About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Biomedical Scientist to deputise for the Operational Laboratory Manager and the Governance and Health and Safety Manager. Based in Neuropathology, the post holder will rotate across laboratory services including CNS histopathology and specialist tissues such as muscle and nerve. The role involves working within a complex specialist service and supporting wider Cellular Pathology in line with service needs
The Department of Neuropathology and Ocular Pathology
Part of the Cellular Pathology Clinical Service Unit and a UKAS-accredited tertiary diagnostic servic Provides services to OUH clinicians, regional and supra-regional hospitals, and Coroners, with national and international referralsWorks closely with clinical teams to deliver accurate, timely diagnostics supporting patient care Supports education, training, and service development across laboratory and clinical staf The successful candidate
Experience in histology, with neuropathology or quality management experience IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Quality Management (to be completed if not held) MSc in a cellular pathology-related subject and IBMS Specialist Diploma required Applications assessed against essential criteria Interview date
Technical and values-based interview on 7 July 2026
Main duties of the job
Deputise for the Operational Laboratory Manager as required, ensuring continuity of delivery service and supporting the management of the department Manage the day-to-day operation of a laboratory section, including documentation, quality assurance, audit, improvement activity and incident management, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards Supervise Biomedical Support Workers, Associate Practitioners, Trainee BMS staff, BMS staff and Specialist BMS staff, and supports training, development and competency assessment Act as deputy to the Cellular Pathology Governance and Health and Safety Manager and is responsible for maintaining the Neuropathology quality management system with the Cellular Pathology Quality Management Team
About us
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a large teaching Trust providing general and specialist services alongside education and research Comprises John Radcliffe, Churchill, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Horton General Hospital Delivering Compassionate Excellence through values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence Promotes patient-centred care, strong professional relationships and a safe, inclusive workplace See attached job description and person specification
Job description Job responsibilities
Managerial Responsibilities
Supervise Biomedical Scientists, trainees, Associate Practitioners and support staff Train staff, assess competency and support development Monitor performance, manage workflow and report issues Plan activity to ensure accurate, timely processing Manage stock, resources and support service delivery and rota Scientific, Clinical and Analytical Responsibilities
Participate in histology, immunocytochemistry and post-mortem services Perform complex investigations and maintain ISO 15189 and HTA standards Validate results, maintain equipment and process samples accurately Interpret clinical data and assess result validity Identify errors, recommend tests and support diagnosis Role Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with quality, safety and professional standards Maintain HCPC registration and CPD Communicate effectively and support improvement Attend meetings and training Follow data protection and safety policies Work flexibly in line with service needs
Person Specification
Education and qualifications Essential
HCPC registration IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology MSc or equivalent in Cellular Pathology or related subject Evidence of Continuing professional development
Experience Essential
Technical and analytical responsibility within a Cellular Pathology service Management or supervisory experience Mentoring, training, or supporting colleagues Experience of supporting or implementing change
Knowledge and skills Essential
Knowledge and understanding of IT aspects of complex analytical equipment and Laboratory Information Systems Quality Management
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 Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital
Headley Way,
Oxford
OX3 9DU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)