Job summary
This
Advanced Practitioner grade post involves the processing of biomedical
specimens, their analysis and recording of results. The post holder will be an
active member of a laboratory team undertaking rotation as required. The post
holder will be required to apply their generic skills in a range of laboratory
settings.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will perform laboratory investigations
within a histopathology and cytopathology laboratories, troubleshoot complex
laboratory equipment, and engage in a range of scientific and technical duties
requiring hand eye co-ordination and fine adjustment of equipment. The post
holder will also be expected co-ordinate own work and that of MLAs and students,
provide practical training to individual or small groups of staff, seek to
maintain the integrity of records entered on the laboratory database including
data entered by others. The post holder will assist in the process of preparing
samples for diagnosis by a consultant pathologist.
Participate in the departments specimen reception,
including the receipt, storage & disposal of human tissue in accordance
with HTA standards. Assist Pathologists and Biomedical Scientist staff in
specimen dissection and cytology. Handling & processing of surgical and
post-mortem tissues to routine microscopy, including specialised paraffin
techniques, hand processing of minute specimens.
Handling and processing of cytological fluid
samples and semenology samples.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and personal
specification for full details.
This Associate Practitioner role involves working closely
with Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants.
They follow the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete
the relevant quality documentation as required.
Upon completion of training and gaining competency, they
will rotate throughout the specialist areas of the laboratory. They performing
duties in accordance to local policy to a high degree of standards whilst
conforming to health and safety requirements. This includes handling &
processing of surgical and post-mortem tissues to routine microscopy, including
specialised paraffin techniques, hand processing of minute specimens.
Handling and processing of cytological fluid samples and semenology samples.
The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissue
samples which can be of a sensitive nature.
Stock is managed by all laboratory staff. This includes
monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting
goods delivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork is
complete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organised
manner.
Generally the Associate Practitioner staff assist the
Biomedical Scientists, Medical Lab Assistants and Pathologists with tasks in
the laboratory in which they have been trained and are within their scope of
practice. They provide supervision, training and leadership to junior staff.
In order to perform their daily tasks
effectively, an Associate Practitioner requires the ability to focus for long
periods of time, have great attention to detail and possess the ability to
organise tasks in priority order. Associate Practitioners also require computer
literacy skills as they are expected to use spreadsheets, access LIMS, write
SOPs and perform audits as needed
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and personal
specification for full details.
This Associate Practitioner role involves working closely
with Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants.
They follow the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete
the relevant quality documentation as required.
Upon completion of training and gaining competency, they
will rotate throughout the specialist areas of the laboratory. They performing
duties in accordance to local policy to a high degree of standards whilst
conforming to health and safety requirements. This includes handling &
processing of surgical and post-mortem tissues to routine microscopy, including
specialised paraffin techniques, hand processing of minute specimens.
Handling and processing of cytological fluid samples and semenology samples.
The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissue
samples which can be of a sensitive nature.
Stock is managed by all laboratory staff. This includes
monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting
goods delivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork is
complete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organised
manner.
Generally the Associate Practitioner staff assist the
Biomedical Scientists, Medical Lab Assistants and Pathologists with tasks in
the laboratory in which they have been trained and are within their scope of
practice. They provide supervision, training and leadership to junior staff.
In order to perform their daily tasks
effectively, an Associate Practitioner requires the ability to focus for long
periods of time, have great attention to detail and possess the ability to
organise tasks in priority order. Associate Practitioners also require computer
literacy skills as they are expected to use spreadsheets, access LIMS, write
SOPs and perform audits as needed
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Previous laboratory experience.
- Employment with public interaction.
Desirable
- Existing laboratory experience within Histopathology.
- Supervisory experience.
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Follow protocols and instructions accurately.
- Communication, verbal and written.
- Computer literate.
- Medical / Scientific terminology.
Desirable
- Microsoft Office applications
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to work flexibly.
- Able to participate in shift working.
Desirable
- Knowledge of using LIMS or other laboratory based systems.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 in Health (pathology stream) or equivalent.
- IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstrate equivalent competency.
- Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice.
- Science and/or maths GCSE or above
Desirable
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Previous laboratory experience.
- Employment with public interaction.
Desirable
- Existing laboratory experience within Histopathology.
- Supervisory experience.
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Follow protocols and instructions accurately.
- Communication, verbal and written.
- Computer literate.
- Medical / Scientific terminology.
Desirable
- Microsoft Office applications
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to work flexibly.
- Able to participate in shift working.
Desirable
- Knowledge of using LIMS or other laboratory based systems.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 in Health (pathology stream) or equivalent.
- IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstrate equivalent competency.
- Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice.
- Science and/or maths GCSE or above
Desirable
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.
