University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Associate Practitioner

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

The Microbiology and Virology Department at UHS is excited to advertise an opportunity for an Associate Practitioner with a strong background in clinical laboratory experience, to work throughout different sections within the department across our 24/7 shift pattern.

The department processes over 1,000,000 specimens per year. We employee almost 100 staff and provide a comprehensive 7 day service covering bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, serology and parasitology and molecular testing.

We are IBMS accredited for pre-registration training and specialist training in medical microbiology, virology and infectious science.

Please note high volume of applications may result in the advert closing early

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, personalizing 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, recognizing 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.

Details

Date posted

13 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-CL130226

Job locations

PAT Pathology Microbiology

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Job description

Job responsibilities

The Microbiology and Virology Department at UHS is excited to advertise an opportunity for an Associate Practitioner with a strong background in clinical laboratory experience, to work throughout different sections within the department across our 24/7 shift pattern.

The department processes over 1,000,000 specimens per year. We employee almost 100 staff and provide a comprehensive 7 day service covering bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, serology and parasitology and molecular testing.

We are IBMS accredited for pre-registration training and specialist training in medical microbiology, virology and infectious science.

Please note high volume of applications may result in the advert closing early

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Microbiology and Virology Department at UHS is excited to advertise an opportunity for an Associate Practitioner with a strong background in clinical laboratory experience, to work throughout different sections within the department across our 24/7 shift pattern.

The department processes over 1,000,000 specimens per year. We employee almost 100 staff and provide a comprehensive 7 day service covering bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, serology and parasitology and molecular testing.

We are IBMS accredited for pre-registration training and specialist training in medical microbiology, virology and infectious science.

Please note high volume of applications may result in the advert closing early

Person Specification

Qualifications / training required

Essential

  • GCSE A level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science or NVQ Level 3 Health (Pathology Support Worker) plus additional laboratory experience or Foundation Degree in Laboratory Sciences Completion of an internal multidisciplinary laboratory training course
  • Previous experience in laboratory work.
  • Able to handle biological samples in both closed and open containers

Desirable

  • Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience in clinical laboratory.
  • Experience with handling electronic data and fluent keyboard skills.
  • Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures.

Values and behaviours

Essential

  • Patients First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together
Person Specification

Qualifications / training required

Essential

  • GCSE A level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science or NVQ Level 3 Health (Pathology Support Worker) plus additional laboratory experience or Foundation Degree in Laboratory Sciences Completion of an internal multidisciplinary laboratory training course
  • Previous experience in laboratory work.
  • Able to handle biological samples in both closed and open containers

Desirable

  • Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience in clinical laboratory.
  • Experience with handling electronic data and fluent keyboard skills.
  • Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures.

Values and behaviours

Essential

  • Patients First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

PAT Pathology Microbiology

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

PAT Pathology Microbiology

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Personal Assistant Microbiology Management Team

Vicky Mcloughlin

Vicky.Mcloughlin@uhs.nhs.uk

02381208702

Details

Date posted

13 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

188-CL130226

Job locations

PAT Pathology Microbiology

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)