Associate Practitioner

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Associate Practitioner to join our Pathology team. You will rotate through sections, providing technical support to Biomedical Scientists, and contribute to a 24/7 routine across bacteriology, mycology, virology, serology and molecular testing.

Processing specimens, maintaining equipment, and training colleagues as you gain competence are key parts of the role.

Qualifications

• GCSEs with grades 4+ in Maths, English and Science.
• Science-focused Foundation degree or IBMS Certificate Part 2 or Level 4 apprenticeship.
• Experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Process a range of pathological specimens under supervision.
• Maintain equipment and ensure accurate analytical data.
• Train other staff as competence is gained in sections.
• Work across a 24-hour shift pattern including weekends and holidays.

Skills

Literate

Attention to detail

Keyboard skills

Data entry

Education

GCSE Maths/English/Science

Science-focused Foundation degree or IBMS Cert Part 2 or Level 4 apprenticeship

Tools

Hospital IT systems

Job description

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

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

Job Title: Associate Practitioner

Contract Type: Permanent

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in Pathology as a Associate Practitioner. You will rotate through sections of the laboratory, providing technical support to Biomedical Scientists and working alongside Biomedical Support Workers. Duties will include processing of clinical samples, maintenance of equipment, and training other members of staff when you have gained competence in section.

Please note high volume of applications may result in the advert closing early

The department processes over 1,000,000 specimens per year. We employ almost 100 staff and provide a comprehensive 7 day service covering bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, serology and parasitology and molecular testing.

The role involves 24/7 working on a shift pattern, including earlies, cores, lates, and night shifts. Candidates must be able to work all these shifts. Weekends and bank holidays are also worked on a rotation.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising 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.

Detailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will be responsible for processing a range of pathological specimens under the supervision of qualified scientists for screening, diagnostic and monitoring purposes and provide accurate, timely and appropriate analytical data Demonstrable team working and communication skills. Ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and professional standards of behaviour as part of a diverse workforce. Must be able to work full shift pattern across a 24 hour period which also includes weekends and bank holidays. Experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory is essential for this role.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• GCSE grade 4 and above (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science
• Science focussed Foundation degree or equivalent Or IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or equivalent Or Level 4-degree apprenticeship in healthcare science or equivalent

Desirable criteria

• Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
• Previous Laboratory experience

Skills

Essential criteria

• Literate and numerate
• Attention to detail
• Keyboard skills
• Data entry

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together