Job reference:000036
Salary:Grade 2.1 - £33,213
Directorate:Learning
Location:The Royal College of Pathologists
Hours per week:35
Closing date:14/12/2025
About the College
The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation with charitable status concerned with all matters relating to the science and practice of pathology. It is a body of its Fellows, Diplomates, Affiliates and trainees, supported by the staff who are based at the College's London offices.
The College is a charity with over 13000 members worldwide. The majority of members are doctors and scientists working in hospitals and universities in the UK.
The College oversees the training of pathologists and scientists working in 17 different specialties, which include cellular pathology, haematology, clinical biochemistry and medical microbiology.
Although some pathologists work in laboratories, many work directly with patients in hospitals and the community. Together, they are involved in the majority of all diagnoses and play an important role in disease prevention, treatment, and monitoring. If you have ever had a blood test, cervical smear or tissue biopsy, a pathologist will have been involved in your care.
About Exams
The Examinations Department at the Royal College of Pathologists is responsible for the planning, delivery, and quality assurance of all College examinations, including the Fellowship (FRCPath), Diploma, Certificate, and BMS examinations, as well as the Fellowship by Published Works.
Our dedicated team manages every stage of the examination process - from question setting and quality control to candidate communication, examiner support, and regulatory compliance. Working collaboratively, we ensure that all examinations are delivered efficiently, securely, and to the highest standard of integrity.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to fairness, transparency, and excellent service for both candidates and examiners. By upholding these values, the Examinations Department plays a vital role in supporting the professional development of pathologists and advancing the College’s mission to improve patient care through excellence in pathology.
The College runs two main examination sessions each year - Spring and Autumn - requiring careful planning, coordination, and attention to detail across all aspects of administration and logistics.
Due to the critical nature of the examination timetable, annual leave is restricted during examination sessions. Staff are required to be in the office throughout the exam periods and during the week when results are released.
About you
The ideal candidate is highly organised, reliable, and detail-focused, capable of confidently managing complex processes in a fast-paced, high-stakes examinations environment. They have at least one year of administrative experience and are educated to A-level standard or equivalent, with the ability to learn and follow structured procedures accurately. Experience within education, medical, regulatory, membership, or high-stakes assessment sectors is highly desirable.
Key Skills and Attributes:
- Communication:Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the role involves interacting with candidates, examiners, Panel Chairs, and internal departments, ensuring all enquiries are responded to accurately.
- IT Proficiency:Fully computer-literate with confidence in databases and intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
- Organisation:Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy under sustained periods of concentration.
- Discretion and Security:Adheres rigorously to security protocols and handles confidential and sensitive information with complete discretion.
- Resilience under Pressure:Remains calm, focused, and dependable during peak examination periods. Annual leave is restricted during Spring and Autumn exam sessions, and full-time office presence is required during exams and results weeks.
- Teamwork and Collaboration:Works collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth delivery of examinations.
- Adaptability:Comfortable taking responsibility for organising examinations, logistical arrangements, examiner liaison, and onsite support, including invigilation and practical/oral exam assistance.
- Motivation and Integrity:Committed to delivering high-quality service, upholding fairness, accuracy, and security, and contributing to the integrity of the College’s examinations, supporting professional development and improving patient care.
The Royal College of Pathologists understands the value and strength that diversity brings and we are proud to be an organisation of members from a wide range of backgrounds. We are keen to encourage and enable more people of all identities and from all backgrounds to become involved in the College.
Interviews currently scheduled for w/c 5 January 2026.
We plan to notify you before the Christmas break if your application has been successful and we intend to interview.
save_altExam Coordinator (PDF, 140KB)