Senior Biomedical Scientist - Dissection

Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

NHS Band 7 Salary:  £49,387 - £56,515 per annum

Hours Per Week:  Full time 37.5 hrs

Contract Type: Permanent

The Portsmouth Histology department is seeking a highly motivated and appropriately skilled Senior Biomedical Scientist in Dissection to join our dedicated and professional team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual with a strong background in histology, excellent skills in specimen dissection and a commitment to delivering high-quality diagnostic services. The successful candidate will play a role in supporting accurate diagnosis, maintaining highest standards of patient care, and contributing to the effective delivery of our pathology service.

The Histopathology department at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust processes around 43,000 cases, generating ~350,000 slides per year. We are UKAS accredited against ISO 15189 standards and we hold training laboratory status from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and support training where appropriate. 

Job Purpose:

• The post holder will undertake the role of expert specimen dissector in a range of sub-specialties in Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) categories A to C.
• The post holder will work in accordance with the RCPath guidelines; and comply with national cancer datasets and tissue pathways in conjunction with local clinical direction and requirements.
• To be an active part of the BMS dissection team and assist in the training of others.
• To act as part of the B7 Senior BMS team within Histopathology, providing senior level advice and support.
• Provide leadership, advice, and support to the wider team; and deputise for the Histopathology Operational Manager as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• To be a member of the DEP-qualified cut up and Senior BMS team.
• To perform independent dissection of complex specimens within define scope of practice, seeking clinical advice where necessary.
• To maintain all associated departmental records and documentation related to the role.
• To assist in the provision of service delivery in the specified area of work.
• To assist the dissection leads and HISOM in providing scientific and technical advice within the department and to service users.
• To participate in the training and development of scientific and medical trainees.
• To participate in meetings required for role (senior BMS huddle, dissection meeting, lab meeting).
• To provide specialist advice to colleagues and service users.
• To liaise with colleagues from external departments as required to ensure optimal patient care.
• To function within a core team of senior Biomedical Scientists and participate in staff supervision, training, performance reviews, recruitment and absence management.
• Participate in the laboratory rota as required for service needs as determined by the HISOM.
• To work closely with and build professional relationships with all Pathology disciplines.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is safe, validated, adequately maintained and calibrated.
• To participate in the quality management system including the preparation for and participation in and resolution of any findings from UKAS inspections.
• To ensure Health and Safety is maintained in the relevant working area.
• To participate in the on-call service (voluntary) if desirable.

For full job details and person specifications please refer to enclosed job description.

Essential

• IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection
• Member or Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• BSc (Hons) or equivalent in Biomedical Science
• MSc or working towards attaining a higher qualification
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Experience

Essential

• At least three years' post-registration experience working in a hospital laboratory environment
• Be able to demonstrate a high level of specialist knowledge and practical experience in histology
• Experience of training and development in a busy hospital environment
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio in Cellular Pathology

Desirable

• Experience of working at the Senior BMS level.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Leadership
• Good working knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems
• Good working knowledge of Laboratory Equipment
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other hospital IT systems
• Ability to use highly complex automated equipment.
• Ability to maintain standards of accuracy and hand to eye coordination in repetitive manual techniques and working in a methodical, organised manner.
• Ability to undertake the technical validation of results.
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work using own initiative and without supervision.
• Interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation and procedures
• Practical knowledge of departmental equipment and methods
• Problem solving skills.
• Demonstrable ability to lead by example.
• Demonstrable ability to make informed decisions in area of responsibility.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.   

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. 

For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026