BHSCT Advanced Biomedical Scientist, Core Dissection Band 7 ref:56011145
Branch: Belfast HSCT
Location: INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY
Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
Contract Type: Permanent
Opening date: 10/11/26
Closes: Tue, 24 November 2026 @ 4:30 PM
Interview Dates: to be confirmed.
Notes: We accept online applications only.

A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week. Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards.

Flexible Working
We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of Flexible Working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations, what provisions are available depends on the role being undertaken.

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Full job description documents
POST: Advanced Biomedical Scientist, Core Dissection Band 7 IOP
GRADE: Band 7
REPORTS TO: Discipline Manager
RESPONSIBLE TO: Cellular Pathology Service Manager

JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will undertake the role of specialised section head for Core Dissection* within the department. They will join a team of Advanced Specialist Biomedical Scientists within the Cellular Pathology department, who are responsible for all aspects of Histopathology processing. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the efficient day-to-day running of this section within Cellular Pathology.

* Core Dissection relates to histopathology specimen dissection in categories A to C

KEY RESULTS AREAS Service Delivery

• To be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Core Dissection laboratory, understanding the principles of and the performance of all procedures relating to this area of activity.
• To be responsible for performance management of sections and staff, developing systems of; support, training, knowledge, problem solving and effect dissection production, to allow the department to meet daily KPIs.
• To be responsible for the supervision and training of other grades of staff, providing personal and direct supervision to appropriate levels of staff as required.
• To ensure that all routine maintenance procedures relevant to the equipment are followed and investigate any equipment non-conformances raised.
• To ensure accuracy of tests performance and results within the section.
• To be responsible for the maintenance and updating of all relevant Standard Operating Procedures in line with United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) requirements and ensure they are consistent with the quality policy of the laboratory.
• To understand and implement Internal Quality Control procedures and External Quality Assessment programmes and to ensure prompt action where failures occur.
• Perform fault finding and maintenance procedures ensuring continuity of the service at all times.
• Ensure that any equipment failures are managed appropriately in a timely fashion.
• Assist in the production of key performance indicators and environmental monitoring information.
• Assist in administration duties of the overall Cellular Pathology Laboratory as a team of Advanced Scientists.
• Be responsible for updating and maintaining accurate patient information held within the pathology systems.
• To maintain good and effective communication skills.
• To participate in Continuing Professional Development and continually update knowledge in current and emerging technologies.
• Attend all relevant meetings.
• Demonstrate a flexible approach to work consistent with effective management.
• Cooperate with all staff in Cellular Pathology and other departments in the promotion of an integrated and efficient laboratory service.
• Ensure that all procedures are carried out according to laboratory safety rules and are consistent with Trust policies and recognise and accept safety regulations, guidelines and policy.
• Participate in a 24-hour service which will include extended working day, overnight, weekend and public holidays work as part of the conditioned 37.5 hour week.
• To carry out any other duties not specified above, but which might be reasonably expected of a Biomedical Scientist Band 7.

Teaching & Learning

• Undertake a training programmes for all staff to cover all aspects of Core Dissection.
• Participate in in-house training of all grades of staff.
• Maintain training and competency in all equipment and procedures within the section.
• Maintain training and competency of all staff within the section.

Quality

• Ensure all procedures are carried out according to laboratory quality standards and procedures consistent with Human Tissue Authority requirements where required.
• Understand and work to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
• Ensure high standards and effective systems for governance within Cellular Pathology.
• Lead, participate and support quality improvement initiatives within Cellular Pathology.

Relationships

• Liaise directly with the Discipline Manager with respect to the various responsibilities outlined in this job description.
• Work with the clinical team within Cellular Pathology.
• Liaise with all staff in Cellular Pathology and other departments in the promotion of an integrated and efficient laboratory service.
• Liaise with Officers of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and external users as appropriate.

Financial and Resource Management

• Support the Discipline Manager in reviewing and improving the quality system to ensure that services can be delivered both efficiently and effectively.
• Work with the Discipline Manager in providing information on cost/benefit analyses.

People Management and Development

• Participate in the recruitment and selection of Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory support staff in line with Trust policies.
• Participate in annual performance review and appraisal with Cellular Pathology.
• Ensure that staff are appropriately trained and competency assessed in line with HTA and UKAS requirements.
• Lead by example in practicing the highest standards of conduct in accordance with the code of conduct for HPSS managers.
• The post holder must continue to meet the standards of proficiency as specified by the HCPC to maintain registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• The post holder will participate in Continuous Professional Development in line with KSF and work towards gaining further knowledge through certificate level training and short courses. This will be done through Personal Contribution Plan & Annual Staff Development review.

Development and innovation

• To assist in research projects, where necessary, and to be involved in the development of new procedures and techniques.
• Be responsible for the identification, development and implementation of improvement initiatives to ensure that Cellular Pathology continues to develop.
• Continuously challenge and hold others to account on quality, governance and safety related issues.

Collaborative Working

• Work closely with the Discipline Manager on all aspects of quality and governance management.
• Establish collaborative working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Liaise with relevant organisations or bodies to ensure that a culture of learning continues to develop in relation to all aspects of Cellular Pathology.

Communication and Information Management

• Ensure that appropriate information is available to support the Cellular Pathology service.
• Ensure appropriate Cellular Pathology reports are produced to support management.

General Responsibilities

• Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
• At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
• Comply with the Trust's Smoke Free Policy.
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
• Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
• Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
• Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
• Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Records Management
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including E-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004 and Data Protection Act 1998. Employees are required to be conversant with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policy and procedure on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Environmental Cleaning Strategy
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that "Cleanliness matters is everyone's responsibility, not just the cleaners" Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:

• Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO '5 moments');
• Using the correct '7 step' hand hygiene technique;
• Being 'bare below the elbows' when in a clinical environment;
• Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
• Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
• Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
• Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust's ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE / BAND: Advanced Biomedical Scientist Band 7 IOP
DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Laboratories, Cancer and Specialist Services

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Current registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• At least 3 years post HCPC registration experience in Cellular Pathology Laboratory at Band 6 level or higher.
• Hold the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology.
• Demonstrable experience / highly competent in Cellular Pathology laboratory practice and Core Dissection.
• Must hold an equivalent postgraduate qualification: MSc Biomedical Science; or an IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma; or be a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science or equivalent.
• Post holder will participate as required in a 24-hour service including extended working day, overnight, weekend and public holidays as part of the conditioned 37.5 hours per week.
• Access to a car and full driver's license will be required to provide on call service. Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Managerial experience.
• A wide knowledge of regulatory and licensing standards.
• Good interpersonal and team-working skills.
• Awareness of health & safety, data protection and quality requirements.
• Basic computer skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

NOTE: Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available, an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful, you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

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