Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Dissection | Barts Health NHS Trust
| Posting date: | 19 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £46,419 - £55,046 per annum inc |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 February 2026 |
| Location: | London, E1 2ES |
| Company: | Barts Health NHS Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7745624/259-7745624ESEL |
Summary
Histology Specimen Dissection
To undertake the day to day management of the dissection area and specimen reception sections within the laboratory under the supervision of the Operational lead for that area.
To develop and improve professional expertise and specialist skills
To actively participate in the training programmes required for the advanced dissection role.
As a guide the working time for the dissection postholders will be apportioned as follows:
80% dissection, encompassing A-C grade specimens (as appropriate and only where training and competency has been completed or consultant supervision is in place)
20% routine advanced BMS duties including assisting with managing and co-ordinating activities within the cut-up or routine section of the histopathology laboratory. It is expected that this role may be shared by other BMS posts.
Clinical audit will be required to be completed periodically as a demonstration of on-going clinical effectiveness.
To manage performance and undertake appraisals of junior staff.
Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic A-C graded histopathology specimens (range will be dependent on experience, knowledge but also consultants discretion) which will encompass the following:
• Evaluate clinical information on histopathology request forms and understand specimen idiosyncrasies.
• Accurately macroscopically examine, describe and photograph specimens where necessary.
• Dissect and select relevant material for histological processing.
• Select appropriate preparatory procedures to aid diagnostic interpretation e.g. decalcification etc.
• Provide a provisional diagnostic macroscopic report dictation.
• Be able to recall specimens with clarity, or have supporting evidence of dissection in way of drawings or pictures.
The post holder should also:
• Expect to work towards attaining formal IBMS qualifications in Histological Dissection if they do not possess them on appointment.
• Be aware of knowledge and self limitations, and have a low threshold for seeking advice.
• Keep adequate records of specimens dissected, including error logs and topical reflective practices.
• Gain and maintain macroscopic and microscopic knowledge of specimens and body systems via lectures attended and via self-teaching.
• Form a management link between laboratory management and junior staff.
• Manage performance of junior staff.
• Work with laboratory management in formulating working practices and policies for the department.
The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health.
The Pathology Partnership was formed in May 2021. Between 2021 and 2024 the Partnership undertook a complex transformation programme to establish a single network of laboratories, underpinned by a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and single Quality Management System (QMS).
The Partnership has a main hub laboratory at the Royal London Hospital and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at the six other hospital sites served by the Partnership.
The Partnership has three operational divisions:
• Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry
• Microbiology and Virology
• Cellular Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics
The 2024/25 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £121m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 860 WTE.
We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the Pathology Partnership and Barts Health at this band
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
This advert closes on Monday 26 Jan 2026