Associate Practitioner - Microbiology

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A pathology service provider is seeking an Associate Practitioner to join their team. This full-time position involves performing laboratory tasks and supporting scientific staff within a busy microbiology environment. Applicants should possess relevant qualifications and a strong desire to develop their skills. Opportunities for training and growth within the organization will be provided, and the role requires working a 37.5 hours/week across a 7-day pattern. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Qualifications

• Must have evidence of complex analytical skills associated with laboratory work.
• High level of IT skills and keyboard accuracy required.
• High attention to detail and practical analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical tasks requiring advanced skills to support scientific staff.
• Assist in triaging and problem-solving in Specimen Reception areas.
• Prepare samples and manage quality control material.

Skills

Complex information provision

Adherence to SOP and ISO15189 standards

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Effective communication skills

Customer service skills

Education

A Levels including science or equivalent qualifications

Proven relevant experience

Job description

Job Summary

North West London Pathology (NWLP) is a new partnership between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust and the Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Trust. The partnership represents a new model for delivering pathology testing in a modern, efficient operation that manages 25 million tests per year.

We are offering this fantastic opportunity to Band 3 MLAs working within Microbiology who have a desire to progress further within this field. We are looking for individuals who are self‑motivated and committed to being part of a team that delivers a quality service to patients. We are committed to your personal and professional development and you will have opportunities to fulfil your potential with NWLP.

You must have a desire to learn and develop within our busy laboratories. The laboratory has IBMS training approval for Registration Training and for Specialist Portfolio training for candidates with the relevant qualifications and experience.

For further information please contact Sweenie Goonesekera on 020 331 1788.

Main duties of the job

As an Associate Practitioner, you will be expected to carry out a variety of technical tasks that require the experience of more complex skills within the laboratory to support the scientific staff. Experience in running the following laboratory analysers is desirable: Sedimax, DS2, Cepheid, Serosep Enteric Bio and Bactec FX and Mast Urisystem.

In addition, you must have experience in other laboratory tasks such as set up of samples, preparation of quality control material, recording of QC data and waste management.

You must be able to evidence the knowledge, skills and competencies you have gained when coming to interview. Associate Practitioners are also expected to work within Specimen Reception areas of the laboratory, assisting the team with triage, booking in and problem solving and with the training of less experienced staff.

High attention to detail is a critical requirement of this post. Previous work experience in a Microbiology laboratory and completion of all relevant training and competency documentation is essential.

The appointed persons will be required to work across a 7 day working pattern, working 37.5 hours/week.

About Us

The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.

For 2026, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre‑employment checks.

• Monday 5 January 2026
• Monday 2 February 2026
• Monday 2 March 2026
• Monday 13 April 2026
• Monday 11 May 2026
• Monday 1 June 2026
• Monday 6 July 2026
• Monday 3 August 2026

Details

• Date posted: 27 November 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 4
• Salary: £33,094 to £36,195 a year inclusive
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: 290‑NWLP‑356
• Job locations: Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF

Person Specification

Education

Essential:

• A Levels qualified, including science subject or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part 2) or Foundation degree
• Proven equivalent experience in a relevant discipline
• Willing to undergo relevant training to ensure sound relevant knowledge

Skills

Essential:

• Able to provide and receive complex information and to provide advice and training to other members of the team
• Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies whilst working within ISO15189 standards or equivalent, fulfilling the quality requirements of UKAS
• Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to communicate with service users and other members of staff and professionals relevant to Laboratory services

Desirable:

• Customer service skills

Experience

Essential:

• Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work
• Displays and maintains a high level of IT skills & keyboard accuracy

Desirable:

• Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details

• Employer name: North West London Pathology
• Address: Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF
• Website: https://www.nwlpathology.nhs.uk/