Associate Practitioner | North Bristol NHS Trust

North Bristol NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare trust in Bristol is seeking an Associate Practitioner - Microbiology to support laboratory services. The ideal candidate must possess practical experience in biomedical labs, excellent manual dexterity, and be able to work in a team. Responsibilities include technical laboratory tasks, record maintenance, and liaising with medical staff. This role includes a commitment to public health and requires flexibility to cover unsocial hours. Training provided.

Qualifications

• Previous practical experience in a biomedical laboratory or equivalent.
• Excellent manual dexterity and technical skills.
• Ability to work on their own or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service.
• Perform technical activities under supervision.
• Maintain records in relation to laboratory activities.
• Assist in the use and maintenance of automated equipment.
• Handle general telephone enquiries.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Technical skills

Teamwork

Education

Practical experience in a biomedical laboratory

Job description

Overview

Associate Practitioner - Microbiology – AfC Band 4

Are you ready for a new challenge in your career? As an Associate Practitioner, you will be trained in all areas of Bacteriology. The post holder will undertake a wide range of routine laboratory tasks including specimen processing, removal and safe disposal of waste and laboratory clerical duties, in support of the diagnostic services of the department. The post holder will operate under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists and will work as part of the laboratory team providing a 24/7 service as required (including covering unsocial hours e.g., evenings, weekends and bank holidays). When appropriate the post holder will liaise with laboratory staff, medical staff and other hospital staff, customers, members of the public and other external contacts.

The Infection Sciences service is a collaboration between North Bristol NHS Trust and UKHSA and as such the post holder will be required, possibly at short notice, to respond to public health emergencies, including outbreaks and other emergency situations. To understand more about Pathology at NBT, click here to watch our video.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist: Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department.
• Perform a number of technical activities under supervision, including testing patient samples/audit samples and research work, as appropriate to the training and qualifications of an Associate Practitioner.
• Maintain records in relation to laboratory activities.
• Supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
• Develop and improve professional expertise.
• The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a major disease outbreak.
• Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the section leader if back-up stocks are low.
• To assist in the use and maintenance of automated equipment. Also to assist in troubleshooting when equipment problems occur.
• Supervise MLA / HSSW and other support staff.
• To communicate effectively with all members of the Microbiology team at all times.
• To attend training meetings and updates with senior staff on an ad hoc basis
• To liaise with users of the laboratory and to handle general telephone enquiries.
• To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
• To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous practical experience in a biomedical laboratory or equivalent.
• Excellent manual dexterity and technical skills.
• Ability to work on their own or as part of a team.

About the Trust

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.

We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services. 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.

Laboratory Locations & Scope

The Bacteriology Laboratory in Bristol forms part of Infection Sciences and is situated within the purpose-built Pathology Sciences Building at Southmead Hospital, North Bristol Trust. A second small laboratory is situated within the Royal United Hospital in Bath. In total, the Laboratory undertakes approximately 1.4 million tests per annum and overall employs 200 highly motivated and dedicated staff.

Notes

For a full overview of the Job Description, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional document to this advert.

Please note the above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out other duties as may reasonably be required by the organisation. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

This advert closes on Thursday 25 Sep 2025