About this role
Job summary
Join Our Histology Team-Fixed-Term Band 5 Biomedical Scientist opportunity + HCAS
Are you looking to strength your Histology experience in a busy, forward-thinking NHS laboratory? An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Biomedical Scientist to join the friendly and highly skilled Histology team at the Surrey Histology Hub in Guildford on a 12-month fixed term basis.
The post is for Biomedical Scientists with histology experience and completion of the IBMS Registration Portfolio. It offers a fantastic opportunity to work within a forward-thinking pathology network delivering high-quality diagnostic services.
Be prepared to participate in all rotas as needed to support a 7-day a week service, helping to future-proof the organisation's operational and staffing flexibility.
Main duties of the job
Participates in the provision of a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services across a range of scientific disciplines
The post holder is expected to be a proficient microtomist able to cut all types of paraffin embedded tissue to include, thin core biopsies, blocks from limited or scanty tissue, fatty tissue, bony tissue, hemorrhagic tissue and any challenging paraffin blocks (Routine and mega blocks).
Experience of using different types of microtomes & multi departmental experience of cutting paraffin sections is desirable.
Liaise with line manager as part of a team delivering high quality protocol based technical service under the supervision of Registered Biomedical Scientist staff
Required to communicate with hospital clinicians, general practitioners, other healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives and commercial suppliers
Required to operate sophisticated, automated laboratory equipment and perform scientific techniques under supervision
Appropriately handle body fluids and materials, including high risk specimens
To report results in accordance with departmental SOPs and as appropriate to grade
To act as supervisor for support grade staff members as agreed with the laboratory management team
The post holder will be expected to train, support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA's
About us
Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.
We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.
We have received an overall Good rating from the CQC with Medical care (including older peoples care), End of Life Care and Maternity services being deemed Outstanding by the CQC.
Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.
Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
A video about the Royal Surrey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HsiGn9joTQ
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description & specification.
Why join us?
Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS) working collaboratively across hospitals in the South East and acting as a hub for approximately 110,000 surgical specimens each year. We are proud to be recognised as an exemplar site within NHS pathology networks and continue to invest in new technologies and service innovation.
The laboratory is housed within a modern, spacious, purpose-built facility that has recently undergone refurbishment and is ideally located just off the A3 in Guildford. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and supported by an experienced multidisciplinary team, the department provides an excellent environment for professional development and career progression.
Some highlights of our service include:
The department supports St Lukes Cancer Centre, a regional centre for complex cancer surgery and radiotherapy, and performs over 400 frozen sections annually.
The department is at the forefront of technological innovation, featuring advanced automated staining platforms and a fully integrated specimen tracking system to support efficient, high-quality diagnostic services.
We deliver a comprehensive Immunohistochemistry service, supported by Roche Diagnostics Ultra platforms, encompassing over 140 antibodies, skin immunofluorescence and in-situ hybridisation with a projected 110,000 tests per year
Advanced practice is strongly encouraged within the department, including specimen transfer, tissue triage and potential opportunity to expand in to histological extended dissection (subject to experience).
State-of-the-art digital pathology scanners with ongoing service expansion
Staff development and support are at the centre of our vision, with excellent opportunities for training, career progression, and professional growth.
A department that actively supports innovation, service development and staff progression
A large and experienced multidisciplinary team including over 35 Pathologists across the Surrey network and large team of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and laboratory supporting staff.
This fixed-term role is ideal for someone looking to gain additional experience within a high-volume Histology department while contributing to a service that places quality, teamwork and patient care at the centre of everything we do.
The successful candidate will primarily be based at RSCH in Guildford, with occasional rotational working across other BSPS Surrey Histopathology sites including Frimley Park, St Peters/Ashford, and East Surrey Hospital.
If you are enthusiastic, adaptable and looking for your next opportunity within Histology, we would love to hear from you.
Be prepared to participate in all rotas as needed to support a 7-day a week service, helping to future-proof the organisations operational and staffing flexibility.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Good education to A Levels, including science subject or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part 2) or Foundation degree Willing to undergo relevant training to ensure sound relevant knowledge
Desirable
ECDL
Knowledge & Experience Essential
Experience of working in a relevant laboratory Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior lab staff gained by significant experience in a similar role Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures Ability to write clearly. Possess basic IT skills & keyboard accuracy. Basic knowledge of laboratory H&S
Desirable
Experience of using different types of microtomes Multi departmental experience of cutting paraffin sections to show a proven track record of microtomy 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.
Employer details Employer name Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Royal Surrey Hospital
Egerton Road
Guildford
GU2 7XX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)