The Cellular Pathology team at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist for a 12‑month fixed‑term position. We are looking for a well‑motivated, experienced, and enthusiastic State Registered BMS to join our busy yet friendly team during an exciting transition toward increased automation.
The department processes approximately 44,000 surgical and diagnostic requests each year across two sites — Luton & Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital. As a large general hospital service, we handle a broad range of tissue and diagnostic cytology specimens, including post‑mortem work.
The main Cellular Pathology Laboratory is based at the Bedford Hospital site, with an expectation that staff will cover some shifts at the Luton & Dunstable site as needed.
Pathology services hold full UKAS accreditation , along with HTA and MHRA compliance.
Applicants should have a strong general histology background, including working knowledge of special techniques , immunohistochemistry , and automation .
For further information, please contact Charlotte Emmony , Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager, on 01234 355122 Ext: 4656, or email
[email protected] .
The post holder will support the day‑to‑day operations of the main laboratory, contributing to all technical aspects of the service to help improve turnaround times, including those for suspected cancer cases.
They will work alongside Specialist BMS and Senior BMS staff to deliver a high‑quality, efficient, and effective service through the Quality Management System . The role includes assisting with the implementation of service improvements and operational changes as directed by senior staff or the laboratory manager, including the transition toward increased automation within histology services.
The post holder will be responsible for applying departmental policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with current UKAS standards , national and European legislation, and requirements set by discipline‑specific regulatory bodies.
They will also contribute to the training and development of scientific and support staff, helping to maintain a skilled and competent workforce.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Details of specific service and departmental responsibilities, accountabilities, and objectives are outlined in the Role Descriptor associated with this Biomedical Scientist (BMS) job description.
The post holder will support the day‑to‑day operations and technical functions of the service, contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the laboratory.
They will work alongside senior laboratory BMS staff to help deliver a high‑quality, efficient, and effective service through the Quality Management System . This includes assisting with the implementation of service developments and operational changes as directed by senior staff or the laboratory manager, in line with evolving service needs.
The post holder will ensure that departmental policies and procedures are applied consistently to maintain compliance with UKAS standards , national and European legislation, and the requirements of discipline‑specific regulatory bodies.
They will also contribute to the training and development of scientific and support staff, helping to maintain a skilled and competent workforce.
In addition, the post holder will perform duties as an HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientist , supporting the delivery of high‑quality departmental services.
