Associate Practitioner

NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization in Liverpool is seeking a dedicated Associate Practitioner in Cellular Pathology. This role involves preparing and processing diagnostic specimens, contributing to cancer diagnosis and patient care. The ideal candidate will support high-quality laboratory practices, maintain accurate records, and engage in digital workflows. Essential qualifications include A levels or equivalent, alongside laboratory experience. This is a full-time, 12-month contract position offering competitive salaries within the £27,485 to £30,162 range.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratory.
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to various tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of a high-quality non-cervical cytology service.
• Process and prepare diagnostic specimens accurately.
• Engage in digital cytology workflows.

Skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Verbal communication

Manual dexterity

Education

A levels/BTEC or equivalent

Job description

Associate Practitioner Cellular Pathology

Band 4

Main area

Cellular Pathology - ICC

Grade

Band 4

Contract

12 months (Secondment)

Hours

Full time – 37.5 hours per week (Histopathology works an extended working day over 7 days a week)

Job ref

287-DTC-92-25

Department name

LUH – 1 General Staffing (AFC posts)

Site

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories

Town

Liverpool

Salary

£27,485 – £30,162 per annum

Salary period

Yearly

Closing

15/12/2025 23:59

Job Overview

The Cytology Department at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital is seeking a dedicated and motivated Band 4 Associate Practitioner to support the delivery of a high‑quality non‑cervical cytology service. The successful candidate will contribute to the preparation and technical processing of diagnostic specimens in accordance with departmental protocols and quality standards. This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within a supportive and professional laboratory environment that promotes continuous learning, quality improvement, and patient‑focused service delivery.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will play an integral role in supporting the non‑cervical cytology service, contributing to the preparation, processing, and technical validation of patient specimens that form the basis of diagnostic and prognostic pathways, particularly in cancer diagnosis and ongoing patient management. Working under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, the Associate Practitioner will be responsible for accurate specimen receipt, preparation using a range of cytological techniques, and maintenance of high‑quality staining and slide presentation for microscopic evaluation. The role directly supports timely and reliable patient results, ensuring diagnostic accuracy and continuity of care within multidisciplinary clinical teams. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, and an understanding of laboratory quality standards. As the service continues to evolve through digital workflows using systems such as TelePath and CaseManager, the post holder will actively engage with digital reporting processes, participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the development of innovative, patient‑focused diagnostic services within Liverpool Clinical Laboratories.

Working for our organisation

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Job Title: Associate Practitioner – Non‑Cervical Cytology

Band: 4

Department: Cytology, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL)

Base: Royal Liverpool University Hospital (with potential cross‑site working)

Job Purpose

The post holder will support the delivery of a high‑quality, patient‑focused cytology service by performing a range of technical and analytical duties within the non‑cervical cytology laboratory. Working under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, the Associate Practitioner will assist in the preparation and processing of diagnostic specimens that underpin key diagnostic and prognostic pathways, particularly for cancer patients. This role contributes directly to accurate and timely results that support effective clinical decision‑making and patient care.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, and accession specimens onto the TelePath Laboratory Information System, ensuring correct identification and traceability.
• Prepare and process a variety of cytology samples including fluids, FNAs, washings, and brushings using techniques such as cytospin centrifugation, ThinPrep, filtration, and cell block preparation.
• Perform routine and special staining (e.g. Papanicolaou, May‑Grünwald Giemsa) and assist in slide preparation to ensure diagnostic quality.
• Operate and maintain key equipment including cytocentrifuges, centrifuges, automated stainers, Sakura tape coverslippers, slide printers and microtomy equipment.
• Conduct basic quality control checks, ensuring consistent technical performance and compliance with departmental standards.
• Support Biomedical Scientists and Pathologists by preparing high‑quality diagnostic slides that directly inform cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways.
• Handle biological materials safely in line with COSHH and infection control policies, including work with high‑risk specimens in containment facilities.
• Ensure accurate and confidential record‑keeping in accordance with Trust information governance and data protection policies.
• Participate in digital cytology workflows using CaseManager and slide scanners, supporting image acquisition, digital reporting and service modernisation.
• Engage in equipment maintenance, stock control and reagent preparation, reporting any faults or non‑conformances promptly.
• Assist in training new staff, students and visitors, promoting good laboratory practice and teamwork.
• Participate in personal and professional development, maintaining competence through CPD and departmental appraisal.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility and commitment to delivering a safe, efficient, and responsive service.
• Uphold LUHFT’s core values – We are caring, we are fair and we are innovative – in all aspects of work.

Service Context

Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL), part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, provides an integrated, UKAS‑accredited pathology service. The Cytology department supports a range of clinical specialities including oncology, respiratory medicine, urology and ophthalmology, playing a vital role in cancer diagnosis and patient management. The department is currently implementing digital pathology systems such as TelePath LIMS and Slideviewer Digital IMS, enhancing diagnostic quality, remote reporting and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Additional Information

All staff are expected to work safely, maintain confidentiality and adhere to Trust policies and quality standards. Duties may be reviewed as service needs evolve.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• A levels/BTEC or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria

• Demonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratory

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of working in a clinical setting

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality

Desirable criteria

• Show an awareness of H&S requirements
• Should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the post applied for

Skills

Essential criteria

• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work
• Good organisational skills
• Good verbal communication skills

Desirable criteria

• Computer literate

Other

Essential criteria

• Manual dexterity

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement

The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce demography representative of the local community. We encourage applicants from groups that are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including black, Asian and minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+), disabled, male and age 16‑24.