spinal fluid suspensions using a cytocentrifugation technique;Staining of these slides for microscopy
About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.
Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:
Better outcomes for ourPatients More opportunities for our People Fairer more consistent care for ourPopulation Best Value for Public Purse Our vision for five years from now:
Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live. We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources. More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community. Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care. Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work. We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career. Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly. We will contribute to system financial balance
Job description Job responsibilities
1. Scientific / technical:
To participate in the reception, preparation, documentation and subsequent safe disposal of all specimens
To adhere to and assist in ensuring ongoing accuracy of established protocols and procedures ensuring that:
o There is consistency in the preparation of laboratory specimens
o Equipment safety and maintenance schedules are followed
o Health and safety standards are met
o Appropriate records are maintained (in both electronic and written formats)
To assist in investigation into laboratory incidents and other aspects of ensuring ongoing quality such as auditing following appropriate training
To ensure completion of appropriate training and maintenance of competency, escalating any training needs
To rotate through all sections of the department, participating in the duties indicated in the following paragraphs
o Paraffin wax histology of surgical biopsies -Assisting a pathologist with specimen cut-upProcessing and embedding specimens into waxMicrotomy of wax blocks using a rotary microtome to produce sections for mounting on slidesStaining of these slides by a range of dye methods to demonstrate specific tissue components
o Identifying and assessing control material for use with the departments panel of special stains
o Paraffin wax histology of autopsy specimens to include -Processing and embedding large specimens into waxMicrotomy of large dimension wax blocks using a rotary microtome to produce sections for mounting on large format slidesStaining of these slides by a range of dye methods to demonstrate specific tissue componentsUsing various specialised silver impregnation techniques to demonstrate morphological features specific to the nervous system
o Urgent interoperative diagnostic methods -Staining of biopsy tissue smears for inter-operative diagnosisFreezing and cutting sections of these frozen blocks of biopsy tissue using a cryostat. These sections are mounted on slides and stained.
o Enzyme histochemistry of muscle biopsies -Dissection, sampling and rapid freezing of specimens using iso-pentane cooled in liquid nitrogenUsing a cryostat to cut sections of the frozen muscle for mounting on glass slidesPerforming a range of enzyme histochemical incubations on mounted sections of the specimen to demonstrate the pattern of activity of these enzymes in the muscle tissue
o Immunohistochemistry - Application of immunohistochemistry techniques to both wax-embedded and frozen tissue samples. Use of appropriate pre-treatment methods on slides prior to incubation. Application of automated techniques to demonstrate a wide spectrum of tissue components (currently utilising approximately 100 different antibody markers). Assistance with the validation and verification of reagents and methods to ensure optimal sensitivity and performance. Identification and assessment of suitable control material for use with the departments panel of primary antibodies.
o Cytology methods -Preparation of slides containing cells extracted from cerebral spinal fluid suspensions using a cytocentrifugation technique;Staining of these slides for microscopy
In addition, the post-holder may be required to provide occasional technical support for some departmental research activities
2. Service support:
To assist in implementing both internal QC and external QA activities
To assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the departments facilities, to include:
o Preparation of reagents
o Filing of specimens and slides
o Cleaning & preparation of glassware and other lab materials
o Equipment maintenance
o Stock control
To assist in training and supervising more junior staff within this Department
3. Communications:
The post-holder is required to communicate biomedical information of varying degrees of complexity with medical, scientific and secretarial staff within the Cellular Pathology Department, and in other departments both within and outside of the Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This involves providing and receiving information both verbally and in writing
4. Other duties:
The post-holder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the grade of post, and in the event of staff absence, may be required to cover for both higher and subordinate grades within the Cellular Pathology Department
Working Conditions / Effort
Physical demands involve for considerable periods during each working day the use of: IT workstations; microscopes; and laboratory equipment requiring continual repetitive movements (e.g. microtomes to cut sections of pathological specimens) A moderate level of concentration is required to ensure accuracy and consistency in the documenting, preparation and labelling of pathological specimens. Higher concentration levels are necessary when checking and assessing specimens A range of pathological specimens are received and processed in the department daily, including:Both fresh and formalin-fixed samples of tissue biopsied during surgery Unfixed and formalin-fixed complete brains and spinal cords removed during autopsy
There is regular handing of hazardous chemicals under controlled conditions and of pathological specimens under appropriate levels of containment. The greatest risk is presented by spongiform encephalopathy cases such as CJD and variant CJD in which the infective prion protein is not denatured by routine specimen fixation procedures There is a requirement to wear protective clothing and apparatus. In addition to wearing laboratory coats, protective gloves are used regularly. Goggles, face-masks and chain-mail gloves are also used as necessary Some routinely performed techniques require the use of cryogenic agents, which are dispensed and handled with appropriate protection: Liquid nitrogen (-190C), is used in the rapid freezing of muscle specimens Cryospray (-52C) is used to freeze small biopsy specimens for sectioning in a cryostat Many specimens are stored in a deep freeze at -80C Knowledge, Training, Experience and Skills Required
Knowledge, Training, Experience and Skills required
1. Biomedical Sciences qualification at degree level or equivalent
2. State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council is essential
3. Basic theoretical knowledge of the core laboratory techniques used in neuropathology and muscle pathology diagnostic investigations, especially:
3.1. Paraffin wax histology
3.2. Immunohistochemistry
3.3. Enzyme histochemistry
3.4. CSF cytology
4. Practical competence in applying the above techniques to the investigation of diseases of the nervous system and muscle
5. Knowledge and experience of using databases and other office applications running on a Microsoft Windows network
6. Knowledge of, and training in, basic laboratory Health and Safety procedures
7. Evidence of involvement in biomedical sciences Continuing Professional Development activities
8. An aptitude for perfoming the various technical laboratory processes used within this Department
9. The ability to work reliably following the Departments operating procedures and policies - attention to detail is an essential requisite for all laboratory procedures
10. A high level of concentration to enable complex procedures to be completed in a timely and accurate manner
11. Good eye-hand coordination is required for many techniques involving small specimens
12. Well-developed organisational skills enabling ones workload to be planned efficiently, and for various laboratory procedures to be performed in parallel
13. The ability and confidence to work both independently and as part of a small team
14. Proven analytical skills, especially in quality control and trouble-shooting basic laboratory procedures
15. Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal & written) to facilitate effective working relationships with all groups of staff, both within and outside of the Department
16. The ability to communicate and discuss complex and sensitive information, when appropriate, with staff of all grades
Person Specification
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Experience Essential
Degree qualification in Biomedical Science State registration with HCPC Evidence of commitment to Continuing Professional Development Knowledge of health and safety procedures in the laboratory Ability to work to SOPs Theoretical knowledge and practical experience of histopathology techniques Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal Highly organised and able to work effectively as part of a team, and independently.
Desirable
A postgraduate level qualification (with specialisation Neuropath), or a comparable level of knowledge and experience Knowledge of quality management and experience in BSN: EN ISO15189:2022 Knowledge and experience of neuropathology Experience of organising, training, supervising and mentoring of junior staff
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address Southmead Hospital
Bristol
BS10 5NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)