Job summary 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 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre. Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms. Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs. Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package: o At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff). o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits o Blue Light card eligibility o And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below Date posted 26 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 359-6884230-T1-B Job locations Maidstone Hospital Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9QQ 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. Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document. 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. Working for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust/NKPS you will be part of the Kent and Medway Pathology Network (South 8 Network - Kent and Medway Pathology Network is made up of seven laboratories across three pathology services in four acute Trusts. For more information on the network please see the attached document. Person Specification Qualification Essential HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist and 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 Person Specification Qualification Essential HCPC registration as Biomedical Scientist and 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 Disclosure and Barring Service Check This 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. 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 Check This 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Address Maidstone Hospital Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9QQ Employer's website https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)