Associate Practitioner

North Bristol NHS Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Bristol is seeking an Associate Practitioner to join their Bacteriology team. The role involves routine laboratory tasks under supervision, maintaining records, and assisting in public health emergencies. Ideal candidates will have laboratory experience, excellent manual dexterity, and a commitment to teamwork. This position supports vital diagnostic services in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Previous practical experience in a biomedical laboratory or equivalent.
• Ability to work on their own or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service.
• Perform technical activities under supervision.
• Maintain records in relation to laboratory activities.
• Supervise and train less experienced staff.

Skills

Excellent manual dexterity

Technical skills

Ability to work in a team

Job description

Overview

Are you ready for a new challenge in your career? As an Associate Practitioner, you will be trained in all areas of Bacteriology. The post holder will undertake a wide range of routine laboratory tasks including specimen processing, removal and safe disposal of waste and laboratory clerical duties, in support of the diagnostic services of the department. The post holder will operate under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists and will work as part of the laboratory team providing a 24/7 service as required (including covering unsocial hours e.g., evenings, weekends and bank holidays).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department, under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Perform a number of technical activities under supervision, including testing patient samples/audit samples and research work, as appropriate to the training and qualifications of an Associate Practitioner.
• Maintain records in relation to laboratory activities.
• Supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
• Develop and improve professional expertise.
• Assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature (e.g. a major disease outbreak).
• Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the section leader if back-up stocks are low.
• Assist in the use and maintenance of automated equipment and troubleshoot equipment problems when they occur.
• Supervise MLA / HSSW and other support staff.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the Microbiology team at all times.
• Attend training meetings and updates with senior staff on an ad hoc basis.
• Liaise with users of the laboratory and handle general telephone enquiries.
• Undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
• Use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.

Qualifications and Experience

• The post holder will have previous practical experience in a biomedical laboratory or equivalent and will possess excellent manual dexterity and technical skills and the ability to work on their own or as part of a team.

About the Organisation

The Infection Sciences service is a collaboration between North Bristol NHS Trust and UKHSA. The post holder may be required, possibly at short notice, to respond to public health emergencies, including outbreaks and other emergency situations.

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. We are committed to treating each patient with respect and dignity and to delivering excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience.

We value all people and are committed to equality of opportunity, aiming to be an inclusive organisation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from groups underrepresented in the workforce.

Other information

The Bacteriology Laboratory in Bristol is part of Infection Sciences and is located in the Pathology Sciences Building at Southmead Hospital. A second smaller laboratory is located at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. The laboratory undertakes approximately 1.4 million tests per annum and employs around 200 staff. Please note that travel expenses for interview attendance are not reimbursed. Stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken for successful applicants. Employment terms include progression through the pay scale and potential short-notice commitments for public health responses.