Associate Practitioner

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for the post of Associate Practitioner in the Cellular Pathology team. An excellent opportunity to support a full range of services with rotation across areas within Cellular Pathology.

The department handles ~51,000 Histology & Cytology requests annually and supports ROSE clinics, a Mohs service, and a digitisation project, with a new LIS in place. IBMS accredited training and HCPC registration pathway are available.

Qualifications

• Excellent communicator and able to work effectively as part of a large team.
• Excellent attention to detail and good manual dexterity.
• Ability to prioritise workload and adapt to unexpected events or changes in demands.
• Experience in Cellular Pathology laboratory, particularly microtomy, is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Process all types of specimens presented to the Cellular Pathology Department for analysis, supporting accurate and timely diagnoses.
• Become skilled in the latest techniques and equipment while maintaining traditional methods.
• Contribute to the digital agenda as the service becomes fully digitised.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Team player

Prioritisation

Education

IBMS accredited degree

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Hours: Full time, Part time - 37.5 hours per week

Job ref: 188-CL400126-A

Site: University Hospital Southampton

Town: Southampton

Closing: 03/11/2026

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Contract Type: Permanent

Under current Home Office rules, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Associate Practitioner to join their friendly team.

An excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual supporting the full range of services, with the opportunity to rotate and work in a number of areas within Cellular Pathology.

We receive ~51,000 Histology & Cytology requests annually.

The department supports ROSE clinics, a Mohs service, a comprehensive research histopathology service & there is scanning equipment to support the digital agenda.

The post-holder will be encouraged to participate in this project as we progress to a fully digitised pathology service. We have recently rolled-out a new laboratory information management system.

The laboratory is IBMS approved for training, is UKAS accredited & CPD is actively encouraged.

We would also welcome applications from final year students undertaking an IBMS accredited degree that would be looking to secure a role within a diagnostic laboratory.

There may also be the opportunity, subject to capacity & funding, to complete the IBMS Certificate of Competence leading to HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

You will be required to assist and be involved with the processing all types of specimen presented to the Cellular Pathology Department for analysis, thereby supporting the provision of accurate and timely diagnoses & the production of appropriate analytical data.

You will be required to become skilled in the latest techniques and equipment in conjunction with traditional methods of investigation to meet the requirements of the role.

You will need to be an excellent communicator & be able to work effectively as part of large team.

You will need to have an excellent attention to detail & possess good manual dexterity.

You will need to be able to prioritise workload & adjust to accommodate unexpected events &/or changes in demands

Experience of working in a Cellular Pathology laboratory, particularly undertaking microtomy, is desirable

The department operates 6am-7pm Mon-Fri & Sat 7am-5pm & therefore some Saturday working is required. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in the rotational Bank Holiday service-approx. 1 per annum, currently not Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day or Good Friday.

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for.

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