Senior Biomedical Scientist - Cytopathology

Job summaryWe are seeking an experienced, motivated and forward-thinking Senior Biomedical Scientist to lead our Diagnostic Cytopathology section at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Working closely with the Consultant Biomedical Scientist and wider Cellular Pathology team, you will provide expert scientific and operational leadership for a high-quality, patient-focused service. The role includes day-to-day supervision of the section, specialist assessment and processing of diagnostic cytology specimens, and delivery of Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) and telecytology services across complex anatomical sites. You will apply advanced professional judgement to specimen adequacy and triage, support appropriate ancillary testing, and communicate effectively with clinical teams to enable timely diagnosis and treatment.As a key member of the laboratory management team, you will organise workload and resources, supervise and develop staff, oversee training and competency assessment, and promote a strong culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement. You will contribute to UKAS accreditation and ISO 15189 compliance, audit, incident management, service development and the introduction of new techniques. This is an excellent opportunity for an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist with substantial diagnostic cytopathology and ROSE experience to take a leading role in a progressive service and make a direct contribution to excellent patient care.Main duties of the job Provide expert ROSE and telecytology, including EBUS, EUS and head and neck procedures; assess adequacy, advise clinicians and direct material for ancillary testing. Lead the day-to-day Diagnostic Cytopathology service, applying advanced scientific judgement to specimen assessment, preparation and processing. Supervise, train and support biomedical scientists, trainees and laboratory support staff, including competency assessment, appraisals, rotas and workforce planning. Ensure accurate, timely results and escalate unexpected findings, risks or delays appropriately. Work collaboratively with the Consultant Biomedical Scientist, histopathologists, clinical teams and Cellular Pathology management, deputising for senior colleagues when required.About usRoyal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that increases during visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:Royal Cornwall Hospital in TruroSt Michael's Hospital in HayleWest Cornwall Hospital in PenzanceAs a teaching hospital, we're proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals. We're committed to staying at the forefront of medical advance; investing in our people, developing our facilities, and expanding the specialist care we can offer locally so more patients can receive the care they need closer to home. We have a growing reputation for research and innovation that helps shape better care for the future. The Knowledge Spa, located on our Truro site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non-clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams.We are driven by one clear ambition, Outstanding Care for One and All, care that's safe, kind and high-quality. We are RCHT.DetailsDate posted17 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 7Salary
49,387 to 56,515 a year
pa pro rata
ContractPermanentWorking pattern

Full-time

Reference number Job locationsRoyal Cornwall HospitalTruroTR6 0JAUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesPLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:Identity ChecksProfessional registration and qualification checksEmployment history and reference checksOccupational Health clearanceSatisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service checkRight to work in the UKFor further information please visit: reserve the right to close this advert early.We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
Job description
Job responsibilitiesPLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:Identity ChecksProfessional registration and qualification checksEmployment history and reference checksOccupational Health clearanceSatisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service checkRight to work in the UKFor further information please visit: reserve the right to close this advert early.We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialBiomedical Science degree or equivalentRegistered with HCPCMSc or equivalentIBMS MembershipIBMS Specialist DiplomaDesirableManagement qualificationIBMS ROSE qualification
Experience
EssentialHighly developed knowledge of routine/specialised cytopathology investigations and procedures in all sections, to include Immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques.Experience in performing rapid on site evaluation (ROSE)Experience in training and organising staff of all grades.Experience in the supervision of a cytopathology section.Knowledge of laboratory IT systems and external patient databases.Significant post registration experience working in an NHS laboratoryExperience using Quality Management SystemsDesirableExperience of introducing new methodologies
Practical and Intellectual Skills (Including any special knowledge)
EssentialExtensive theoretical and practical knowledge in Diagnostic CytopathologyExcellent communication and negotiation skillsAble to prioritise competing demands for resourceAble to lead a team often during times of great pressure.Knows of the correct balance between initiative and limits of authority
Disposition adjustment / attitude
EssentialAbility to lead, motivate and enthuse staffCalm under pressure and able to meet deadlines.
Training
EssentialCompliant with mandatory training.Trained to work in all areas of the Cytology laboratory.Willing to continue the learning process through practical routes, CPD and formal qualifications.
Person Specification

Qualifications
EssentialBiomedical Science degree or equivalentRegistered with HCPCMSc or equivalentIBMS MembershipIBMS Specialist DiplomaDesirableManagement qualificationIBMS ROSE qualification
Experience
EssentialHighly developed knowledge of routine/specialised cytopathology investigations and procedures in all sections, to include Immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques.Experience in performing rapid on site evaluation (ROSE)Experience in training and organising staff of all grades.Experience in the supervision of a cytopathology section.Knowledge of laboratory IT systems and external patient databases.Significant post registration experience working in an NHS laboratoryExperience using Quality Management SystemsDesirableExperience of introducing new methodologies
Practical and Intellectual Skills (Including any special knowledge)
EssentialExtensive theoretical and practical knowledge in Diagnostic CytopathologyExcellent communication and negotiation skillsAble to prioritise competing demands for resourceAble to lead a team often during times of great pressure.Knows of the correct balance between initiative and limits of authority
Disposition adjustment / attitude
EssentialAbility to lead, motivate and enthuse staffCalm under pressure and able to meet deadlines.
Training
EssentialCompliant with mandatory training.Trained to work in all areas of the Cytology laboratory.Willing to continue the learning process through practical routes, CPD and formal qualifications.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameRoyal Cornwall Hospitals TrustAddressRoyal Cornwall HospitalTruroTR6 0JAUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameRoyal Cornwall Hospitals TrustAddressRoyal Cornwall HospitalTruroTR6 0JAUnited KingdomEmployer's website