Specialist Scientific Lead, Tissue Dissection & Sampling
The closing date is 20 July 2026
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is looking for a Specialist Scientific Lead in Tissue Dissection & Sampling to support advanced dissection in the Cellular Pathology service across two histology sites (SWFT and UHCW). The position is part of a new laboratory workforce funded to meet the increasing demand for histology case processing and cancer services across the Trusts.
The role requires a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist registered with the HCPC, a relevant higher degree (e.g., MSc in Pathological Sciences), and holding the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histopathological Dissection. The successful candidate will also hold the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in Dissection.
Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.
Main duties of the job
You will liaise closely with the other Advanced BMSs, Reporting BMSs and Section Lead BMSs, the Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager, Deputy Head BMS and clinical team to ensure the provision of a high-quality service within the available resources.
The post holder will work within the dissection team to assist Consultant Histopathologists in specimen dissection, teach, train and supervise Biomedical Scientists and junior medical staff, and ensure that specialised technical assistance required by Pathologists is provided. Under their own initiative, the post holder will undertake macroscopic description, dissection, and block sampling of specimens within normal limits for RCPath categories A–E, with accuracy and attention to detail essential. The post holder will train to dissect a wider range of category D & E specimens as required.
Working shifts are 7.5 hours rotating between 7 am and 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, across the two sites.
Job responsibilities
As a network post, you will be expected to work across both histology sites (SWFT and UHCW), with the main base at UHCW.
In conjunction with the Consultant Histopathologist, the post holder will participate in sampling fresh tissue for research and the Biobank (Tissue Bank), and train junior medical staff in this same activity.
In liaison with the Advanced BMS in specimen reception and dissection, the post holder will ensure a timely workflow and assist in maintaining high scientific and technical standards.
For further details please see the attached job description.
Qualifications
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist, through possession of an acceptable degreeRelevant MSc or equivalent qualificationHold the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Histological Dissection or equivalent qualification via the Scientist Training Programme (STP) with single specialism in Histopathology and associated experience of specimen dissection in categories A–EHold or be working towards the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in dissectionEvidence of ongoing CPD
- Management qualificationFellowship of the Institute of Biomedical SciencesLeadership/management qualification
Experience
- Extensive experience working in a clinical laboratory as a state registered BMSExtensive experience in dissectionExtensive experience in an adult histopathology laboratoryTraining and supervision of staff including junior medical staffExperience in managing Health and SafetyExperience of participation and preparation for an ISO/UKAS inspectionExperience of leading a team
- Experience of training other staffProblem solving
Knowledge
- A working knowledge of RCPath cancer data sets and dissection guidelines, including block selection for diagnosis and researchExtensive histopathology laboratory knowledge including decalcification, fixation, tissue processing and embedding techniquesAnatomical, clinical presentation and differential diagnosisExperience in Audit and Error LoggingAwareness of all local and national legislation/policies relating to relevant aspects of Laboratory MedicineKnowledge of the ISO15189 standard, including uncertainty of measurement, validation and verification procedures
- A working knowledge of the RCPath retention and storage of pathological records and specimen guidelines
Skills
- Ability to speak, receive and issue instructions without risk of misunderstandingGood organisational skillsAbility to prepare and comment on complex documents such as a standard operating procedure (in English)High level of accuracy and attention to detailAbility to train other staffAbility to communicate technical information and results to other health professionals, and to use telephone and emailSupervisory skillsPlanning and organisational skillsExcellent presentation skillsGood communication skills (verbal and written)Evidence of working as part of a teamGood time management and prioritisation skillsGood IT skills, including commonly used software packages in the laboratory and dissection areasAble to communicate highly complex and sensitive information to individuals or groups
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
- Must demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values (as outlined in UHCW’s Values in Action document)Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service to assess any previous criminal convictions.
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