Associate Practitioner

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Ormond Street Hospital is seeking an Associate Practitioner for a 1-year fixed-term role in their Flow Cytometry Section. The successful candidate will support Haematology Services and participate in biobanking, contributing to pioneering laboratory services in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in an accredited clinical laboratory.
• Understanding health and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of NHS trust Pathology laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Maintain databases storing patient sample information.
• Support the flow cytometry laboratory with sample preparation.
• Ensure patient samples are bio-banked according to guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Attention to Detail

Education

GCSE qualifications in English, Maths, and a science subject

Level 2 or above qualification (e.g., NVQ 2)

Job description

Job summary

This Associate Practitioner post is in the Flow Cytometry Section of the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS)/Haematology in the Core Clinical Services Directorate. The role is a 1-year fixed term full-time role for 37.5 hours (5 days) per week. There may be an opportunity for this post to be further extended dependent on funding.

This post ideally suits an experienced MLA currently working in Haematology or Biobanking looking to further their career. We are looking for someone with a grounded clinical laboratory background with a willingness to learn about Biobanking to support Haematology Services, Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT), Gene Therapy programs and CART Therapy programs.

GOSH has the largest Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Centre in Europe. The SIHMDS Haematology Flow Cytometry Laboratory at Great Ormond Street Hospital specialises in the diagnosis and follow-up monitoring of Haematological diseases and some solid tumour work specifically in relation to Neuroblastoma patients. It is also pioneering and developing a bespoke laboratory service to support the routine and clinical trial use of CART Therapy programs. You will be responsible for ensuring precious patient samples are bio-banked according to laboratory guidelines and regulations. In addition, you will be expected to supervise Medical Laboratory Assistants helping to carry out the Biobanking.

Main duties of the job

• Full training and supervision will be provided. The post holder will be required to maintain a variety of databases storing patient sample information and to liaise with clinical and research teams that require the biobanking service.
• The post holder will also support the flow cytometry laboratory with sample preparation and acquisition of samples on the flow cytometers, general housekeeping, stock control and ordering.
• Specimen reception: checking patient information and sample type, sorting and numbering of specimens. Follow procedures for the receipt of correctly labelled specimens and inform lab staff of any errors. To add appropriate comments to "Requesting Errors" database
• To input patient demographics and test request details on to the Laboratory Computer system and filing as directed
• To undertake preparatory work e.g. reagents and other solutions as required, monitoring stocks of materials in store.
• To maintain cleanliness of all laboratory benches, centrifuges, fridges and freezers
• To record fridge temperatures and change recording charts.
• To provide administrative support including generating requests and work sheets.
• Comply with quality standards required in service-provision and participate in internal and external quality control.

About us

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women's staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust's mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Details Date posted

02 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£31,944 to £34,937 a year Inclusive per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

1 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

271-CCS-7164003

Job locations

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Great Ormond Street Hospital

London

WC1N 3JH

Job description Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

Job description Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

Person Specification GOSH Culture and Values Essential

• Our Always values
• Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
• Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture

Academic/Professional qualification/Training Essential

• GCSE or higher qualification in English, Maths and a science subject at a minimum of Grade C or equivalent.

Desirable

• Level 2 or above qualification (e.g. NVQ 2, QCF 2) or equivalent clinical laboratory experience.

Experience/Knowledge Essential

• Appropriate experience in an accredited clinical laboratory.
• Understanding and awareness of procedures to ensure patient confidentiality.
• Use of computers including word, excel and laboratory programmes.
• Some scientific knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and understanding of equipment (including automated equipment)
• Understanding Health and safety procedures and practices
• Knowledge of the working of NHS trust Pathology laboratories

Desirable

• Experience with isolation of different cell types from blood or bone marrow samples
• Experience of training junior staff
• Knowledge of Immunophenotyping techniques and flow cytometer set up and maintenance.

Skills/Abilities Essential

• Excellent telephone manner
• Good inter-personal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to organise and manage own workload, meet deadlines and able to follow and take instructions
• Good manipulative skills and manual dexterity
• Accuracy in working and close attention to detail
• Ability to use standard software programs and to use laboratory computer systems
• Organisational skills including the ability to prioritise work and supervise other junior staff
• Ability to deal appropriately with sensitive information
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team and an ability to work in an organised and tidy manner
• Competent computer skills (in particular databases and word processing)

Person Specification GOSH Culture and Values Essential

• Our Always values
• Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
• Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture

Academic/Professional qualification/Training Essential

• GCSE or higher qualification in English, Maths and a science subject at a minimum of Grade C or equivalent.

Desirable

• Level 2 or above qualification (e.g. NVQ 2, QCF 2) or equivalent clinical laboratory experience.

Experience/Knowledge Essential

• Appropriate experience in an accredited clinical laboratory.
• Understanding and awareness of procedures to ensure patient confidentiality.
• Use of computers including word, excel and laboratory programmes.
• Some scientific knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and understanding of equipment (including automated equipment)
• Understanding Health and safety procedures and practices
• Knowledge of the working of NHS trust Pathology laboratories

Desirable

• Experience with isolation of different cell types from blood or bone marrow samples
• Experience of training junior staff
• Knowledge of Immunophenotyping techniques and flow cytometer set up and maintenance.

Skills/Abilities Essential

• Excellent telephone manner
• Good inter-personal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to organise and manage own workload, meet deadlines and able to follow and take instructions
• Good manipulative skills and manual dexterity
• Accuracy in working and close attention to detail
• Ability to use standard software programs and to use laboratory computer systems
• Organisational skills including the ability to prioritise work and supervise other junior staff
• Ability to deal appropriately with sensitive information
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team and an ability to work in an organised and tidy manner
• Competent computer skills (in particular databases and word processing)

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details Employer name

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Great Ormond Street Hospital

London

WC1N 3JH

Employer's website

https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Great Ormond Street Hospital

London

WC1N 3JH

Employer's website

https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)