Associate Practitioner

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; North East; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in England is seeking an Associate Practitioner responsible for processing biomedical specimens and performing laboratory investigations. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Pathologists and Biomedical Scientists, ensuring high standards in laboratory practices. Applicants should have previous laboratory experience and relevant qualifications such as NVQ 3 in Health or equivalent. This role offers a competitive salary ranging from £27,485 to £30,162 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience is essential.
• Supervisory experience with public interaction is preferred.
• Existing laboratory experience within Histopathology is required.
• Able to work flexibly and participate in shift working.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory investigations and manage stock of consumables.
• Consult with Pathologists and Biomedical Scientists regarding cases.
• Assist in preparing samples for diagnosis by a consultant pathologist.
• Provide training and supervision to junior staff.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Communication skills

Medical / Scientific terminology

Microsoft Office applications

Education

NVQ 3 in Health (pathology stream) or equivalent

IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2

Science and/or maths GCSE or above

Evidence of CPD

Tools

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Job description

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Practitioner

The closing date is 09 January 2026

This Advanced Practitioner grade post involves the processing of biomedical specimens, their analysis, and recording of results. The post holder will be an active member of a laboratory team, undertaking rotation as required, and will apply generic skills across a range of laboratory settings.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will perform laboratory investigations within histopathology and cytopathology laboratories, troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment, and engage in a range of scientific and technical duties requiring hand-eye coordination and fine adjustment of equipment. They will coordinate own work and that of MLAs and students, provide practical training to individuals or small groups, and maintain the integrity of records entered in the laboratory database. The post holder will assist in the preparation of samples for diagnosis by a consultant pathologist.

Participation includes specimen reception, receipt, storage, and disposal of human tissue in accordance with HTA standards; assistance to Pathologists and Biomedical Scientist staff in specimen dissection and cytology; handling and processing of surgical and post-mortem tissues for routine microscopy, including specialised paraffin techniques and hand processing of minute specimens; and handling and processing of cytological fluid samples and semenology samples.

About us

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

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates as these groups are currently under-represented.

For visa and eligibility information, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Job responsibilities

Consult with Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants. Follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete relevant quality documentation. Upon training and competency, rotate through specialist laboratory areas, performing duties to a high standard while conforming to health and safety requirements. Manage stock of consumables, monitor levels, sign for deliveries, receipting goods, unpacking, verifying, and ensuring paperwork is complete before storage in an orderly manner.

Assist Biomedical Scientists, Medical Lab Assistants and Pathologists with tasks within scope, providing supervision, training and leadership to junior staff. Perform daily tasks requiring sustained focus, attention to detail, task prioritisation, and computer literacy (spreadsheets, LIMS, SOP writing, audits).

Person Specification

Experience

• Previous laboratory experience
• Employment with public interaction
• Existing laboratory experience within Histopathology
• Supervisory experience

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Follow protocols and instructions accurately
• Communication, verbal and written
• Medical / Scientific terminology
• Microsoft Office applications

Special Requirements

• Able to work flexibly
• Able to participate in shift working
• Knowledge of using LIMS or other laboratory-based systems

Qualifications

• NVQ 3 in Health (pathology stream) or equivalent
• IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstrate equivalent competency
• Science and/or maths GCSE or above
• Evidence of CPD

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

£27,485 to £30,162 a year, pro rata