As part of a small team, the post holder will organise and perform the routine testing within the Laboratory and have a good understanding of current methodology which includes Immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR

o The role includes independently pre-screening and interpreting/reporting Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridisation testing for breast cancer patients, the results of some of these will be directly issued to clinicians. o Supervision and training of staff involved in the Molecular Pathology service is required and possession of specialist knowledge in the science of Cellular Sciences is a pre-requisite.

o The post holder will be expected to have a sound knowledge and experience of pathological and histological diagnostic techniques gained by theoretical study and by direct experience in the laboratory. Experience in molecular techniques is an advantage.

The post-holder will be required to maintain and develop further knowledge and skills in routine histology and molecular techniques and assist with the routine work as dictated by the demands of the service.o Within the changing landscape of Molecular Pathology, the post holder will be required to participate in developmental and validation work for new methodologies

o The post holder will be expected to maintain and extend their knowledge via CPD and attendance at appropriate short courses in order to maintain registration as a BMS with the Health Care Professions Council.

Main duties of the job

• Independently performs complex specialist techniques (such as FISH and PCR) on tissue samples, ensuring the quality of the test through use of interpretive skills and using the correct controls to validate the tests
• Performs independent interpretation of FISH testing results and directly produces reports on negative test results to Clinicians in order to direct them on treatment options.
• Independently assess FISH cases and escalate complex interpretive decisions to more senior staff as appropriate for reporting.
• Performs troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on highly complex and expensive automated systems ensuring appropriate records are kept and liaises with service engineers where appropriate.
• Leads a team to ensure that the quality of laboratory processes is to an appropriate high standard, and that such results are timely and accurate

Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.

About us

MTW is a large acute hospital trust in the south-east of England.

We provide a full range of general hospital services and some aspects of specialist and complex care to around 600,000 people living in west Kent and East Sussex.We have a team of over 8,000 full and part-time staff. We also provide specialist cancer services to around 2 million people across Kent and East Sussex via the Kent Oncology Centre.

In the 2024 NHS staff survey, our employees ranked MTW among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and the second-best Trust to work for in the South East.

Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.

We support our staff with disabilities to ensure they have the adjustments they need to be the best they can be in the workplace. Collaborating with Access to Work means that our staff are assessed by experts in the workplace and we ensure that their recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible. You can find out more here: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

• HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist or Relevant BSc degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent or IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology

Desirable

• IBMS certificates of extended or expert practice
• Membership (MIBMS) or Fellowship of IBMS (FIBMS)
• Oncology experience in molecular pathology

Experience/ Knowledge

Essential

• Experience at AFC Band 5, or equivalent. in a routine Histology/Molecular Pathology laboratory
• Experience in immunohistochemistry
• Good understanding of laboratory accreditation
• Clear evidence of relevant continued professional development (CPD) activity (for own benefit and as an example to junior staff)
• Evidence of acting in a supervisory or team leadership role
• Specialist understanding of Histology laboratory technique and its contribution to Histopathological diagnosis
• Understanding of H& S requirements in laboratory

Desirable

• Experience with molecular techniques

Skills

Essential

• Able to comprehend and analyse complex information and draw conclusions from it
• Ability to organise own work and to do so under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Able to manage and prioritise the day to day work of a laboratory and direct staff accordingly.
• Able to trouble shoot and investigate issues and concerns and assist with finding solutions.
• Able to make informed decisions on service provision including the ability to escalate issues or concerns appropriately.
• Very good communication skills using all methods (verbal, e-mail)
• Good supervisory and teaching ability.
• Able to accept additional responsibility
• Able to multitask, quick to learn and comprehend.
• Able to work as team member and independently
• High level of manual dexterity

Desirable

• Proficient use of Pathology computer system
• Good IT skills including MS Office and Q Pulse
• Ability to review and write SOP's clearly
• Ability to conduct process audits

Employer details

Employer name

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Address

Maidstone Hospital

Hermitage Lane

Maidstone

ME16 9QQ

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

359-6884230-T1-A