Job overview

We are moving to a new, state of the art laboratory in 2025 and are looking to expand our workforce before that move. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to join the Histopathology Department in the role of a Specialist Biomedical Scientist.  You will have extensive experience within Histopathology and, excellent organisational and time management skills. You must have experience in the maintenance of a high throughput service. A strong commitment to professional development and teamwork are essential for this post. In return you will be welcomed into a developing team as a key valued member with opportunities for professional development and experience. 

You are required to have an IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular pathology or equivalent qualification. Applications may be accepted from HCPC registered Biomedical Scientists who are currently progressing through the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in histopathology or cytology. Successful candidates that have not yet finished the portfolio will be paid on AfC Band 5 based on their experience at that grade, until completion of either all “Histopathology Specialist Biomedical Scientist Competencies” or successful assessment and award of their Specialist Diploma qualification by the IBMS. 

Main duties of the job

CUH Histopathology department is one of the largest in the country with over 130 non-medical staff supporting over 50 consultant Histopathologists. There is site specific reporting and we support many regional and national programmes. We are looking for people who have a desire to push the boundaries of current practice and want to join a transformational programme of work. This will involve adoption of new and innovative technologies and work practices.  We have adopted digital pathology and are looking to capitalise on the opportunities it offers. The department prides itself on staff development and offers many training and education opportunities for staff of all grades. 

Main Duties include:

Performs a wide range of routine healthcare science activities, whilst supporting junior members of staff including specimen receipt, specimen preparation including assisting pathologists at cut-up, embedding and microtomy of surgical tissue, slide collation, specimen storage and maintenance of equipment. 

Demonstrate duties to new or less experienced employees.

To work flexibly in reflection of service needs this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service.

The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may include urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.

Working for our organisation

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.