Specialist Scientific Lead, Tissue Dissection & Sampling

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.

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.

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.

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist, through possession of an acceptable degree
  Relevant MSc or equivalent qualification
  Hold 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–E
  Hold or be working towards the IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma in dissection
  Evidence of ongoing CPD
• Management qualification
  Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
  Leadership/management qualification

• Extensive experience working in a clinical laboratory as a state registered BMS
  Extensive experience in dissection
  Extensive experience in an adult histopathology laboratory
  Training and supervision of staff including junior medical staff
  Experience in managing Health and Safety
  
  Experience of participation and preparation for an ISO/UKAS inspection
  Experience of leading a team
• Experience of training other staff
  Problem solving

• A working knowledge of RCPath cancer data sets and dissection guidelines, including block selection for diagnosis and research
  Extensive histopathology laboratory knowledge including decalcification, fixation, tissue processing and embedding techniques
  Anatomical, clinical presentation and differential diagnosis
  Experience in Audit and Error Logging
  Awareness of all local and national legislation/policies relating to relevant aspects of Laboratory Medicine
  Knowledge of the ISO
  15189 standard, including uncertainty of measurement, validation and verification procedures
• A…