Job summary
The Cellular Pathology department based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro is looking to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic, suitably qualified and experienced candidates to join the department as a Biomedical Scientist in the Histopathology section.

The department received just under 40,000 histopathology requests in 2025. The histopathology section also processes samples from the 900 Coronial PMs performed. The department includes a modern immunocytochemistry / molecular biology unit & provides a Rapid On-site Evaluation (ROSE) service to the EBUS/EUS clinics. Where over 300 samples a year are processed, assessed & reported on-site.

As a Biomedical Scientist the post holder will be expected to work within the professional standards as a registrant of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and maintain a portfolio of evidence supporting Continuing Professional development (CPD).

The post holder will be required to conform to agreed standard operational procedures, policies, good laboratory practice and comply with the standards as required of ISO15189:2022 and the Human Tissue Authority.

Consideration will be given for a trainee Biomedical Scientist if the successful candidate holds an IBMS accredited degree and is capable of completing their IBMS registration portfolio within 1 year & may be subject to the T&C under annex 21.

Main duties of the job
This post will be suitable for a HCPC registered BMS who has completed the IBMS registration portfolio in Cellular Pathology or is able to submit their portfolio for verification within the next 12 months.

The successful candidates will be part of the Histopathology main lab team & as such will be require to perform all technical duties associated with this section. They will also be expected to maintain training /competency of staff, ensuring compliance with national standards and accreditation bodies & be responsible for health & safety within the section.

This is a full time, permanent post. The hours are currently within a framework of 07:00 - 17:00 hours, Monday to Friday.

About us
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that increases during visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:

• Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro
• St Michael's Hospital in Hayle
• West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

As a teaching hospital, we're proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals. We're committed to staying at the forefront of medical advance; investing in our people, developing our facilities, and expanding the specialist care we can offer locally so more patients can receive the care they need closer to home. We have a growing reputation for research and innovation that helps shape better care for the future. The Knowledge Spa, located on our Truro site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non-clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams.

We are driven by one clear ambition, Outstanding Care for One and All, care that's safe, kind and high-quality. We are RCHT.

Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.

To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:

• Identity Checks
• Professional registration and qualification checks
• Employment history and reference checks
• Occupational Health clearance
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Right to work in the UK

For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation

We reserve the right to close this advert early.

We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.

We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.

Qualifications
Essential

• HCPC registration
• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent

Experience
Essential

• Previous experience within an NHS Histopathology lab
• Knowledge of histopathological techniques
• Experience in training staff
• Knowledge of quality and accreditation processes (UKAS & HTA)
• Previous experience in tissue transfer & dissection

Desirable

• Previous experience in dissection

Practical and Intellectual Skills
Essential

• Theoretical and practical knowledge in Cellular Pathology
• Naturally accurate and shows attention to detail
• Good verbal communications at all levels

Disposition
Essential

• Flexible and able to change priorities at short notice
• Calm under pressure and able to meet deadlines

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.

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).