About this role
Job summary
Band 6 with option of Annex 21 - dependent on holding a professional qualification
Whatever you're looking for in your career, it is all here for you at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. With state-of-the-art facilities, you can advance your career in Histopathology. As the largest Cellular Pathology department in the country, we're looking for a Specialist BMS (candidates completing their IBMS Specialist Portfolio will also be considered) to join our diverse teams on our Wythenshawe Hospital, where you'll have the opportunity to work cross-site, offering exposure to specialist training.
Our laboratories have begun the implementation of SMART automation with the installation of the Sakura Tissue-Tek AutoTEC A120 automated embedding systems and Sakura Tissue-Tek Xpress X120. The laboratory has now installed the Sakura Smart Connect robotic arm, linking the two machines together to increase the automation in the laboratory. The service has an extensive Immunohistochemistry repertoire, including prognostic markers in Lung and Breast Cancer and Biomedical Scientist led scoring for breast markers, including DDISH and PDL1 for triple negative breast cancer.
The department are also working towards implementing digital imaging to support the Greater Manchester Strategy for Digital Pathology,
Working pattern Monday-Friday 7am-7pm and Sunday 8am-4pm on a rotational basis.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the role
As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist, you'll be experienced and operating as a Biomedical Scientist within Histopathology, in line with ISO 15189 standards and you'll be rotated across the department, providing scientific services to patients and customers to aid pathological diagnosis. You'll deputise for senior team members and manage workflow, support with the management of documentation, and general overall performance. You'll also play a role in the training and development of scientific staff. Opportunities to be trained to support dissection of skin specimens, with cross site support.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.
Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.
At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description Job responsibilities
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:
Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.
Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.
The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december
DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
Person Specification
Qualification Essential
IBMS accredited Biomedical Sciences degree (or other degree accredited with IBMS) Current HCPC registration IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent level of knowledge/ working towards completing IBMS Specialist Portfolio Specialist CPD
Desirable
Leadership qualification
Knowledge Essential
Experience in BMS transfer, embedding, microtomy skills, special stains techniques and Immunohistochemistry Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements within the scope of practice
Desirable
Knowledge of using a Quality Management system
Training and Experience Essential
Competence in a wide range of complex laboratory procedures Experience in the day to day guidance and support of junior staff in undertaking the laboratory workloadTraining and Experience
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 Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Wythenshawe Hospital
Floats Road
Manchester
M23 9LT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)