Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Practitioner Cellular Pathology ICC

The closing date is 01 July 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen at LCL for an Associate Practitioner (Band 4) to join our Molecular Pathology team within the Cellular Pathology Directorate. The successful candidate will undertake all routine tasks within the Molecular Pathology laboratory such as genomics specimen reception duties, microtomy, the preparation of genomics-friendly material for PCR and/or NGS analysis, manual and automated DNA extraction procedures and the operation and maintenance of automated instrumentation within the Molecular Pathology and Immunocytochemistry laboratories. This post is essential for the day to day running of the service and the successful candidate will be enthusiastic and self-motivated and will work closely with scientific, medical and clerical staff within the directorate to deliver the highest quality standard of patient care.

Main duties of the job

The successful incumbent will be responsible for participating in all routine activities associated with a Cellular Pathology Associate Practitioner, including:

Participating in the routine work of the Molecular Pathology laboratory in accordance with departmental protocols, including:

Receiving and accessioning samples ensuring correct patient identification.

Microtomy.

Preparation of genomics-friendly material for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and/or NGS (next generation sequencing) analyses.

Undertaking manual and automated DNA extraction procedures.

Operation and maintenance of equipment in the Molecular Pathology laboratory.

Operation and maintenance of automated immunocytochemistry (ICC) staining platforms.

Basic quality control procedures.

Preparation of solutions and reagents.

Safe disposal of a range of hazardous and non-hazardous laboratory waste.

Monitoring and receipt of consumables and reagents.

About us

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was created on 1 October 2019 following the merger of two adult acute Trusts, Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The merger provides an opportunity to reconfigure services in a way that provides the best healthcare services to the city and improves the quality of care and health outcomes that patients experience.

The Trust runs Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool University Dental Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

It serves a core population of around 630,000 people across Merseyside as well as providing a range of highly specialist services to a catchment area of more than two million people in the North West region and beyond.

To hear more about our achievements click here https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/media/13089/1606-annual-report-booklet_final.pdf

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook - Liverpool University Hospitals Careers

Instagram - @LUHFTcareers

Twitter - @LUHFTcareers

Details

Date posted

17 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

287-LCL-44-25

Job locations

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories

Liverpool

L7 8XP


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

The post holder will participate in the routine work of the Molecular Pathology laboratory in accordance with departmental protocols:

Receive specimens into the department ensuring correct patient identification and accessioning.

Microtomy - simple sectioning of blocks and production of genomics-friendly tissue sections and scrolls.

Operation and use of automated staining instruments: to routine IHC and in situ hybridisation staining protocols and Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining.

Undertake manual and automated nucleic acid extraction techniques.

Undertake initial, non-complex quality control checks

Preparation of staining solutions and reagents

Safe disposal of a range of hazardous and non-hazardous laboratory waste i.e. paper, chemicals, glass, human tissues

To take delivery of consumables and safely store and monitor levels of consumables reporting low stocks to senior members of staff.

Use the departmental computer system to record information regarding the patient or the processing of the specimen and to ascertain the status/progress of a specimen.

  • Process enquiries appropriately referring enquiries to the appropriate personnel as required.
  • To undertake tasks required for UKAS accreditation e.g. reviewing SOPs.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

The post holder will participate in the routine work of the Molecular Pathology laboratory in accordance with departmental protocols:

Receive specimens into the department ensuring correct patient identification and accessioning.

Microtomy - simple sectioning of blocks and production of genomics-friendly tissue sections and scrolls.

Operation and use of automated staining instruments: to routine IHC and in situ hybridisation staining protocols and Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining.

Undertake manual and automated nucleic acid extraction techniques.

Undertake initial, non-complex quality control checks

Preparation of staining solutions and reagents

Safe disposal of a range of hazardous and non-hazardous laboratory waste i.e. paper, chemicals, glass, human tissues

To take delivery of consumables and safely store and monitor levels of consumables reporting low stocks to senior members of staff.

Use the departmental computer system to record information regarding the patient or the processing of the specimen and to ascertain the status/progress of a specimen.

  • Process enquiries appropriately referring enquiries to the appropriate personnel as required.
  • To undertake tasks required for UKAS accreditation e.g. reviewing SOPs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A levels/BTEC or equivalent

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratory

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a clinical setting

Knowledge

Essential

  • Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality

Desirable

  • Show an awareness of H&S requirements
  • Should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the post applied for

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Flexible and adaptable approach to work
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good verbal communication skills

Desirable

  • Computer literate

Other

Essential

  • Manual dexterity
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A levels/BTEC or equivalent

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratory

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working in a clinical setting

Knowledge

Essential

  • Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality

Desirable

  • Show an awareness of H&S requirements
  • Should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the post applied for

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work as a member of a team
  • Flexible and adaptable approach to work
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good verbal communication skills

Desirable

  • Computer literate

Other

Essential

  • Manual dexterity

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

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories

Liverpool

L7 8XP


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories

Liverpool

L7 8XP


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Laboratory Manager

Sharon Forrest

sharon.forrest@liverpoolft.nhs.uk

01517064485

Details

Date posted

17 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

287-LCL-44-25

Job locations

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories

Liverpool

L7 8XP


Supporting documents

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