Job summaryThe Cellular Pathology team at
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a
motivated, experienced, and enthusiastic Band 5 Biomedical Scientist to join our busy yet friendly department on a 12 month fixed term contract.
Our department processes approximately
44,000 surgical and diagnostic requests each year across our two hospital sites -
Luton & Dunstable Hospital and
Bedford Hospital. As part of a large general hospital trust, we handle a diverse range of tissue and diagnostic cytology specimens, including post-mortem work.
The
main Cellular Pathology Laboratory is based at the
Bedford Hospital site, with an expectation that staff may be required to cover occasional shifts at the
Luton & Dunstable Hospital site.
The Pathology service holds
full UKAS accreditation and is
HTA and MHRA compliant.
Applicants should possess a
strong background in general histology, including practical experience and working knowledge of
special techniques such as immunohistochemistry.
For further information, please contact:
Charlotte Emmony - Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager? 01234 355122 ext. 4656? charlotte.emmony@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
Main duties of the jobThe post holder will assist in the day to day operations and technical aspects of the service.
The post holder will assist the Specialist BMS & Senior BMS in the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective service, through the Quality Management System [QMS]. They will assist in the implementation of change as directed by the laboratory seniors/manager, when delegated or appropriate to service needs.
The post holder is expected to implement policies and procedures ensuring that the service complies with current UKAS standards, national and European legislation and discipline specific regulatory bodies.
The post holder will assist in the training and development of scientific and support staff.
About usBedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.DetailsDate posted: 09 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 418-BIO05178-CW-A
Job locations: Bedfordshire Hospitals, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesDetails of the specific service, departmental responsibilities, accountabilities, and objectives are outlined in the
Role Descriptor document accompanying this
Biomedical Scientist (BMS) job description.
The post holder will support the
day-to-day operations and
technical aspects of the service, working closely with senior Biomedical Scientists to ensure the delivery of a
high-quality, efficient, and effective service in accordance with the
Quality Management System (QMS).
They will assist in the
implementation of service improvements and operational changes as directed by senior laboratory staff or the Laboratory Manager, in line with service requirements.
The post holder will be responsible for implementing
policies and procedures to ensure the service remains compliant with
current UKAS standards,
national and European legislation, and relevant
discipline-specific regulatory bodies.
In addition, the post holder will contribute to the
training and development of both scientific and support staff.
As an
HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will play an active role in supporting the effective delivery of departmental services.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- BSc Biomedical Science or equivalent
- HCPC registered
SkillsEssential- Excellent communication skills, including good use of written English (spelling and grammar)
- Ability to expertly embed min. 45 blocks per hour
- Ability to expertly section min. 20 blocks per hour
Desirable- Flexible in approach and adaptability to change
- Practical knowledge of Cellular Pathology automation
ExperienceEssential- Experience of working within a Cellular Pathology laboratory in the UK
- Digital Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry experience
DesirableDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Bedfordshire Hospitals, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager
Charlotte Emmony
charlotte.emmony@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
01234355122
Supporting documentsPrivacy noticeBedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
