Cellular Pathology Senior Research and Service Development Lead
Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an experienced HCPC-registered professional to join the Southampton Research and Clinical Histopathology (SRCH) team as a Senior Research and Service Development Lead.
This exciting role will lead and coordinate research, service development, innovation and digital pathology projects within Cellular Pathology, working closely with clinicians, researchers, commercial partners and operational teams to deliver high-quality services and research programmes.
The post will support the Trust's strategic objectives by improving patient access to research and clinical trials, driving service improvement, and helping implement innovative technologies that enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
Reporting to the Cellular Pathology Research and Service Development Operations Manager, the post holder will provide leadership within the SRCH team to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS, we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibilities:
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Lead and coordinate the delivery of commercial and academic research projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, and meet agreed objectives.
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Drive service improvement and innovation within Cellular Pathology, including supporting the development and implementation of digital pathology, image analysis, and data-driven research solutions.
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Supervise and support the Cellular Pathology Research team, managing workloads, staff performance, resources, and day-to-day operations to maintain high-quality services.
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Work collaboratively with consultants, healthcare professionals, commercial partners, and research organisations to develop services, deliver clinical trials, and ensure compliance with research governance and quality standards.
Experience/skills:
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Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience supervising staff, coordinating workloads, and successfully leading change and service improvement initiatives.
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Specialist knowledge and experience in Biomedical Science, including HCPC registration, evidence of continuing professional development, and a sound understanding of quality assurance and research governance.
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Good project management, analytical, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex research projects, interpret data, and deliver improvements using quality improvement methodologies.
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Effective communication and collaborative working skills, with the ability to build relationships, present information clearly, and work confidently with multidisciplinary teams, researchers, and external partners.
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The position will include Saturdays and bank holidays (excluding 25th, 26th December 1st January) on a rotational basis
Person Specification
Qualifications, knowledge, and experience
- HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
- IBMS Specialist portfolio in relevant discipline or experience demonstrating an equivalent level of knowledge/experience relevant to role
- Post graduate qualification in relevant discipline, equivalent to master's level or willing to work towards
- Change management skills and experience
- Evidence of CPD
- Knowledge of QI methodologies and other relevant service improvement techniques
- Knowledge of principles and techniques involved in the management of people, finance, and other resources
- An understanding and ownership of quality assurance procedures related to research and development activities
- Detailed knowledge of software and systems used in the operation of analytical platforms and transfer of patient / specimen data
- A highly specialised and in-depth knowledge of clinical and scientific principles
- Good clinical practice qualification
- Experience with hospital I.T software
- Experience of working in a laboratory
- Recently published or experience of publishing research
- Project management expertise using appropriate tools and techniques
- Experience of establishing costs and business cases for services
- Develop frameworks for the use of digital images and clinical data in research
- Experience in the relevant governance structures around the use of patient tissue samples
- Experience of supervising staff and coordinating workloads within a laboratory, research or healthcare environment
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.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Address
University Hospital Southampton
Tremona Road
Southampton
SO16 6YD
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx