Associate Practitioner - Microbiology

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

27 days annual leave (pro rata)

NHS discounts

Unsocial hours payments

Job summary

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Associate Practitioner - Microbiology at Ipswich Hospital. You will support Biomedical Scientists, perform standard microbiology activities under supervision, and maintain records.

Training will be provided with opportunities to progress from Band 3 to Band 4 as competencies are achieved. We offer flexible working where possible, permanent and fixed-term posts, and a commitment to professional development within a large NHS

Qualifications

• NVQ 3 or diploma or equivalent
• Working towards Foundation degree
• Willing to undertake training and development
• Experience in healthcare science preferable

Responsibilities

• Perform standard Microbiology tests under supervision
• Maintain clinical records for activities and test results
• Supervise/train less experienced staff in own area when required
• Maintain and promote professional image of the pathology department

Skills

Healthcare science knowledge

Laboratory experience

Willingness to learn

Education

NVQ 3 / Diploma in Biomedical Science

Foundation degree (in progress)

Training toward professional registration

Tools

Pathology IT systems

Laboratory information systems

Job description

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Practitioner - Microbiology

The closing date is 16 November 2026

This role is not eligible for sponsorship

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are professional, reliable, innovative and flexible to join our friendly team in our Microbiology Laboratory as an Associate Practitioner.

We have full and part time posts available, permanent and fixed term.

Your role will involve supporting the Biomedical Scientists working in the Microbiology Laboratory.

Training will be provided however extensive knowledge of pathology would be advantageous. If you do not meet the full specifications for the Band 4 post, you will be offered a Band 3 developmental post whilst you undergo training and competencies.

Based at Ipswich Hospital our vision is to deliver innovative, high-performing pathology that is focused on our customers and delivers high quality and fully compliant services.

We want the best staff and are committed to attracting and retaining the best pathology staff and if you want to work with us to develop your own career and help us to achieve our vision then we would like to hear from you. We are in the unique position of providing a dedicated Pathology Training Team with the aim of producing a highly skilled workforce through the provision of continued training and development for our staff.

Work flexibly in reflection of service needs. This may include an extended working day and it will include weekend working.

About our Pathology Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBrydUl_c5w

Main duties of the job

• Perform a number of healthcare science clinical/technical/scientific activities under supervision, e.g. performs standard Microbiology tests.
• Maintain clinical records in relation to activities carried out; may input/interrogate test results of others.
• May be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
• Maintain and promote professional image of the pathology department

About us

We are one of the largest NHS organisation in the region, employing over 12,000 staff. We deliver care from two main hospitals in Colchester & Ipswich, six community hospitals, clinics and patient's homes.Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefitsEquality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of ESNEFTs core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, procedures and in its practices and to foster positive work relationships. The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values of Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan and Staff Standards, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.

Job responsibilities

Working at ESNEFT

We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options. Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.

Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.

We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.

To comply with UK Government regulations on sponsorship we are unable to provide sponsorship to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria or the salary threshold. Full guidance on sponsorship can be found Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK

Notes

Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.

In line with AfC Terms and Conditions new entrants to NHS will commence on the entry level of the salary

If you require any information in an alternative format or have any access needs for the application process, please contact us.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Appropriate NVQ 3/diploma or equivalent
• Additional theoretical or applied training to diploma equivalent level
• Working towards Foundation degree or equivalent

Experience

• Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties
• Demonstrable practical experience of working in a laboratory
• Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
• Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS
• European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent

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 name

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust