Associate Practitioner Health Care Scientist

NHS; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The NHS is seeking an enthusiastic Associate Practitioner Health Care Scientist to join the busy Microbiology team. This role offers the opportunity to work with advanced diagnostic testing technologies and contribute to significant health outcomes. With a strong emphasis on training and development, the successful candidate will support a diverse team in a fully accredited laboratory environment, engaging in ongoing professional development while providing critical laboratory services.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience in Microbiology is essential.
• Knowledge of Pathology will be beneficial.
• Good general education is required.

Responsibilities

• Support Microbiology department, processing diagnostic tests.
• Undertake flexible working, including weekends.
• Maintain competency in laboratory work.

Skills

Good written and oral communication skills

Manual dexterity

Good organisational skills

Education

Foundation degree/HND/NVQ/IBMS Portfolio

Tools

Winpath LIMS

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking one enthusiastic and motivated Associate Practitioner Health Care Scientist Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) - AFC Band 4 to support our busy Microbiology department.

Any previous knowledge of Pathology and especially Microbiology would be helpful, and you would be part of our friendly and dedicated team of staff working within this part of Pathology. We encourage any existing Band 3 MLAs to apply from Pathology inc Microbiology with experience.

Please be aware this role may close early due to number of applications

No VISA sponsorship available for this role

Main duties of the job

We have a wide ranging repertoire of diagnostic testing and currently process approximately 500,000 tests per year.

The department currently utilises BioMerieux Vitek 2 AST, a new Sysmex UF5000 urine analyser which offers a range of bacteriology and molecular based systems which include routine use of Cepheid GeneXpert, Open Platform PCR and Hologic Panther for Covid-19 Testing.

There is a strong training ethos in the department and we have two training Leads in post across Microbiology to support development needs.The department regularly hold lunchtime seminars. You must be keen to develop your knowledge and skills.

You will be required to undertake flexible working which will include participation in weekend working.

You will be required to obtain and maintain competency in all relevant areas of the laboratory they work and help support our Band 3 MLA's.

The department is fully UKAS ISO15189 accredited.

About us

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Details Date posted

06 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-CSS-BR-9635

Job locations

Broomfield

Court Road

Chelmsford

CM1 7ET

Job description Job responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting Associate Practitioner Health Care Scientist role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you!

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Job description Job responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting Associate Practitioner Health Care Scientist role using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you!

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Person Specification education and qualification Essential

• good general education, foundation degree/HND/NVQ/ IBMS Portfolio

Desirable

• Have knowledge and experience in Microbiology and or other Pathology depts.

knowledge and experience Essential

• Previous laboratory experience in Microbiology

Desirable

• Knowledge of MS word and excel, data inputting using Winpath LIMS

skills and aptitudes Essential

• good written and oral communication skills, manual dexterity, good organisational skills

Desirable

• keyboard skills, good team worker inc supervision of others

Person Specification education and qualification Essential

• good general education, foundation degree/HND/NVQ/ IBMS Portfolio

Desirable

• Have knowledge and experience in Microbiology and or other Pathology depts.

knowledge and experience Essential

• Previous laboratory experience in Microbiology

Desirable

• Knowledge of MS word and excel, data inputting using Winpath LIMS

skills and aptitudes Essential

• good written and oral communication skills, manual dexterity, good organisational skills

Desirable

• keyboard skills, good team worker inc supervision of others

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Broomfield

Court Road

Chelmsford

CM1 7ET

Employer's website

https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Broomfield

Court Road

Chelmsford

CM1 7ET

Employer's website

https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)