Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT)/Trainee APT

NHS; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A paediatric healthcare organization in Liverpool is seeking a motivated Anatomical Pathology Technologist to join its Histopathology team. This full-time role involves assisting in the mortuary, ensuring compliance with standards, and providing post mortem services. Candidates should have relevant qualifications including a RSPH Diploma in APT and experience in paediatric techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a team dedicated to high-quality children's healthcare. Competitive salary ranges from £27,485 to £37,796 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of at least two years practical experience in a mortuary environment for band 5 position.
• Experience in paediatric post mortem techniques.
• Demonstrable experience of routine laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities

• Carry out work to specified standards set down by professional bodies.
• Assist with hospital, Coronial and Forensic post-mortems.
• Participate in maintaining records for safe storage and retrieval.

Skills

Practical skills associated with mortuary work

Good hand-eye coordination

Basic laboratory techniques

Education

GCSE level in 5 subjects including Mathematics, English and a Science subject

Royal Society of Public Health Diploma in APT

Job description

Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT)/Trainee APT

The closing date is 26 December 2025

An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, experienced and qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT) to work within the Histopathology team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS Trust.

The post holder will act as an APT in the mortuary and hold the RSPH Diploma in APT or equivalent, preferably with experience in paediatric post mortem techniques. Current working knowledge of Home Office & Coronial post mortem requirements and the Human Tissue Authority Standards is also required.

For the position of trainee APT the applicant should be educated to GCSE level in 5 subjects.

The role involves assisting with the day to day running of the mortuary and provision of a very high quality post mortem and mortuary service.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in an out of hours on call mortuary service and work flexibly alongside the Histopathology laboratory staff in performing basic laboratory duties.

The laboratory is fully accredited by UKAS to standard ISO 15189, licensed by the Human Tissue Authority and participates in external quality assurance schemes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a team dedicated to providing the highest quality paediatric care.

You should be highly motivated, a good communicator and enjoy working as part of a Pathology wide team.

Further information and informal enquiries to Pamela Ashton (Histopathology Laboratory Manager) on 0151 293 3615 or via email [e-mail]

Main duties of the job

• To carry out all work to specified standards and regulations set down by professional bodies.
• To work flexibly and participate in the routine work of the mortuary following SOPs and also undertaking duties in the laboratory on a rotational basis.
• To assist with hospital, Coronial and Forensic post-mortems some of which may be out of hours.
• To ensure the post mortem room is organised and well equipped.
• Liaise with Coroner's officers, Police, funeral directors & Bereavement Care Services.
• Maintenance of hygiene and order in the mortuary.
• To enter patient details and test procedures using the LIMS system.
• To participate in maintaining a system for the safe and confidential storage and retrieval of proper records.
• To participate in the rota for departmental audits and inventory checks.
• To communicate effectively with colleagues and service users.
• To deal professionally with telephone enquiries using tact, diplomacy and empathy whilst maintaining strict confidentiality.
• To ensure proper and efficient use of equipment and consumables without wastage.
• To handle hazardous chemicals and reagents appropriately, on a daily basis, according to COSHH regulations and Departmental/Trust Health & Safety policies.
• To move and manipulate heavy objects using the correct equipment whilst following the appropriate manual handling guidelines.
• Provide on-call cover for the laboratory in the event of failure of the -80 freezers and the need to transfer tissue samples.
• Maintain tissue collections.

About us

As one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children's hospitals, at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, we treat everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions. In addition to our main hospital site, we offer paediatric services at a number of community sites and hold local clinics across Merseyside, Cumbria, Shropshire, Wales and the Isle of Man. We also provide specialist inpatient care for children with complex mental health needs in our recently relocated and newly opened state of the art facility.

Alder Hey has a thriving research portfolio and leads research into children's medicines, infection, inflammation and oncology. We are becoming recognised as one of the world’s leaders in children's healthcare and research. We contribute to public health, lead cutting-edge research and teach the next generation of children's specialists. Alongside this is our Innovation Hub, a dedicated space where clinicians and industries can come together to create new products and technologies.

We know that a children’s hospital is different and that our job is more than just treating an illness. To us, every child is an individual. As well as giving them the very best care, we set out to make them feel happy, safe and confident as they play, learn and grow. At Alder Hey we are here to look after a child and their family and that includes mums, dads, brothers and sisters.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Anatomical Pathology Technologist or Trainee APT job descriptions and person specifications.

Person Specification

Education & Training

• Educated to GCSE level in 5 subjects including Mathematics, English and a Science subject at grade C or above or equivalent for both B5 APT and trainee positions
• Royal Society of Public Health Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent

Experience

• Minimum of at least two years practical experience in a mortuary environment for band 5 position
• Experience in paediatric post mortem techniques.
• Demonstrable experience of routine laboratory procedures

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Human Tissue Authority standards and United Kingdom Accreditation Service standard ISO 15189

Skills

• Practical skills associated with mortuary work e.g. good hand eye co-ordination, fine manipulation of tools
• Skilled in basic laboratory techniques for band 5 APT

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.

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

£27,485 to £37,796 a yearDependant on qualifications and experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

411-MED-25-7668967

Job locations

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust