Advanced Biomedical Scientist | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Job Title: Advanced Biomedical Scientist - (Immunocytochemistry / Molecular)

Band: 7

Base: Your primary base will be Leicester Royal Infirmary; however travel between UHL’s hospital sites will be required

Reports to: Deputy Service Manager
Accountable to: Clinical Head of Service/ Operational Head of Service

An exciting opportunity has arisen due to a newly created post, for a highly skilled and experienced HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to join our friendly and dedicated team based at the University Hospitals of Leicester.

The Specials Laboratory processes 50,000 Immunohistochemistry slides per annum, alongside a wide range of special stains, immunofluorescence of skin and renal specimens, and in situ hybridisation techniques including Her2 FISH. We perform testing for Hirschsprung's disease on rectal biopsies, handle muscle biopsies for transport to specialist centres and prepare molecular testing samples for sending to specialist centres also. Currently our platforms include Dako Omnis, Dako AS48, Roche Benchmark Ultra and Ultra Plus, and Dako Artisan.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual who is up for the challenge of our busy and quickly growing laboratory. This newly created post is pivotal for ongoing development of our IHC and molecular service to meet the requirements for faster diagnostics. We are a referral centre for multiple specialisms and therefore have an ever-increasing repertoire of IHC markers. The ability to optimise antibodies is therefore advantageous. We also have a rapidly increasing workload for molecular testing and are due to merge with the Cytogenetics Laboratory at UHL imminently.

The successful candidate must have a passion for, and proven experience in, Special Stains and IHC. Essentially they must be a team player with a positive and confident attitude, able to motivate and inspire the team. This role will involve prioritising and balancing of pressures, moving between technical and leadership skillsets. Demonstration of management/leadership experience is advantageous. Ideally this person will have experience of troubleshooting and quality control of IHC.

Completion of the IBMS Specialist Diploma is essential. An MSc or FIMBS is also required but those without this will still be considered. Candidates must then be willing to undertake the IBMS DEP in IHC (funded and supported by us) and remain on Annex 21 until complete. Training will also be made available where needed in-house and through a related external course prior to undertaking Her2 FISH interpretation.

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:
• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

• Provide expert technical advice and interpretation of laboratory investigations for your team and the wider department, with an emphasis on problem solving.
• Optimise new antibodies and tests, and perform equipment/reagent validations.
• Lead on IQA and EQA for all specialist techniques.
• Microscopic QC of all IHC stains and interpretation of Her2 FISH.
• Monitor workflow and support the team to ensure TATs are met.
• Passionate about/can engage a team in teaching, training and developing staff.
• Deputise for the Deputy Service Manager as required and perform any other duties covered by the post holder’s competencies after consultation and agreement with the line manager.

This advert closes on Wednesday 20 May 2026