We are seeking a motivated Biomedical Scientist to join our specialist Neuropathology Laboratory, contributing to the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic neuropathology and muscle pathology service for Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and a range of external organisations, including other healthcare trusts, coronial services, and criminal investigation agencies.

The post holder will rotate through the various sections of the laboratory, including biopsy and autopsy histology, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme histochemistry. The role is based on a standard working pattern of 9:00am to 5:15pm, although some flexibility may occasionally be required to meet service demands.

Neuropathology is part of the Cellular Pathology Department, and the successful candidate may increasingly be required to support work within Histology as service needs evolve. Full training will be provided to develop the competencies and skills required for the role.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a specialist diagnostic neuropathology and muscle pathology service. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will rotate through the various sections of the laboratory, including biopsy and autopsy histology, immunohistochemistry, enzyme histochemistry and cytology.

Key responsibilities include processing, embedding, sectioning and staining tissue specimens; performing specialist laboratory techniques on surgical, autopsy and muscle biopsy samples; supporting urgent intraoperative diagnostic services; and maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy and patient safety.

The post holder will be responsible for maintaining accurate laboratory records, complying with quality management and health and safety requirements, and participating in service improvement activities. They will also work closely with biomedical scientists, pathologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of an efficient, high-quality diagnostic service.

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.

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

1. Scientific / technical:

To participate in the reception, preparation, documentation and subsequent safe

disposal of all specimens

To adhere to and assist in ensuring ongoing accuracy of established protocols and

procedures ensuring that:
o There is consistency in the preparation of laboratory specimens
o Equipment safety and maintenance schedules are followed
o Health and safety standards are met
o Appropriate records are maintained (in both electronic and written formats)

To assist in investigation into laboratory incidents and other aspects of ensuring ongoing quality such as auditing following appropriate training
To ensure completion of appropriate training and maintenance of competency, escalating any training needs
To rotate through all sections of the department, participating in the duties
In addition, the post-holder may be required to provide occasional technical support

for some departmental research activities

2. Service support:

To assist in implementing both internal QC and external QA activities
To assist in the day-to-day maintenance of the department’s facilities, to include:

o Preparation of reagents
o Filing of specimens and slides
o Cleaning & preparation of glassware and other lab materials
o Equipment maintenance
o Stock control

To assist in training and supervising more junior staff within this Department

3. Communications:
The post-holder is required to communicate biomedical information of varying degrees of
complexity with medical, scientific and secretarial staff within the Cellular Pathology
Department, and in other departments both within and outside of the Bristol NHS
Foundation Trust. This involves providing and receiving information both verbally and in
writing

4. Other duties:
The post-holder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the
grade of post, and in the event of staff absence, may be required to cover for both higher
and subordinate grades within the Cellular Pathology Department