Anatomical Pathology Technologist

NHS; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is looking for an Anatomical Pathology Technologist to provide crucial technical and scientific support within the Mortuary & Bereavement Services. Candidates must hold an RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology. The role includes assisting pathologists, managing patient records, and ensuring a dignified environment for both the deceased and their families, often dealing with very sensitive situations. Participation in the on-call rota is also required.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a hospital or public mortuary.
• Ability to communicate sensitively with bereaved relatives.
• Sound knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Admit, classify, store, and release deceased patients according to Trust policy.
• Assist with and undertake post-mortem examinations.
• Support pathologists during post-mortem examinations.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Education

RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology

Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology

Tools

Mortuary equipment

Job description

Anatomical Pathology Technologist

The closing date is 17 February 2026

This is a qualified post and requires the RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology, or Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology.

The post-holder is responsible for providing technical and scientific support within the Mortuary & Bereavement Services across Trust facilities, including high-risk post-mortem areas. The role requires frequent exposure to highly distressing and emotive situations, as well as periods of intense physical activity requiring sustained concentration.

The post-holder will ensure that resources, equipment, and consumables are used efficiently, and that documentation and records are accurately maintained. They will support the training and development of trainees and support staff under supervision, assist pathologists with post-mortem examinations, and ensure the deceased and their relatives are treated with dignity and respect.

The post-holder will perform a broad range of technical duties to ensure the efficient running of the mortuary in accordance with Trust, Coroner, Human Tissue Authority, and Department of Health regulations and standards. Participation in the on-call rota is required to maintain 24-hour service provision.

Main duties of the job

Admit, classify, store, and release deceased patients according to Trust policy and HTA standards

Assist with and undertake post-mortem examinations, including routine, forensic, independent, and high-risk cases

Support pathologists during post-mortem examinations and accurately document findings

Prepare deceased patients for viewings or formal identification, liaising sensitively with relatives, police, coroners, and funeral directors

Collect, label, package, and transport specimens for laboratory analysis (histology, microbiology, toxicology, DNA)

Maintain accurate patient records using EDEN and other approved systems

Support the training, supervision, and development of trainee and support staff under direction of the Mortuary Supervisor

Participate in departmental audits, quality improvement initiatives, and SOP updates

Work flexibly across mortuary sites and participate in the on-call rota

Ensure compliance with infection prevention, health & safety, and HTA licensing requirements

About us

The Humber Health Partnership is one of the largest acute and community Partnership arrangements in the NHS, seeing well over one million patients every year and managing a budget of over £1.3 billion.

Made up of two Trusts - Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) - our Partnership has significant ambitions and is committed to delivering world-class hospital and community services for the 1.65 million people we serve.

Together we employ nearly 20,000 staff. Our five main hospital sites are Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Scunthorpe General Hospital and Goole and District Hospital, for NLAG and Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital for HUTH.

As Teaching Hospitals working with the Hull York Medical School, we both lead and contribute to research in many areas - biomedical research, primary care, palliative medicine, cardiovascular and respiratory medicine, vascular surgery, cancer surgery and oncology.

We believe that by developing a diverse, inclusive, innovative, skilled and caring workforce, we can deliver excellent care to our patients and a great future for our employees, our Partnership and our community.

Job responsibilities

For further details with regard to this vacancy opportunity, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Should we receive a high volume of applications the advert may be closed earlier than stated.

We welcome applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship to work in the UK, and these will be considered alongside all other applications in line with our commitment to equality and inclusion.

Applicants can determine their potential eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship by reviewing the Skilled Worker Visa criteria set out by UKVI on the gov.uk website.

Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

• RSPH Certificate and Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology OR Level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
• Member of the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology (AAPT)
• Professional registration with The Science Council and/or AHCS

Knowledge, Training & Experience

• Experience of working in a hospital or public mortuary
• Experience of assisting in post-mortem examinations, including high-risk cases
• Experience of working in an HTA licensed facility and maintaining HTA standards
• Participation in out-of-hours on-call service
• Able to communicate sensitively with bereaved relatives
• Sound knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, and medical terminology
• Experience of supporting trainees and support staff
• Experience of contributing to audits, SOP reviews, or service improvement initiatives
• Experience of working in a combined Mortuary & Bereavement Service
• Experience of Home Office, defence, or independent postmortems

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Effective communication and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Be able to work on own initiative
• Works well within a team
• Demonstrates understanding of confidentiality
• Evidence showing continuous professional development
• Previous experience teaching/training mortuary or healthcare staff

Special Attributes and other

• High level of interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate empathy and diplomacy
• Flexible approach to working hours and on-call commitments
• High manual dexterity and ability to use specialist mortuary equipment

Other Requirements

• Good timekeeper
• Ability to work from both hospital sites as required to meet the demands of the service
• Professional, mature, and responsible attitude
• Interest in continuous service development and CPD

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.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust