Job summary
The Cellular Pathology Department at Southmead Hospital is a well-equipped, UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO 15189:2022) and an IBMS-approved training centre. Processing approximately 80,000 requests each year, we provide a comprehensive Histopathology, Cytopathology, Neuropathology and Immunohistochemistry service across Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, local GP practices and healthcare organisations throughout the South West.

This post will be located in the Histopathology department.

Applications are invited from individuals with significant experience of working in a Histopathology laboratory and good working knowledge of Human Tissue Authority (HTA) legislation. In addition to a good understanding of the day to day workings of a Histopathology laboratory, it is highly desirable that the candidate have a good practical knowledge of microtomy and embedding.

This is a permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week, five days per week, Monday - Friday). Participation in a Saturday rota and work at our Essential Laboratory Services at the BRI may be required.

Please note this is not a training post and does not support completion of the HCPC Portfolio.

To learn more about Pathology at BFT, watch our video.

Main duties of the job
You will be involved in the day-to-day support work of the Histopathology laboratory. The role will include, but not be limited to:

• Receipt of samples and data entry
• Assisting with the preparation of specimens for Histological investigations
• Maintenance of equipment and reagents
• Training of band 2/3 MLA's
• Embedding and microtomy of paraffin embedded tissues.

You will also provide specialist administrative and laboratory support for Human Tissue Authority (HTA) regulated activities, paediatric pathology services, and tissue banking programmes, alongside core Medical Laboratory Assistant duties.

About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

Details
Date posted: 02 November 2026
Closing date: 16 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year pa pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 339-CCS3152-RUH

Person Specification
Essential

• Numerate and literate (minimum 4 GCSE's, or equivalent, incl. Maths & English & a Science)
• Knowledge and practical skills at NVQ level 3 or equivalent
• Knowledge of appropriate protocols and SOPs used within Histology including H&S
• Experience of working as a support grade worker in Histology
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Experience of handling work-based telephone calls
• Knowledge of Human Tissue Authority (HTA) legislation. Standards and codes of practice, including requirements for tissue traceability, documentation, storage, retention, return and disposal
• Knowledge of MS office including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Good organisational skills. Ability to plan, prioritise and re-schedule workloads
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Good keyboard skills including data input experience
• Possess manual dexterity and ability to work accurately
• Ability to work accurately with minimum supervision
• A desire to work in healthcare

Desirable

• IBMS Certificate of Achievement for Biomedical support staff (or working towards)
• Experience in histological techniques including embedding and microtomy
• Supervisory 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.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Histopathology, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB, United Kingdom
Contact: Rebecca Woodward, Training Officer, rebecca.woodward12@nhs.net, 01174149832