Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Histopathology (Band 6)
The closing date is 20 November 2026
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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.
Please see this short video showcasing Pathology at Southmead.
https://youtu.be/cJiNgR-TwUY?si=H6kkwCD5FvSv6UpW
The Histopathology section is looking to appoint an enthusiastic, self motivated Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist. The department strives to provide a high quality service to our users and so we are looking for someone who can bring new ideas and energy to ensure we are constantly improving.
Main duties of the job
As a Specialist Biomedical Scientist you will participate in all aspects of the routine laboratory and then one other specialist area, either cut up including specimen dissection or special diagnostics which includes immunohistochemistry and special stains. The role you are offered may be dependent on previous experience or on the current needs of the department. You may also be asked to contribute to the Molecular Genomics service delivery, quality or training team if required.
You will be expected to take a leading role in day to day activities, supporting the senior team to ensure an optimised workflow through the department, working with, and supporting BMS and MLA staff as required. You will positively contribute to the training of staff both at BMS and MLA levels.
In addition you will be required to work on a rotational basis at our satellite laboratory based in the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
About us
The Histopathology department has a strong team working environment, always looking to improve to enhance not only the service we provide our users but also the experiences we offer our team. Being a large department you will gain knowledge and experience across a wide range of activities and specimens.
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: 12 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year pa pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 339-CCS5545-KC
Job locations: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a full time post (37.5 hours per week). The laboratory currently operates 7.00 am to 6.00 pm and applicants will need to be flexible to meet the needs of the service; this may include regular Saturdays.
Day to day you will be working alongside MLA and BMS colleagues to provide all elements of the service subject to your specialist responsibilities.
Please see the attached job description for more detail.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Essential

• Demonstrate a desire for continual service improvement
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal development
• Be an effective team worker
• Ability to handle pathology specimens

Experience
Essential

• Broad knowledge and competency commensurate with a minimum two years post-registration experience in Cellular Pathology
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation applicable to laboratories

Desirable

• Experience of working in an NHS laboratory

Knowledge, skills and abilities
Essential

• Good interpersonal and communication skills - both written and verbal
• Able to assist in monitoring the training and well-being of junior members of the work area
• Possess good organisational skills
• Knowledge of Departmental IT system
• Good IT and keyboard skills with efficient data-entry skills
• Able to undertake detailed work
• Able to work accurately
• Ability to follow SOPs
• Possess highly developed co-ordination skills

Desirable

• Able to participate in staff training

Education and qualifications
Essential

• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (Biomedical Scientist)
• BSc honours degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent accredited for registration with HCPC
• Evidence of competency at a specialist level in Histopathology- e.g. IBMS Specialist Diploma
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and on-going training in Cellular Pathology

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: Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Training Officer
Rebecca Woodward
rebecca.woodward12@nhs.net
01174149832
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