Job Title
Laboratory Quality Lead / Senior Biomedical Scientist (Band 7) — PathTech
Reporting to
Laboratory Manager / Managing Director
Location
Based onsite at the PathTech laboratory, Bolton BL2 6DP.
The role requires regular presence within the laboratory environment to support quality oversight, departmental working, staff engagement and hands-on Senior Biomedical Scientist responsibilities.
Hours
Full-time role. PathTech supports a four-day working week, subject to operational and service delivery requirements.
PathTech operates a 7-day laboratory service. The post holder may be required to work occasional weekend shifts, typically up to 6 hours, to support service delivery, quality oversight and departmental requirements.
Weekend working will be planned in advance and managed through an agreed rota or departmental arrangement.
Salary
£47,810 – £54,710 per annum
Salary will be dependent on experience, qualifications and demonstrable expertise in laboratory quality management, ISO 15189 compliance and biomedical science practice.
PathTech recognises experience gained across both NHS and private pathology environments. Salary progression will be performance-based and linked to contribution, quality improvement delivery and professional development.
Job Purpose
To provide professional quality leadership and support the ongoing development, maintenance and improvement of the PathTech laboratory Quality Management System (QMS).
The Laboratory Quality Lead will support compliance with ISO 15189:2022, UKAS requirements, regulatory standards and contractual obligations. The post holder will work closely with laboratory leadership and the wider department to promote a culture of quality, continuous improvement, patient safety and operational excellence.
Alongside quality responsibilities, the post holder will undertake the duties of a Senior Biomedical Scientist, providing hands-on scientific support within the laboratory to ensure safe, effective and timely delivery of diagnostic services.
Mandatory Professional Registration
Current HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist is mandatory and must be maintained throughout employment.
Failure to maintain HCPC registration will be incompatible with continued appointment to the role.
Key ResponsibilitiesQuality Management and Governance
- Support the development, implementation and continual improvement of the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS).
- Ensure laboratory processes comply with ISO 15189:2022 and relevant regulatory, professional and contractual requirements.
- Maintain and review controlled laboratory documentation, including SOPs, policies, forms and quality records.
- Support UKAS accreditation readiness, assessments and regulatory inspections.
- Coordinate and participate in internal audits, quality audits and governance reviews.
- Monitor audit findings, incidents, non-conformances and corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
- Support risk management processes, including identification, assessment and mitigation of laboratory risks.
- Promote a strong quality culture throughout the department.
- Support investigation of incidents, complaints and quality concerns.
- Ensure learning from incidents and improvement actions is shared appropriately.
Quality Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
- Monitor laboratory quality indicators and performance metrics.
- Support production of quality reports, dashboards and governance information.
- Review trends relating to:
- turnaround times
- specimen pathway issues
- incidents and complaints
- IQC and EQA performance
- documentation compliance
- non-conformances
- Identify opportunities for improvement and support implementation of corrective actions.
- Contribute to quality improvement projects and service development initiatives.
Senior Biomedical Scientist Responsibilities
- Undertake hands-on Biomedical Scientist duties within the laboratory.
- Participate in routine laboratory workflows including specimen handling, processing, technical procedures and other duties appropriate to competence.
- Provide senior scientific support and guidance to Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners and support staff.
- Ensure laboratory work is completed safely, accurately and within agreed turnaround times.
- Support troubleshooting of technical issues and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Maintain professional standards in accordance with HCPC Standards of Proficiency and Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
- Act as a senior point of contact for scientific and technical queries within the department.
Departmental Working and Operational Support
- Work collaboratively with laboratory colleagues to support effective daily operations.
- Provide quality input into departmental processes and workflow improvements.
- Support prioritisation of urgent and cancer pathway cases.
- Assist with monitoring workload, capacity and service requirements.
- Provide practical support during periods of increased workload.
- Participate in departmental meetings, quality meetings and improvement discussions.
- Maintain effective communication between scientific, administrative and clinical teams.
- Support a positive and professional working environment.
