Associate Practitioner

Cddft; North East; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Associate Practitioner for the microbiology department at the University Hospital of North Durham. The role involves rotating through bacteriology, serology, mycology, and molecular diagnostics, performing a range of microbiology tests and contributing to high-quality diagnostic services across the trust.

The candidate should have relevant laboratory skills and healthcare science qualifications, with flexibility for a 24/7 shift

Qualifications

• IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice or equivalent competency.
• GCSE in Science and/or Maths and CPD evidence as part of ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and perform a wide range of laboratory tests using microbiological techniques.
• Rotate through bacteriology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics.
• Perform clerical and logistics duties to support department operations.
• Develop and maintain competency across microbiology sections and QA systems.
• Work with Biomedical Scientists to deliver high-quality diagnostic results.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Knowledge of microbiology

Team working

Communication skills

Education

NVQ3 in Health (pathology)

Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice

Certificate of Achievement Part 2

Science and/or Maths GCSE

Job description

Go back County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Practitioner

The closing date is 19 October 2026

We are seeking applications from dedicated and enthusiastic AssociatePractitioners to join our microbiology team. The role is based at theUniversity Hospital of North Durham. We provide high quality, patient-focuseddiagnostic and screening services to healthcare providers across County Durham& Darlington.

This role requires a goodlaboratory skills and a knowledge of microbiology as the post holder will beexpected to rotate through different areas of the department includingbacteriology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible for preparingand performing a wide range of laboratory pre-analytical and analytical testsusing microbiological laboratory techniques & equipment on a variety ofsamples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring ofinfectious diseases in accordance with standard operating procedures and agreedpolicies.

To perform clerical andlogistics duties to support the operation of the department.

To develop, maintain anddemonstrate competency in all sections of the microbiology department includingbacteriology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics.

To work with the laboratoryteam and quality management system to contribute towards a high quality serviceand continuous service improvement.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances ofsuccess.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will haveattained the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2, NVQ3 or Foundation degreein a healthcare science. Alternatively, demonstration of equivalent experienceand competency at this level may be considered. This role requires a good levelof laboratory skills and a keen interest in microbiology

AssociatePractitioners working in our department must be able to use their knowledge andanalytical skills to work alongside Biomedical Scientists to deliver highquality results. Previous experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory isdesirable.

The department is UKAS(ISO15189) accredited and a knowledge & experience of good qualitymanagement systems is desirable.

The successful candidateshould also be able to demonstrate an ability to work within a team to delivera high quality service. Good communication and interpersonal skills areessential.

The ability to work on a 24/7 shift rota which includes day shifts, late shifts,night shifts, weekends & bank holidays is a requirement of the post.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience in a diagnostic laboratory
• Experience in diagnostics microbiology or virology in an NHS or UKHSA laboratory. Supervisory experience. Employment with public interaction.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work flexibly and participate in 24/7 working rota pattern.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to follow protocols and instructions accurately. Manual dexterity. Good communication skills. Follow protocols and instructions accurately. Computer literacy. Knowledge of scientific / medical terminology
• Problem solving and trouble-shooting skills. Knowledge of quality management systems. Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.

Qualifications

• NVQ3 in Health (pathology stream) or Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice or equivalent. Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstration of equivalent competency. Science and / or Maths GCSE
• Evidence of ongoing CPD

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.

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust