Biomedical Scientist - (Eye Pathology)

YOU MAKE US MORE

Join Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

At Moorfields, people's sight matters-and so do the people who make it possible.

For over 200 years, Moorfields has been at the forefront of ophthalmic care, research, and education. With more than 2,300 dedicated team members and over 700,000 patients seen annually across our City Road site and 22 networked sites, we are proud to be a global centre of excellence.

We're also a vibrant community where kindness, equity and excellence shape every aspect of our work. Whether it's pioneering research through our partnership with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre or training the next generation of global eye care leaders, we're united by one mission-delivering world-class eye health, sustainably and at scale.

And we're just getting started.

From 2027, we'll move to our brand-new Oriel site in St Pancras, Camden-a state-of-the-art centre that will unite eye care, research, and education under one roof. This groundbreaking facility, developed in partnership with UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity, will enable transformative innovation and collaboration like never before.

Could you be part of this future? Make us more.

Job overview

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.

Working for our organisation

What's in it for You?

At Moorfields, we invest in you-your growth, your wellbeing, your future.
You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:
• Competitive salary (including high-cost area supplement)
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• 24/7 independent counselling support
• Career-long learning and development opportunities
• Excellent transport connections
• Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes
• Free Pilates classes
• 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.

Detailed job description and main 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 and
education 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 department's 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 report
distribution, 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, providing
information 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 department's 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 criteria

• 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 criteria

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

Experience

Essential criteria

• 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 criteria

• 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 criteria

• 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 criteria

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

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• 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

Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references. We do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts, so please consider this before applying.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our organisational culture. As part of our pledge to take positive action in recruitment we encourage applications from under-represented candidates including BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) and Disabled candidates as we work towards a representative workforce that is able to provide the quality, the dignity and respect and to deliver above and beyond.

Moorfields is a flexible working friendly organisation, and we are committed to helping our employees achieve a work-life balance that is beneficial for health and wellbeing, motivation levels and job satisfaction. Every employee of the Trust has the right to request to work flexibly. Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.

If we receive sufficient applications, we will close this ad prior to the closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying or would like an accessible version of any recruitment documents, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

• Band 5 Job description and person specification (PDF, 312.6KB)
• Staff Benefits (PDF, 865.7KB)
• MEH Privacy Notice (PDF, 138.0KB)