Associate Practitioner in Specials Biochemistry | North Bristol NHS Trust

North Bristol NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Bristol is seeking a permanent Band 4 Associate Practitioner in Specials Biochemistry. The role involves operating laboratory equipment, performing biological tests, and training support staff. Applicants should have experience in laboratory settings and be committed to high standards of quality assurance. The position offers a chance to work in a dynamic environment within the Clinical Biochemistry Department.

Qualifications

• Proficient in operating, maintaining, and calibrating laboratory equipment.
• Experience in biological testing on blood and other body fluids.
• Ability to prepare samples and participate in quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities

• Receive and sort samples.
• Operate automated and semi-automated analyser systems.
• Maintain analyser systems and troubleshoot issues.
• Participate in department quality programmes and audits.
• Train and advise laboratory support staff.

Job description

Overview

Associate Practitioner in Specials Biochemistry - AfC Band 4

An opportunity for a permanent band 4 Associate Practitioner post has arisen in the Specials Biochemistry section of the Clinical Biochemistry Department.

Specials Biochemistry covers a wide range of services. These include Clinical and Coronial Toxicology, the Newborn and Antenatal Screening Programmes, investigations in Metabolic Biochemistry and the Cholinesterase Investigation Unit.

As an Associate Practitioner in Specials Biochemistry the main duties include -

To operate, maintain and calibrate complex and specialist laboratory equipment

Prepare samples for analysis, including pre-analytical checking and extractions

Perform biological testing on blood and other body fluids

Participate in post-analytical sample handling, including unloading, sorting, storing and retrieving samples

To train, instruct and advise laboratory support staff.

To plan and organize maintenance activities for complex and specialist laboratory equipment.

Communicate results to appropriate healthcare professionals

Provide an administrative role each week for coroner reporting of completed cases

As this is a non-HCPC registered position the post holder will not authorise results.

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

Responsibilities

1. Receive and sort samples.
2. Operate automated, semi-automated analyser systems and use HPLC, GC, GC-MS and tandem mass spectrometers – to include routine use, calibration, quality assurance and record keeping.
3. Maintain analyser sytems for use by self and other laboratory staff – to include planning and adjusting of schedules to meet changing circumstances.
4. Troubleshoot and perform first-line repair to analyser systems.
5. Prepare samples for analysis, including pre-analytical checking, extracting and requesting.
6. Participate in post-analytical sample handling, including unloading, sorting, storing and retrieving samples.
7. Perform automated and manual techniques on diagnostic test samples and understand their application and relevance to the production of accurate test results.
8. Maintain adequate stocks of reagents and consumables and advise senior staff of any issues with these.
9. Enter patient request data onto the laboratory computer system.
10. Participate in external and internal quality assurance processes and understand their relevance to the quality of the work of the laboratory.
11. Participate in department quality programmes, including audit.
12. Distribute specimens to appropriate departments.
13. Record and inform service users and senior staff of requests received that do not comply with the NBT Policy for Request Form and Specimen labelling.
14. Prepare samples for referral to other laboratories in accordance with Trust, Departmental, Postal and Courier protocols and standards.
15. Respond to telephone enquiries, give advice where appropriate and exercise judgement in referring to senior technical or clinical staff when necessary.
16. Participate in staff rotation across multiple sections of Clinical Biochemistry, as required.
17. Prepare specimen collection containers with appropriate preservatives.
18. Input and extraction of data from department and other IT systems.
19. Dispose of clinical and non-clinical waste in accordance with Trust and Departmental policies.
20. Clean and decontaminate working areas and equipment in accordance with laboratory protocols.
21. Notify senior staff of any adverse incident.
22. Follow codes of practice in maintaining safe and efficient standards of work.
23. Participate in training and induction of staff as required; to include use of equipment, health & safety, manual handling, etc.
24. Participate in staff appraisal in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
25. Participate in Continuing Professional Development.
26. To be proficient in the use of Word, Excel, Access amd other packages that may be used witin the department, to support clear presentation of information.

This advert closes on Thursday 13 Nov 2025