Associate Practitioner

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in York and North Yorkshire is seeking an Associate Practitioner for the Scarborough Acute Services Laboratory. The role requires assisting in delivering efficient Blood Sciences and Molecular Testing services, engaging in technical operations, and providing direct support to laboratory staff. Candidates should hold NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, with a strong background in laboratory procedures. Benefits include the NHS Pension Scheme, generous leave, and continuous development opportunities.

Benefits

NHS Pension Scheme

27 days holiday rising to 33 days

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to AS Level or higher or NVQ Level 2 in Laboratory sciences.
• NVQ level 3 in Laboratory sciences or equivalent foundation degree in a relevant subject.
• Previous experience of working to written procedures in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a broad range of scientific and technical work.
• Identify and resolve problems within the areas worked.
• Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical proficiency in laboratory procedures

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Laboratory sciences

NVQ Level 3 in Laboratory sciences or equivalent

Job description

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Practitioner Scarborough Acute Services Laboratory

Closing date is 12 February 2026

The post holder will assist in the provision of an efficient, high quality Blood Sciences and Molecular Testing service within our Scarborough Acute Services Laboratory through participation in technical and scientific operations.

The Molecular Testing aspect of this role will require the post holder to perform a limited range of complex tasks including scientific procedures and result interpretation on biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases. The post holder will manage telephone enquiries and give results to other healthcare professionals. The post holder will use their individual judgment to make decisions that will have an impact on the provision of accurate and timely reports within available resources. You will also perform some reception, Medical Laboratory Assistant and clerical duties as needed.

The Blood Sciences aspect of the role will require the post holder to support BMS' with equipment maintenance and QC. Key duties include providing a high quality and timely service and maintaining clear communication with users of the service. The post holder will be expected to work in a cost effective manner, follow departmental health and safety procedures and ensure any identified problems are reported to the manager. The post holder must ensure that personal proficiency and competencies are maintained and are willing to take part in any training required to maintain an up to date knowledge of equipment and techniques.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out a broad range of scientific and technical work within the Acute Services Laboratory at Scarborough.
• To identify and resolve problems within the areas that they are working and / or report them to their manager as appropriate.
• To carry out a range of routine technical tasks using analytical skills. The range of tasks will be dependent on the area in which they are working.
• To carry out routine and emergency maintenance and calibration of equipment both inside and outside the department as appropriate and to identify problems associated with equipment used to your managers.
• Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations according to the laboratory SOP and using specifically defined interpretative and judgmental skills when-
  • Preparing and examining samples and issuing results
  • Performing complex manual techniques requiring a high level of concentration and dexterity for long periods of time.
  • Using automated equipment when analysing patient samples
• Ensuring the continued supply of reagents and that these are stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Responsible for first line troubleshooting of analytical equipment.

About us

We offer a range of benefits to support our staff including:

• Access to the NHS Pension Scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
• 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service)
• A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave
• Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues, 24/7, from our Employee Assistance Programme
• NHS Car Lease scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
• An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
• Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance from a range of providers

For further information on the fantastic range of benefits we offer please visit the Trust's dedicated Staff Benefits pages.

Job responsibilities

A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.

Please note that if a high number of applications are received this advert may close early. You are advised to submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

Working for the Trust

Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence.

Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities. We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks - including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks - to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact: [e-mail].

As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment. It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can. We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.

Armed Forces Friendly Employer

We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE - Supporting Britains Reservists and Employers. This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

• Education equivalent to AS Level or higher OR NVQ Level 2 in Laboratory sciences
• NVQ level 3 in Laboratory sciences or equivalent foundation degree in a relevant subject.

Experience and Knowledge Required

• Previous experience of working to written procedures in a laboratory environment
• Experience of working in a blood science/Microbiology laboratory.

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

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust