Associate Practitioner

NHS; Oxford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking an Associate Practitioner for its Laboratory Haematology Department. This role involves supporting laboratory operations, preparing specimens, and ensuring quality management standards are met. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work across multiple hospital sites, contributing to vital testing services that support clinical specialties and community health. Ideal candidates will possess strong laboratory skills and a commitment to patient-centered care, with flexible hours to accommodate various shifts. Join a team dedicated to excellence in healthcare delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong laboratory knowledge and skills for specialized biochemical testing.
• Awareness of techniques used in clinical laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Prepare specimens for Flow Cytometry and Morphology section.
• Operate analyzers following standard operating procedures.

Skills

Laboratory Science

Communication Skills

Practical Laboratory Experience

Health and Safety Regulations

Point-of-Care Testing

Education

Diploma in Laboratory Science

ECDL or equivalent

Job description

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The Laboratory Haematology Department at Oxford University Hospitals operates across all four hospitals: three in Oxford and the Horton in Banbury. This post supports a specialist section based at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. The position is for 37.5 hours per week, with some out-of-hours work expected.

We invite candidates who possess strong laboratory knowledge and skills, as this role will build on those skills for more specialized biochemical testing areas.

The Department of Laboratory Haematology is a major part of the Trust's laboratory services, analyzing over 1 million tests annually across routine and specialist areas, 24/7. We support all clinical specialties within the hospitals and provide testing services to the community and a wider geographical area.

Main duties of the job

1. Prepare specimens for the Flow Cytometry / Morphology section, including specimen requesting, pre-analytical handling, and analysis on automated instrumentation.
2. Maintain knowledge of the purpose of testing and the laboratory analyzers.
3. Operate analyzers following standard operating procedures, adhering to health and safety guidelines, and ensuring quality management standards are met.

About us

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is among the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK, offering a broad range of clinical services, medical education, training, and research. More information can be found at www.ouh.nhs.uk.

The Trust includes four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington, and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values—compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement, and excellence—guide our clinical care and relationships with patients, colleagues, and the community. We aim to deliver compassionate excellence, focusing on patient-centered care. Watch our approach on the OUH YouTube channel.

Job responsibilities

Main Purpose: The post-holder will act as an Associate Practitioner, supporting efficient laboratory operations within the Haematology department by following SOPs. This may include work in Oxford Flow Cytometry and Morphology Service, Bone Marrow Integration Service, Specimen Reception, and Core JR Laboratory. Additionally, the role involves providing administrative and secretarial support as needed. The post may require working at any Trust laboratory site, predominantly at JRH, including weekends, bank holidays, evenings, or nights, with flexible hours according to the contract.

Note: Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for detailed information.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Diploma in Laboratory Science or equivalent
• ECDL or equivalent knowledge/experience

Experience and Knowledge

• Awareness of techniques used in clinical laboratories
• Knowledge of laboratory office procedures
• Understanding of Health and Safety regulations in labs
• Knowledge of Confidentiality and Data Protection Act
• Understanding of Laboratory Medicine roles
• Basic anatomy, physiology, and chemistry knowledge

Skills and Abilities

• Basic keyboard skills
• Practical laboratory experience
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Experience in NHS diagnostic laboratories
• Experience with point-of-care testing
• Experience operating laboratory instrumentation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Employer Name

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £26,530 to £29,114 per annum, pro-rata if applicable