Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Practitioner - Microbiology

The closing date is 16 February 2026

Job summary

Are you an experienced Associate Practitioner looking to develop your career within one of the largest NHS-led Pathology Services in the UK? Based at Wexham Park Hospital, this is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic and forward-thinking microbiology laboratory.

We are seeking an energetic, enthusiastic and highly motivated individual with a strong scientific background to join our established laboratory support team. Previous microbiology laboratory experience is essential, along with a commitment to delivering high-quality diagnostic services.

Main duties of the job

You will play a key role in supporting Biomedical Scientist staff to ensure laboratory workloads are processed efficiently and to the highest standards. In addition to your technical responsibilities, there will be an expectation to contribute to the day-to-day leadership of the laboratory support team.

Key responsibilities include:

Managing routine laboratory tasks and resolving day-to-day issues, escalating to Senior Biomedical Scientists when required
Maintaining effective stock control, including ordering and monitoring supplies
Assessing samples for suitability and urgency, and communicating priorities appropriately
Working collaboratively with Biomedical Scientist staff to ensure timely workflow
Undertaking telephone duties, including communicating confidential and sensitive information to healthcare professionals
Taking responsibility for your own technical work, equipment and adherence to quality systems
Supporting the delivery of a safe, efficient and high-quality diagnostic service

About us

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available. Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too. We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users. Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo

Date posted

11 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,859 to £31,670 a year per annum incl HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

151-SL529

Job locations

Wexham Park Hospital

Wexham Street

Slough, Berkshire

SL2 4HL

Job description

Job responsibilities

Our laboratory is fully UKAS accredited and holds HCPC training status. You will work within a compliant shift system that includes early, core, late and weekend shifts. Occasional work at Frimley Park Hospital may be required to support service quality, training and development.

We are looking for someone who is keen to embrace new ways of working, develop their skills and grow within the role. In return, we offer strong support and encouragement for ongoing learning and career progression.

For full details, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For full details, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good basic education in numeracy and literacy skills.
A Levels, NVQ level 4, foundation degree or IBMS CoA (Part 2)
Microbiology or biomedical science qualification

Desirable

ECDL or other compter literacy evidence

SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES FOR ROLE

Essential

Good communication skills, verbal and written
Possess basic IT skills
Ability to work independently for periods of time
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

PROFESSIONAL

Essential

Experience as an AP or in other laboratory support role
Ability to liaise effectively with clinical and clerical staff
Ability to work as part of a team
Able to perform technically challenging processes

Desirable

Experience of Diagnostic Microbiology laboratory

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential

Must be available to work the extended day / shifts operated in BSPS
Able to move between laboratories and sites as required
Good time management

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good basic education in numeracy and literacy skills.
A Levels, NVQ level 4, foundation degree or IBMS CoA (Part 2)
Microbiology or biomedical science qualification

Desirable

ECDL or other compter literacy evidence

SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES FOR ROLE

Essential

Good communication skills, verbal and written
Possess basic IT skills
Ability to work independently for periods of time
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

PROFESSIONAL

Essential

Experience as an AP or in other laboratory support role
Ability to liaise effectively with clinical and clerical staff
Ability to work as part of a team
Able to perform technically challenging processes

Desirable

Experience of Diagnostic Microbiology laboratory

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential

Must be available to work the extended day / shifts operated in BSPS
Able to move between laboratories and sites as required
Good time management

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wexham Park Hospital

Wexham Street

Slough, Berkshire

SL2 4HL

Employer's website

https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Wexham Park Hospital

Wexham Street

Slough, Berkshire

SL2 4HL

Employer's website

https://www.fhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)