Associate Practitioner (Band 4) - Blood Sciences

Acorn-By-Synergie; Weston-super-Mare; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Acorn by Synergie invites applications for an Associate Practitioner (Band 4) in Blood Sciences at Weston General Hospital. The role involves a range of technical duties within a busy pathology laboratory and requires strict adherence to quality and safety standards.

You will work 37.5 hours, usually 9am–5:30pm, with some late shifts and weekends as required to support service delivery. NHS experience and LIMS familiarity are advantageous.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or Diploma in Science required.
• Foundation Degree or equivalent beneficial.
• Experience with NHS or pathology labs preferred.
• Familiarity with LIMS and QA/QC processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform manual, semi-automated and automated lab investigations.
• Support blood film production during core hours.
• Handle patient samples with care and follow procedures.
• Conduct QC and monitor analysers and equipment.
• Troubleshoot and escalate equipment issues when needed.
• Maintain records in LIMS and communicate with team.
• Support workflow and respond to inquiries from clinicians.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Prioritisation

Lab techniques

Education

NVQ Level 3 / Diploma in Science

Foundation Degree (in progress)

Tools

LIMS

Laboratory equipment

Quality systems (QMS)

Job description

Associate Practitioner (Band 4) – Blood Sciences (a1WNz000004xWw1MAE) Weston-Super-Mare, England

Salary: GBP15.98 - GBP15.98 per hour

Associate Practitioner (Band 4) | Blood Sciences | Pathology Laboratory

Weston General Hospital | 37.5 Hours per Week | Full-Time | Temporary | Monday–Friday

Introduction

Acorn by Synergie is recruiting an Associate Practitioner (Band 4) to join the Blood Sciences team at Weston General Hospital.

This is an excellent opportunity to support the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services, working alongside Biomedical Scientists and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Initially, the role will operate 9am–5:30pm, Monday to Friday, with the expectation of supporting alternative shifts, including late shifts (1pm–9pm) and weekend core shifts, according to service requirements.

The Role

As an Associate Practitioner within Blood Sciences, you will undertake a range of technical and analytical laboratory duties, helping to ensure accurate and timely diagnostic results.

Key Duties

• Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.
• Support the production of blood films during core laboratory hours.
• Process patient samples in line with departmental procedures and quality standards.
• Undertake quality control procedures and analyse quality control materials.
• Maintain, clean and routinely monitor laboratory analysers and equipment.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and elevate equipment issues where required.
• Maintain accurate records using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Communicate effectively with Biomedical Scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals.
• Support specimen reception and sample workflow during busy periods.
• Respond to telephone enquiries from clinical users and elevate issues where required.
• Additional theoretical or applied training equivalent to diploma level.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to prioritise workload in a busy environment.
• Experience using laboratory equipment and computer systems.
• Ability to safely handle body fluids and hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of routine and non-routine healthcare science laboratory practices.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Ability to support and guide less experienced colleagues.
• NVQ Level 3, Diploma or equivalent scientific qualification.
• Working towards a Foundation Degree or equivalent.
• Previous Healthcare Science or Pathology Laboratory experience.
• Experience using LIMS.
• Understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Previous NHS experience.