Section Lead Healthcare Scientist - Biopsy Pathway

A Vacancy at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

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.

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest hospitals in the country. It is a national centre for both teaching and research and also a regional centre for Neurological, Cardiac, Paediatric and Cancer specialities.

The laboratories are sited at Southampton General Hospital within purpose-built modern and well-equipped facilities providing comprehensive diagnostic services delivering both routine and specialist testing to Wessex Region patients and a number of external referral sites.

Cellular Pathology includes neuropathology, paediatric pathology, immunohistochemistry and also incorporates the departments of Cytology, Biomedical Imaging, Electron Microscopy and provision of Mortuary services to the hospital, City Council and local Coroners.

The Cellular Pathology service operates a 6-day per week service (Monday to Saturday) between the hours of 06:00 - 19:00, and includes working on some Bank Holidays.

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, personalising 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, recognising 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.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The main responsibilities include

• To be a Healthcare Scientist Section Lead, primarily responsible for the biopsy pathway, and rotationally manage along with the other Senior Biomedical Scientists, throughput and processing of pathology specimens for Histology, Neuropathology and Immunochemistry, for screening, diagnostic and monitoring purposes and ensure provision of accurate, timely and appropriate analytical data.
• To manage all Biomedical Scientists, qualified, trainee and support staff deployed primarily within the biopsy pathway within Histology and other laboratory areas as required for service delivery.
• Specific areas of responsibility include specimen biopsy accessioning, transfer, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, QA/QC, digital imaging & case allocation.
• To liaise with other healthcare professionals to maximise the effectiveness of the service.
• The post-holder will also support the Cellular Pathology Training, Quality and Health and Safety Leads.

For full details of the roles and responsibilities, please refer to the job description.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Healthcare Scientist Section Lead – Biopsy Pathway 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 a number of 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 opportunity for personal development, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is also actively supported.

The Cellular Pathology service operates a 6-day per week service (Monday to Saturday) between the hours of 06:00 - 19:00, and includes working on some Bank Holidays and the successful candidate will be expected to work shifts within these laboratory operating times.

This advert closes on Monday 25 May 2026