Biomedical Scientist - (Eye Pathology)

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for two Band 5 Biomedical Scientists to join the Department of Eye Pathology (DEP) at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, DEP provides a specialist diagnostic service in ophthalmic histopathology and cytopathology and is one of four laboratories in England forming part of the National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology Service (NSOPS), a centrally commissioned Highly Specialised Service by NHS England.

DEP is the largest ophthalmic pathology service in the UK, processing approximately 5,000 diagnostic specimens each year and is committed to delivering a high-quality, timely diagnostic service. This is an exciting time to join the department, with plans to move to Oriel, a new state-of-the-art eye care, research, and education centre, opening in 2027.

We are seeking enthusiastic, HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists to work within a UKAS ISO 15189:2022 accredited laboratory, contributing to the delivery of a safe, efficient, and high-quality Cellular Pathology service. The role offers the opportunity to develop specialist experience in ophthalmic pathology, using techniques including histology, cytology, specials staining, immunocytochemistry, and digital pathology, within a supportive team environment. Informal visits are encouraged.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will undertake technical and scientific histopathology duties within the Department of Eye Pathology (DEP) under the supervision of senior Biomedical Scientists, following departmental SOPs and UKAS ISO 15189:2022 requirements. The post holder will organise and prioritise their workload to ensure timely, safe, and high-quality diagnostic service for ophthalmic samples.

Duties include specimen entry and verification on EyePath LIMS, maintaining records, histological preparation of ocular tissue (booking-in, transfer, embedding, microtomy, H&E, special stains, IHC), participation in digital pathology workflows, and assisting medical and scientific (research) staff.

The role also covers IQC and EQA participation, supporting and supervising trainees and staff, archiving slides and blocks, safe disposal of clinical/chemical waste, equipment maintenance, reagent and COSHH management, stock monitoring, SOP support, implementing Trust policies, and maintaining housekeeping to ensure a safe, compliant laboratory environment.

About us

What's in it for You?

At Moorfields, we invest in youyour growth, your wellbeing, your future.You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:

o Competitive salary (including high-cost area supplement)o Membership of the NHS Pension Schemeo 24/7 independent counselling supporto Career-long learning and development opportunitieso Excellent transport connectionso Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemeso Free Pilates classeso Full support and training to develop your skills

And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will work as a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist within the Department of Eye Pathology (DEP), a highly specialist Cellular Pathology service providing diagnostic support for Moorfields Eye Hospital and external referral centres. The role contributes to the delivery of high-quality histopathology and cytology services for complex and rare ophthalmic diseases.The post holder will be an efficient and flexible member of the histopathology team, undertaking scientific, technical, administrative, and communication duties commensurate with the training andeducation of a Biomedical Scientist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Core scientific responsibilities include specimen preparation (booking-in), tissue (biopsy) transfer,embedding, microtomy, staining, quality assurance, and supporting the departments improvements and development.The role also includes administrative duties essential for the smooth running of the service, such as maintaining laboratory records, assisting with EyePath LIMS reports/booking data entry, dispatching material for send-away tests, managing slide/block archiving and retrieval, supporting reportdistribution, and contributing to stock monitoring and departmental documentation. In the absence of administrative staff, the post holder will provide administrative cover to maintain continuity of service and ensure timely communication with clinicians and external users. In addition, the post holder will have communication responsibilities, including responding to queries from clinicians, administrative staff, and external users. This may involve clarifying specimen status, providinginformation on turnaround times, liaising about external referrals, and ensuring clear, timely, and professional communication to maintain high-quality service delivery.The post holder will work within all departmental policies and procedures particularly relating to Health & Safety, Infection Control, and Quality Management to ensure safe and effective laboratory practice. They will maintain competence through active engagement in Continual Professional Development (CPD) and support the departments UKAS ISO 15189:2022 accreditation requirements, including the use of the iPassport electronic QMS for document control, audit participation, incident reporting, and training compliance.The post holder will also contribute to service development, assist with internal/external audits, support digital pathology processes, and participate in training of junior staff and students as required.

