Senior Biomedical Scientist - Cytopathology

We are seeking an experienced, motivated and forward-thinking Senior Biomedical Scientist to lead our Diagnostic Cytopathology section at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Working closely with the Consultant Biomedical Scientist and wider Cellular Pathology team, you will provide expert scientific and operational leadership for a high-quality, patient-focused service. The role includes day-to-day supervision of the section, specialist assessment and processing of diagnostic cytology specimens, and delivery of Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) and telecytology services across complex anatomical sites. You will apply advanced professional judgement to specimen adequacy and triage, support appropriate ancillary testing, and communicate effectively with clinical teams to enable timely diagnosis and treatment.

As a key member of the laboratory management team, you will organise workload and resources, supervise and develop staff, oversee training and competency assessment, and promote a strong culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement. You will contribute to UKAS accreditation and ISO 15189 compliance, audit, incident management, service development and the introduction of new techniques. This is an excellent opportunity for an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist with substantial diagnostic cytopathology and ROSE experience to take a leading role in a progressive service and make a direct contribution to excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

Provide expert ROSE and telecytology, including EBUS, EUS and head and neck procedures; assess adequacy, advise clinicians and direct material for ancillary testing.

Lead the day-to-day Diagnostic Cytopathology service, applying advanced scientific judgement to specimen assessment, preparation and processing.

Supervise, train and support biomedical scientists, trainees and laboratory support staff, including competency assessment, appraisals, rotas and workforce planning.

Ensure accurate, timely results and escalate unexpected findings, risks or delays appropriately.

Work collaboratively with the Consultant Biomedical Scientist, histopathologists, clinical teams and Cellular Pathology management, deputising for senior colleagues when required.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that increases during visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:

Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro

St Michael's Hospital in Hayle

West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance

As a teaching hospital, we're proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals. We're committed to staying at the forefront of medical advance; investing in our people, developing our facilities, and expanding the specialist care we can offer locally so more patients can receive the care they need closer to home. We have a growing reputation for research and innovation that helps shape better care for the future. The Knowledge Spa, located on our Truro site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non-clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams.

We are driven by one clear ambition, Outstanding Care for One and All, care that's safe, kind and high-quality. We are RCHT.