Associate Practitioner - Cellular Pathology

Gateshead Health; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateshead Health is seeking several Associate Practitioners to join their Cellular Pathology clinical laboratory team. The role involves sample preparation, data entry, and operating automated platforms, with essential experience in Cellular Pathology. Successful candidates will receive in-house training.

Benefits

Health and Wellbeing Support

Training and Development Program

Qualifications

• Experience in Cellular Pathology is essential.
• Must meet all essential criteria outlined in the job description.

Responsibilities

• Sample preparation and assistance in cut-up, embedding, microtomy.
• Operating automated platforms for sample tracking and staining.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organisational Skills

Teamwork

Education

Foundation Degree in Biomedical Sciences

NVQ3 in Clinical Laboratory Support

Job description

The Cellular Pathology clinical laboratory team provides a high-quality specialist diagnostic service to support and improve healthcare in South Tyne and Wear.

An opportunity has arisen for several Associate Practitioner positions. Successful candidates will possess good interpersonal and organisational skills, work well under pressure, and thrive in a team environment to achieve both Trust and Departmental objectives. These posts will be based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead.

This post is subject to DBS (Police Bureau) STANDARD disclosure. Applicants involved in regulated activities will require an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, which may include information from the Independent Safeguarding Authority barred lists for working with children or adults, as appropriate.

Informal enquiries are welcomed from Mrs. Janet Rodgers at [phone] or via email: [e-mail]

Main duties of the job

Responsibilities include sample preparation, assistance in cut-up, embedding, microtomy, and operating automated platforms for sample tracking, staining, and digital imaging. The role also involves preparing biological fluids and inputting data into the laboratory computer system. Experience in Cellular Pathology is essential; however, in-house training will be provided to achieve competency.

The post holder will follow the in-house competency training program and, under supervision of qualified staff, perform a range of scientific procedures on various tissue and biological samples to contribute to diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. Candidates may also work towards completing the IBMS registration portfolio.

The successful candidate must meet all essential criteria outlined in the job description. The post is based on Gateshead Health NHS Trust terms and conditions, with mandatory participation in the department's extended working hours and out-of-hours service.

About us

Located in North East England, we provide hospital and community health services from facilities including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon Urgent Care Centre, and Bensham Hospital in Gateshead.

Established in 2005 as one of the first foundation trusts, we have consistently delivered high standards of patient care. Currently, we employ approximately 4,800 staff and operate 444 hospital beds across Gateshead.

Our core values—ICORE: Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement—are central to our work. We support various staff networks, including BAME, D-Ability, LGBTQ+, Women’s, and emerging armed forces networks.

Staff health and wellbeing are priorities; we offer support and initiatives through our 'Balance' programme (balancegateshead.com) to ensure a supportive and healthy work environment.

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities include sample preparation, assistance in cut-up, embedding, microtomy, and operating automated platforms for sample tracking, staining, and digital imaging. The role also involves preparing biological fluids and data entry into the laboratory computer system. Experience in Cellular Pathology is essential, with in-house training provided to develop competency.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Studying for or holding an appropriate qualification, preferably a foundation degree in Biomedical Sciences, the first year of an approved Biomedical Sciences degree, NVQ3 in Clinical Laboratory Support, or an equivalent relevant qualification.

Training

• Participate in a structured training and development program to acquire core competencies.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. An application for a Disclosure will be made to check for any criminal convictions, in accordance with legal requirements.