Cancer Pathway and Turnaround Time Support
- Support delivery of cancer diagnostic pathways within agreed turnaround times.
- Monitor potential delays and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Contribute to maintaining effective case flow and prioritisation.
- Support reviews of pathway performance and implementation of improvement actions.
- Work with the wider team to ensure urgent cases are managed appropriately.
Training, Competency and Staff Development
- Support delivery of staff training and competency assessments.
- Assist with maintaining training records and competency documentation.
- Act as a role model for professional practice and quality standards.
- Support development of junior scientific staff.
- Promote a learning culture within the department.
- Contribute to departmental teaching and professional development activities.
Equipment, IT and Laboratory Systems
- Support compliance with equipment maintenance, calibration and validation requirements.
- Report equipment issues and contribute to investigations where required.
- Support effective use of laboratory systems, including LIMS and quality management systems.
- Ensure accurate recording and retention of laboratory information.
- Support implementation of new laboratory processes, systems and technology improvements.
Health, Safety and Information Governance
- Work in accordance with laboratory health and safety policies.
- Support incident reporting, investigation and learning processes.
- Maintain safe handling and disposal of clinical waste and hazardous substances.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, confidentiality and information governance requirements.
- Promote safe working practices across the laboratory.
Leadership and Professional Contribution
The Laboratory Quality Lead will contribute to the continued development of PathTech by:
- Providing professional leadership in laboratory quality and governance.
- Supporting accreditation compliance and regulatory standards.
- Promoting innovation and continuous improvement.
- Acting as a senior professional resource within the Biomedical Science team.
- Supporting the Laboratory Manager with quality, operational and service priorities.
- Encouraging teamwork, accountability and professional standards.
Out-of-Hours and Service Requirements
The role is not routinely expected to participate in an on-call arrangement.
As PathTech operates a 7-day service, occasional weekend working may be required to support laboratory operations, quality oversight and service delivery.
Any additional working requirements will be planned through agreed departmental arrangements.
Salary, Experience Recognition and Progression
Salary reflects the responsibilities of a Band 7 Laboratory Quality Lead / Senior Biomedical Scientist role.
PathTech recognises experience gained within both NHS and private pathology environments.
Salary progression will be performance-based and linked to:
- Quality improvement delivery
- Accreditation and governance performance
- Contribution to laboratory development
- Professional responsibilities
- Service delivery performance
Performance Recognition
Additional benefits or enhanced leave may be considered where agreed performance objectives and organisational goals are achieved.
Person SpecificationQualifications and Registration
Essential:
- Master’s degree in any subject.
- Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent.
- Current HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
- Commitment to maintaining professional competence and keeping knowledge up to date.
Experience and Knowledge
Essential:
- Significant experience working within a regulated pathology laboratory environment.
- Experience working at Senior Biomedical Scientist level or equivalent.
- Experience of laboratory quality management systems and governance.
- Understanding and practical application of ISO 15189:2022 requirements.
- Experience supporting UKAS accreditation standards and quality assessments.
- Experience with internal audits, IQC, EQA, non-conformances and corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
- Understanding of clinical governance, patient safety and laboratory risk management.
Desirable:
- Experience within private pathology services.
- Experience of cancer diagnostic pathways and turnaround time management.
- Experience supporting laboratory improvement projects.
- Experience contributing to training, competency assessment and staff development.
Skills and Abilities
Essential:
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to quality, patient safety and continuous improvement.
- Ability to support and influence colleagues positively.
- Strong professional judgement and problem-solving skills.
Additional Responsibilities
- Support business continuity planning.
- Contribute to digitalisation and laboratory improvement initiatives.
- Support mandatory training compliance.
- Participate in quality improvement activities.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and grade.
Job Type
Full-time, Permanent
Benefits
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Health and wellbeing programme
- Gym membership / fitness benefits
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location
Onsite laboratory-based role
PathTech Laboratory
Bolton BL2 6DP
Pay: £47,810.00-£54,710.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free fitness classes
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
