Job Description
Job Title: Senior Medical Scientist - Histology
Department: Laboratory
Reports to;
Chief Medical Scientist
Laboratory Manager
Date: 2026
Overall Purpose of Role
To assist in routine processing and co-ordinating the Histology Laboratory service in accordance with the mission, values, vision and strategic plan of the Hospital.
This role will require the ability to work in Histology and be competent in performing laboratory tests and responsible for processing and authorising in association with other Histology colleagues and Laboratory Manager.
Responsibilities and Deliverables
Assist in writing, maintaining and enforcing procedures relating to all areas of the laboratory and its related testing equipment.
Assist in applying and implementing operational procedures up to "best practice" standard in order to optimise use of resources.
Assist in the implementation of a quality management programme that is patient centred and which measures and audits performance and client satisfaction.
Service Delivery
Perform scientific work to the required INAB (ISO15189) and JCI Accreditation Standards, as determined by the Chief Medical Scientist and the Laboratory Manager.
Prioritise and organise work during busy periods and co-ordinate multiple concurrent testing.
Co-operate with the relevant staff in new ideas and technologies according to the Hospital policies.
Participate as required in the registration and custody of Laboratory stocks in accordance with policy.
Receive and record details concerning non-conformances, complaints and defects in supplies and equipment, investigate the circumstances as required, and report findings to laboratory management.
Facilitate and participate with medical and scientific staff in various research projects.
Participate in professional development, through self learning and formal courses or informal on the job training.
Staff Management
Participate as required in the training and assessment of competency, management of performance gaps, and workforce planning of the laboratory team.
Provide effective day to day leadership and supervision to ensure the delivery of a safe, efficient and high-quality service.
Be professional, punctual and dedicated member of the laboratory team promoting good open communications.
Communicate clearly and courteously to members of the laboratory team and all clients of the hospital.
Health and Safety
Participate in ensuring that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act as within hospital policy.
Assist and co-operate with laboratory Management Team in developing procedures to be followed in preventing and managing accidents occurring in the Laboratory area.
Quality
Participate in the implementation of ISO 15189 standards and quality management programmes.
Participate in the implementation of quality management programmes.Actively participate in internal and external quality control and assurance programmes
Ensure adherence to all codes of and guidelines relating to professional practice and including the maintenance of Quality Assurance standards.
Information Technology
Participate as required in developing the laboratory information system for the department.
Facilitate the collection, interpretation and presentation of data and information on Department activity, staffing and expenditure according to the Hospital's reporting needs.
Review
Achievement of laboratory and personal objectives is facilitated by review.
Participate in the performance management and review process as outlined by the Laboratory Management team, including setting objectives and implementing appropriate development plans for staff under direct supervision.
Any other duties deemed appropriate to the post. Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.
Flexibility
This post requires a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager.
Person Specification
Qualification
Essential:
CORU registration as a Medical Scientist.
ACSLM recognised MSc in relevant field of Biomedical Science.
Experience
Essential:
A minimum of 3 years medical laboratory experience in Histology is essential.
Desirable:
Experience in Cut Up/Cytology would be advantageous
Post qualification experience.
Skills & Abilities
Essential:
Co-ordinate with laboratory management and other hospital departments to ensure delivery of an appropriate laboratory service.
Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a professional and dedicated attitude.
Desirable:
Demonstrate adaptability to the rapid changes taking place in the health services.
Knowledge & Understanding
Essential:
Be familiar with laboratory information systems
Appreciation of all aspects of the provision of a modern laboratory service.
Be aware of the application of modern methods in laboratory science.
Be familiar with legislation as it pertains to the provision of a quality laboratory service.
Demonstrate the capacity to be part of a team.
Desirable:
Be familiar with other hospital departments and their relationships with the laboratory.
Be familiar with current health and safety legislation as it pertains to the laboratory.
Be familiar with IT packages and systems supporting office and laboratory service.
Be familiar with accreditation criteria and objectives.
This job description is an outline of current broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. As the role develops in the Hospital this job description may be reviewed in light of possible new structures and changing needs of the Hospital.
