Healthcare Scientist Specialist Anatomical Pathology: Sponsorship Available

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Job Summary

Applications are invited from suitably qualified people who hold the RSPH Level 3 Diploma Anatomical Pathology Technology (or the RSPH Certificate and Diploma) with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience for a full-time permanent post in the Mortuaries in the Department of Cellular Pathology.

 

The role involves co-ordinating the day-to-day running of the mortuary service to ensure the department provides a high quality hospital mortuary service that complies with ISO15189 and HTA standards.

 

The department provides the Mortuary and Postmortem services for the Trust and H.M. Coroner for Leeds from the mortuaries at the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) and St James’s University Hospital at Leeds (SJUH).

 

The department operates an out of hours On-call rota for evenings, weekends and bank holidays and participation in this rota will be required.

The department currently performs circa 1,200 autopsies per year consisting of both adult and paediatric examinations; consented, HM Coroner authorised as well as some Forensic examinations.

 

The position will include rotation, working between the LGI & SJUH mortuaries.

 

The department is well equipped, fully computerised and is both ISO15189 and HTA accredited.

 

You will be required to take on the role of Persons Designate to ensure compliance in accordance with HTA regulations.

 

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare Scientist Specialist (Anatomical Pathology Technician) you will be the lead specialist in the mortuary and as such will lead a group of anatomical technicians and support staff. You will plan and prioritise the day to day work load of the mortuaries. You will also be required to work alone and independently, for example when working on-call or when performing highly specialized tasks. You will be a highly competent member of the department having the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to perform a wide range of specialist techniques that contribute towards the provision of the mortuary service to the Trust and to HM Coroner.

 

There is a frequent requirement for concentration when planning for an unpredictable workload, and when performing specialist techniques e.g. an Infection risk autopsy.

 

You will be responsible for contributing to, and implementing policies and procedures:

relevant to the mortuary service which operates on three sites

relevant to service changes which impact externally i.e. portering

services and funeral directors

 

You will be expected to apply professional judgements and specialist skills to complex and sometimes emotive situations. E.g. assessing infection risk. You will be required to communicate complex and / or sensitive information to colleagues, clinicians, undertakers, HM Coroner, and HM Coroners Officers. You will demonstrate empathetic skills when communicating with bereaved relatives.

Person Specification

Skills and Behaviours

Essential

  • Excellent communication skills, oral and written.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential patient records, including the departmental computer system.
  • Plan and prioritise workloads, including independent problem solving skills to coordinate the tasks undertaken by other team members.
  • Flexible approach to work, team worker with a friendly attitude.

Qualifications

Essential

  • RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.
  • RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.

Desirable

  • Management and Leadership qualification

other criteria

Essential

  • Ability to move between sites.
  • Able to have a high level of concentration and attention to detail.
  • Ability to move moderate loads

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience within the speciality, Advanced autopsy, forensic and increased risk procedures in both adult and paediatric patients.
  • Operate highly complex mortuary equipment safely and efficiently, including maintenance and an awareness of associated hazards.
  • Knowledge and understanding of current national legislation and guidelines including HTA guidance and standards.
  • Proven ability to work unsupervised and on call.

Desirable

  • Line management experience and leadership skills
  • Teaching, training and mentorship skills

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 10 July 2025

To apply for this job please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk.