Section Lead Healthcare Scientist- Cut-up and Specimen Reception

Job Overview

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

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Section Lead Healthcare Scientist- Cut-up and Specimen Reception to join their friendly, forward-thinking team within a busy and continually developing department. This post carries responsibility for supporting the full range of services and therefore opportunity to rotate and work in several areas within Cellular Pathology. Applicants are expected to have excellent technical knowledge and experience in histological techniques, and preferably a Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology.

This post is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual to contribute to a rapidly developing service. The post also presents an opportunity for personal development, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Development of our staff is central to the delivery of high quality, safe and effective care. We can offer opportunities to develop within a supportive environment, and our staff survey results reflect our commitment to facilitate your career progression. is also actively supported. The laboratory is IBMS approved for training and education and is UKAS accredited.

Working for our organisation

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.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Section Lead Healthcare Scientist- Cut-up and Specimen Reception to join their friendly, forward-thinking team within a busy and continually developing department. This post carries responsibility for supporting the full range of services and therefore opportunity to rotate and work in several areas within Cellular Pathology. Applicants are expected to have excellent technical knowledge and experience in histological techniques, and preferably hold a Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology.

This post is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual to contribute to a rapidly developing service. The post also presents an opportunity for personal development, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is also actively supported. The laboratory is IBMS approved for training and education and is UKAS accredited.

What You’ll Do

The main responsibilities include:

Oversee the receipt, and preparation of histopathology specimens, ensuring compliance with chain-of-custody, consent, and specimen integrity protocols, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality service that’s meets the needs of the patients and service users.

Analytical & Interpretive

• Prioritise and organise daily workflow in specimen reception, referrals and cut up areas.
• Advise clinical and laboratory colleagues on specimen collection, transport, and suitability for analysis.
• Interpret clinical request forms, applying judgement to determine urgency and appropriate handling.
• Process specimens for diagnostic purposes in accordance with laboratory protocols.
• Assess specimen and data quality, resolving routine issues and escalating complex problems to senior staff.
  
  

Quality & Safety

• Ensure all work complies with ISO 15189, HTA, and Trust safety requirements.
• Participate in departmental audits, EQA, IQC, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Report incidents, non-conformances, and near-misses, suggesting corrective and preventive actions.
• Handle biological, chemical, and potentially hazardous materials safely, following COSHH, HTA, and infection control procedures.
  
  

Training & Supervision

• Deliver induction and competency-based training for staff and students in cut-up and specimen reception.
• Monitor and assess competence, maintaining training records and escalating concerns where appropriate.
• Provide effective handover and communication between shifts.
  
  

IT & Data Management

• Oversee the accurate entry of specimen and patient data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Maintain working knowledge of LIMS, remote monitoring, and quality management software.
  
  

Service & Professional Development

• Maintain HCPC registration and evidence of CPD.
• Participate in R&D, method validation, and service development projects as directed.
• Contribute to the implementation of new technology and procedures in the section.
  
  

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together
  
  

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• HCPC approved Biomedical Science degree (BSc) or other HCPC approved degree/top ups
• HCPC registered
• Evidence of current CPD activities
• Significant previous experience in a medical laboratory
• IBMS specialist portfolio (in relevant discipline) or equivalent
  
  

Desirable criteria

• IT competency (hospital IT systems, Outlook, Microsoft)
• Experience in a large acute hospital laboratory