Associate Practitioner

NHS; Leicester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established healthcare provider is looking for motivated Associate Practitioners to join their Blood Sciences Department. This role offers an exciting opportunity to conduct essential laboratory tests and work as part of a dedicated team. With a focus on high-quality care and professional development, this position encourages continuous learning and offers full training. Ideal candidates will possess a Foundation degree or equivalent, along with relevant laboratory experience. Join a compassionate and inclusive team committed to making a positive impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Level 5 qualification or equivalent required.
• Relevant NHS laboratory experience in Blood Sciences is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine and non-routine tests as per laboratory procedures.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.

Skills

Laboratory Techniques

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Supervisory Skills

Education

Foundation Degree

BSc Biomedical Science

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Data Management Software

Job description

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

BASE: Your primary base will be Leicester Royal Infirmary; however, travel between UHL's hospital sites will be required.

REPORTS TO: Advanced Specialist/Team Leader Biomedical Scientist

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Deputy Service Manager

Main duties of the job

WORKING PATTERN: Shifts covering 24/7 working. 37.5 hours on average per week. We have an exciting opportunity for individuals with a Foundation degree or equivalent who want to work as Associate Practitioners in the Blood Sciences Department. Full training will be provided.

Candidates with relevant hospital laboratory experience, who meet the criteria to start training as an Associate Practitioner, may be considered.

You will be a motivated team member capable of prioritising and working independently with minimal supervision. Good written and verbal communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure are essential. The role requires working across any of Leicester's 3 hospital sites, at any time over a 24/7 period. CPD is actively encouraged.

About us

Our new strategy, developed with input from colleagues, patients, and partners, guides us from 2023 to 2030.

Our four primary goals are:

• High-quality care for all
• Being a great place to work
• Partnerships for impact
• Research and education excellence

We are committed to embedding health equality into all we do, actively working to reduce avoidable healthcare disparities in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is supported by new values, which we strive to make an everyday reality:

• Compassionate
• Proud
• Inclusive
• One team

This is an exciting time as we look to the future, building on our strengths and focusing on areas for growth to better serve our community.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/

Job responsibilities

Technical/scientific: Conduct routine and non-routine tests as specified by laboratory procedures, up to but not including the point of authorisation, excluding auto-authorised procedures. Follow standard operating procedures, use scientific knowledge to identify and correct errors, and perform tests requiring manual dexterity.

Equipment maintenance: Monitor and perform regular maintenance on laboratory equipment, ensuring logs are completed. Check safety and functionality, perform troubleshooting, and report malfunctions.

Stock Control: Maintain adequate stocks of reagents and supplies, keep records, and liaise with staff to ensure timely deliveries.

Information and IT: Keep SOPs updated and displayed, assist in developing new procedures, and use software for documentation and data management.

Planning: Organise own workload and assist in assigning tasks to team members.

Supervisory: Participate in training new staff, supervise junior staff, and allocate work as needed.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Level 5 qualification or equivalent, e.g., Foundation degree or IBMS Certificate of achievement Level 2 (Higher)
• BSc Biomedical Science or BSc (Hons) degree

Experience

• Relevant NHS laboratory experience in Blood Sciences
• Experience processing specimens and understanding laboratory safety and quality systems
• Additional laboratory experience

Analytical and Judgement Skills

• Knowledge of pathology tests and medical terminology
• Ability to work accurately following instructions
• Supervisory skills and understanding of Blood Sciences tests

Planning and Organisation Skills

• Ability to prioritise and use initiative within an NHS laboratory setting
• Capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required to identify any previous convictions.