Senior Biomedical Support Worker

Job overview

The Histopathology Department has recently moved to a brand new, state-of-the-art facility and we are looking to expand our team.  

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Histopathology Department in the role of a Senior Biomedical Support Worker.  

Cambridge University Hospitals Histopathology department is one of the largest in the country with over 130 non-medical staff supporting over 50 consultant histopathologists. There is site specific reporting, and we support many regional and national programmes. We are looking for people who have a desire for pushing the boundaries of current practice and want to join in a transformational programme of work which will involve adoption of new and innovative technologies and work practices. The department prides itself on staff development and offers many training and education opportunities for staff of all grades. 

A strong commitment to personal and professional development and the ability to work well as part of a team are all essential for this post.

Main duties of the job

Performs a range of routine healthcare science activities under supervision, whilst supporting junior members of staff including specimen receipt, specimen preparation including assisting pathologists at cut-up, embedding and microtomy, staining, digital scanning of surgical tissue, slide collation, specimen storage and maintenance of equipment

To support the Histopathology department in the day to day operation of the service which includes stores / inventory management, portering and the working environment.

Working in manual handling of patient samples, reagents, consumables and deliveries, with appropriate support and measures.

Maintains clinical and maintenance records in relation to activities carried out.

Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced employees.

To work flexibly in reflection of service needs this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service.

The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals.  This may include urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.

The post will involve the collection of specimens across the campus, so a full UK Driving Licence is desirable to operate the Electric Vehicles. 

Working for our organisation

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
-    applied for a Graduate visa
-    or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment

This vacancy will close at midnight on 5th July 2026

Interviews are due to be held on 16th July 2026

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

GCSE Maths and English or equivalent

Desirable criteria

Completed or working towards the IBMS Certificate of Achievement

GCSE Science or equivalent

Full UK Driving Licence or Equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria

Demonstrable customer service experience

Team working

Working under pressure

Experience in data entry and use of Microsoft office packages

Experience of working in role requiring effective interaction with people

Desirable criteria

Experience in any laboratory setting

Experience in NHS

Knowledge

Essential criteria

Understanding and knowledge of what the Histopathology laboratory does

Understanding and knowledge of roles and activities associated with the post

Desirable criteria

Knowledge of Pathology IT systems

Knowledge of Quality Management Systems

Skills

Essential criteria

Willingness to undertake training to extend their skill set to deliver role as well as train others

Computer literate

Good communication skills

Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team.

Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time

Manual dexterity appropriate to activities associated with post

Desirable criteria

Actively participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Mentoring skills

Additional Requirements

Essential criteria

The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent

High level of accuracy and attention to detail

Integrity and personal credibility.

Strives for excellence.

Self-motivated.

Ability to be flexible, adaptable and respond to the needs of the service

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Puts the patient first in everything that is undertaken

Awareness of self and impact on others

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Documents to download

Further details / informal visits contact

Name

Liesl Bennet

Job title

Senior Biomedical Scientist

Email address

View email address on careers.cuh.nhs.uk

Telephone number

View phone number on careers.cuh.nhs.uk