Section Lead Healthcare Scientist – Biopsy Pathway
The closing date is 29 May 2026.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest hospitals in the country. It is a national centre for both teaching and research and also a regional centre for Neurological, Cardiac, Paediatric and Cancer specialities.
The laboratories are sited at Southampton General Hospital within purpose-built modern and well-equipped facilities providing comprehensive diagnostic services delivering both routine and specialist testing to Wessex Region patients and a number of external referral sites.
Cellular Pathology includes neuropathology, paediatric pathology, immunohistochemistry and also incorporates the departments of Cytology, Biomedical Imaging, Electron Microscopy and provision of Mortuary services to the hospital, City Council and local Coroners.
The Cellular Pathology service operates a 6-day per week service (Monday to Saturday) between the hours of 06:00 – 19:00, and includes working on some Bank Holidays.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We are committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities.
Job responsibilities
- Primary responsibilities as Healthcare Scientist Section Lead for the biopsy pathway, including managing throughput and processing of pathology specimens for Histology, Neuropathology and Immunochemistry.
- Lead and manage all Biomedical Scientists, qualified, trainee and support staff deployed within the biopsy pathway and other laboratory areas as required.
- Oversee specimen biopsy accessioning, transfer, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, QA/QC, digital imaging and case allocation.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to maximise service effectiveness.
- Support the Cellular Pathology Training, Quality and Health and Safety Leads.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory operating times (06:00‑19:00, Monday‑Saturday) and bank holidays.
What we’re looking for
- Excellent technical knowledge and experience in histological techniques.
- Preferably a Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and leadership experience.
- Strong commitment to professional development and CPD.
- Experience working within a diagnostic medical laboratory.
Person Specification
Not specified in the source.
Trust Values
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications / training required
- BSc in a relevant discipline.
- Postgraduate diploma or extensive relevant laboratory experience demonstrating equivalent level of knowledge.
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
Previous or relevant experience necessary
- Previous extensive experience working within a diagnostic medical lab.
- Significant experience in Histopathology techniques.
- Proven ability to work autonomously.
- Proven experience of troubleshooting technical procedures and/or complex laboratory equipment.
- Experience of managing teams.
- Previous experience in an NHS environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum or per annum pro rata
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