Biomedical Science Associate Practitioner

NHS; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Chesterfield is seeking a full-time and part-time Associate Practitioner in Histopathology. The role involves specimen dissection, preparation, and operation of laboratory equipment. Candidates should possess a level 4 qualification and have extensive laboratory experience. The position offers a salary range of £27,485 to £30,162 per year, pro rata for part-time staff, with a commitment to professional development.

Qualifications

• Extensive laboratory experience or Foundation Level Degree required.
• Experience with a range of laboratory techniques is essential.
• Discipline-specific NHS laboratory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate a wide range of histology equipment safely.
• Perform routine histological techniques accurately.
• Prepare solutions according to SOP and adhere to COSHH regulations.

Skills

Keyboard and basic IT skills

Effective Communication skills

Awareness of Health & Safety issues

Education

Level 4 qualification (e.g. NVQ, HNC, BTEC)

Job description

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 07 December 2025

The South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Pathology Partnership fully integrates the pathology services delivered on behalf of the Partner Trusts within the Integrated Care System (ICS) footprint; Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.

The Pathology Partnership will provide the best possible service for patients and clinicians; improving health outcomes, delivering quality and efficiency benefits and ensuring a sustainable workforce for the longer term.

We are looking to recruit to both a full time and part time Associate Practitioner post in the discipline of Histopathology. Our department sits within the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Pathology (SYBP) service. The base site will be Chesterfield.

The successful candidates will be required to undertake roles in specimen dissection, specimen preparation and processing in the main laboratory, tinctorial and immunohistochemical staining methods, as well as a range of other duties including computer data entry and operation of laboratory equipment.

Participation in the planned expansion to working hours; 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, Weekend and Bank Holiday working rotas is expected.

Main duties of the job

Operate a wide range of histology equipment safely and accurately. Perform routine histological techniques.

Embedding of surgical specimens into paraffin wax according to protocol. Section paraffin material according to protocol.

Perform and understand the application of a variety of tinctorial staining techniques.

Perform routine immunohistochemistry techniques.

Orientate and photograph specimens and archive the images.

Safely handle reagents required for histological techniques, including formalin.

Prepare solutions according to SOP, adhere to COSHH regulations including safe disposal of chemicals / reagent.

About us

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

STHFT operates with a budget of £1.2 bn, has a workforce of over 18,500 employees, covers five hospital sites, provides care from over forty community settings, and has an excellent reputation for research.

Job responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Level 4 qualification e.g. NVQ, HNC, BTEC, Apprenticeship or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part II) plus extensive laboratory experience or Foundation Level Degree
• Other relevant courses with regards to H&S, supervision, quality or training

Experience

• Experience with a range of laboratory techniques
• Discipline specific NHS laboratory experience

Skills and Knowledge

• Keyboard and basic IT skills
• Have an awareness of Health & Safety issues
• Effective Communication skills, written and oral

Personal Qualities

• Ability to plan and prioritise allocated work

Values and Behaviours (PROUD)

• Patients first - Understanding of how laboratory services are part of the patient pathway and impact on patient care
• Respectful - Developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at all levels
• Ownership - Understand the need to accept responsibility for own actions and ensure accuracy and attention to detail
• Unity - Ability to work as part of a team
• Delivery - Ability to work within defined timescales

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.

£27,485 to £30,162 a year pa/pro rata for part time staff