Job description
Job responsibilities

The post holder will work as a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist within the Department of Eye Pathology (DEP), a highly specialist Cellular Pathology service providing diagnostic support for Moorfields Eye Hospital and external referral centres. The role contributes to the delivery of high-quality histopathology and cytology services for complex and rare ophthalmic diseases.The post holder will be an efficient and flexible member of the histopathology team, undertaking scientific, technical, administrative, and communication duties commensurate with the training andeducation of a Biomedical Scientist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Core scientific responsibilities include specimen preparation (booking-in), tissue (biopsy) transfer,embedding, microtomy, staining, quality assurance, and supporting the departments improvements and development.The role also includes administrative duties essential for the smooth running of the service, such as maintaining laboratory records, assisting with EyePath LIMS reports/booking data entry, dispatching material for send-away tests, managing slide/block archiving and retrieval, supporting reportdistribution, and contributing to stock monitoring and departmental documentation. In the absence of administrative staff, the post holder will provide administrative cover to maintain continuity of service and ensure timely communication with clinicians and external users. In addition, the post holder will have communication responsibilities, including responding to queries from clinicians, administrative staff, and external users. This may involve clarifying specimen status, providinginformation on turnaround times, liaising about external referrals, and ensuring clear, timely, and professional communication to maintain high-quality service delivery.The post holder will work within all departmental policies and procedures particularly relating to Health & Safety, Infection Control, and Quality Management to ensure safe and effective laboratory practice. They will maintain competence through active engagement in Continual Professional Development (CPD) and support the departments UKAS ISO 15189:2022 accreditation requirements, including the use of the iPassport electronic QMS for document control, audit participation, incident reporting, and training compliance.The post holder will also contribute to service development, assist with internal/external audits, support digital pathology processes, and participate in training of junior staff and students as required.

Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

Essential

• BSc. (Hons.) Biomedical Science or equivalent
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence/IBMS Training portfolio in Cellular Pathology or equivalent
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Working and theoretical knowledge of all sections of Cellular Pathology as a laboratory discipline
• Understanding of the role of diagnostic Cellular Pathology in a clinical setting
• Knowledge of Health and Safety in relation to cellular pathology
• Understanding of confidentiality

Desirable

• Evidence of active participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation and Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a Histopathology / Cellular Pathology laboratory
• Experience in tissue embedding, microtomy, and routine H&E staining
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Ability to plan and manage daily workload and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Ability to follow and work with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic data entry

Desirable

• Good manual dexterity and coordination for handling small, fragile ocular specimens
• Experience with special stains and immunohistochemistry (manual or automated platforms)
• Experience participating in training of junior/support staff
• Experience with digital pathology
• Experience participating in quality activities (IQC/EQA, audits, incident reporting)

Knowledge

Essential

• Working and theoretical knowledge of histopathology as a laboratory discipline
• Understanding of the role of diagnostic cellular pathology in a clinical setting
• Knowledge of Health & Safety, COSHH, and infection control in a laboratory
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation (UKAS ISO 15189:2022) and Quality Management Systems
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection (GDPR/NHS policies)

Desirable

• Awareness of ophthalmic histopathology (ocular tissues and basic pathology)
• Knowledge of electronic QMS systems such as iPassport

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, clinicians, and external users
• Ability to communicate technical and sensitive information accurately, verbally and in writing
• Ability to respond to telephone/email queries regarding specimen status, reporting, and workflow
• Ability to communicate with senior staff to escalate issues appropriately
• Ability to work with chemicals, body fluids, and human tissue in a laboratory environment
• Ability to perform a wide range of laboratory and administrative duties

Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications

Essential

• BSc. (Hons.) Biomedical Science or equivalent
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Competence/IBMS Training portfolio in Cellular Pathology or equivalent
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Working and theoretical knowledge of all sections of Cellular Pathology as a laboratory discipline
• Understanding of the role of diagnostic Cellular Pathology in a clinical setting
• Knowledge of Health and Safety in relation to cellular pathology
• Understanding of confidentiality

Desirable

• Evidence of active participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation and Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a Histopathology / Cellular Pathology laboratory
• Experience in tissue embedding, microtomy, and routine H&E staining
• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Ability to plan and manage daily workload and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Ability to follow and work with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and basic data entry

Desirable

• Good manual dexterity and coordination for handling small, fragile ocular specimens
• Experience with special stains and immunohistochemistry (manual or automated platforms)
• Experience participating in training of junior/support staff
• Experience with digital pathology
• Experience participating in quality activities (IQC/EQA, audits, incident reporting)

Knowledge

Essential

• Working and theoretical knowledge of histopathology as a laboratory discipline
• Understanding of the role of diagnostic cellular pathology in a clinical setting
• Knowledge of Health & Safety, COSHH, and infection control in a laboratory
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation (UKAS ISO 15189:2022) and Quality Management Systems
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection (GDPR/NHS policies)

Desirable

• Awareness of ophthalmic histopathology (ocular tissues and basic pathology)
• Knowledge of electronic QMS systems such as iPassport

Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, clinicians, and external users
• Ability to communicate technical and sensitive information accurately, verbally and in writing
• Ability to respond to telephone/email queries regarding specimen status, reporting, and workflow
• Ability to communicate with senior staff to escalate issues appropriately
• Ability to work with chemicals, body fluids, and human tissue in a laboratory environment
• Ability to perform a wide range of laboratory and administrative duties

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

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

Employer details

Employer name

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS FT, City Road

City Road

London

EC1V 2PD

Employer's website