Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, experienced and dynamic individual to join the Histology Department within Paediatric Laboratory Medicine at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH). GOSH is a national centre of excellence for specialist children’s healthcare, delivering the widest range of paediatric specialties of any hospital in the UK. Our laboratories play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of children with highly complex, rare and life-limiting conditions.
The laboratories are housed within a purpose-built facility and provide a unique range of fully accredited (ISO 15189) diagnostic services. In addition to supporting GOSH, the department acts as a nationally and internationally recognised specialist referral centre. The Histopathology Service comprises a consultant-led multidisciplinary team providing a comprehensive tissue diagnostic service, supported by a well-established Digital Pathology programme.
This is a senior leadership position responsible for the effective and efficient management of the Histology Laboratory Service. You will work closely with the senior laboratory leadership team to deliver high-quality services, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Main duties of the job
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing operational and strategic leadership for the Histology Laboratory service.
- Leading service development, innovation and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensuring service continuity, resilience and workforce planning.
- Managing staff performance, development and wellbeing.
- Supporting budgetary and resource management.
- Developing effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensuring compliance with ISO 15189, HCPC, IBMS and all relevant regulatory standards.
- Leading education, training and competency programmes within the department.
Applicants must be:
- HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists.
- Holders of the FIBMS, MSc, or an equivalent advanced professional qualification.
- Highly experienced within Histology services.
- Able to demonstrate recent leadership or supervisory experience within a diagnostic laboratory environment.
You will be an ambitious, forward-thinking leader with a passion for delivering excellence in patient care and laboratory services. A strong understanding of contemporary NHS pathology services, quality management systems, workforce challenges and service transformation is essential.
Person Specification
GOSH Values
Essential
- GOSH Values
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent
- MSc, FIBMS or equivalent higher degree level qualification or equivalent experience
- Registration with HCPC
Desirable
- CSci
- Post graduate management qualification
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Appropriate post registration experience in a Histology Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory
- Specialist knowledge in Histology
- Knowledge of accreditation and regulatory standards i.e., ISO15189, HTA
- Experience of accreditation assessments
- An understanding of the principles and practice of Quality assurance, Risk Management, and its systems
- Experience of managing a team including. – Appraisal skills – Recruitment and selection skills – Disciplinary and capability procedures – Experience in workforce planning to ensure service continuity
- Experience of training
- Experience of procurement and equipment evaluation
- Experience of Paediatric Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics
Desirable
- Experience in budget and financial management
- Experience and knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and tools
- Experience of change management
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Good analytical and judgemental skills with the ability to make informed decisions and give expert technical advice in complex situations
- Able to provide specialist advice to laboratory staff and users of the service
- Excellent and effective verbal and written communication at a senior level
- Proven experience in laboratory management at a senior level
- A positive and pro-active attitude towards service demands and problem solving with a flexible, open, and collaborative style when dealing with complex situations.
- A high level of organisational skills i.e., manage own workload and meet deadlines
- Flexible, adaptable nature and able to prioritise and work in a changing environment
- Proven skills in the use of Microsoft office applications (including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and databases
- Advanced Training skills
- Leadership skills at a senior level
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet multiple and competing deadlines
Desirable
- Project Management skills
Closing Date: 16 November 2026
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.