Biomedical Support worker / Associate Practitioner

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Southampton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Laboratory Associate Practitioner to join its Laboratory Medicine Department. You will support diagnostic services by processing and analysing patient specimens, providing accurate data to inform diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, under supervision in a multidisciplinary team.

You will handle samples, perform investigations under SOPs, contribute to quality management, and assist with training of junior staff.

Qualifications

• Foundation Degree or IBMS Part 2 or Level 4 Healthcare Science apprenticeship or equivalent.
• GCSEs (English, Maths and Science) at grade 4/C or above.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in a busy laboratory.
• Experience in a laboratory setting advantageous.
• Willingness to participate in a 24/7 pathology service and flexible shifts.

Responsibilities

• Process and analyse a range of pathological specimens under supervision.
• Enter data accurately into laboratory information systems.
• Receive, sort and prepare patient samples for testing, prioritising urgent specimens.
• Perform automated, semi-automated, and manual investigations per SOPs.
• Contribute to quality management and staff training.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Work under pressure

Adaptability

Hospital IT systems knowledge

Education

Foundation Degree

IBMS Certificate Part 2

Level 4 Healthcare Science Apprenticeship

GCSE English/Maths/Science grade 4/C or above

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team within the Laboratory Medicine Department at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. Working as a Laboratory Associate Practitioner, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services by processing and analysing patient specimens, helping to provide accurate and timely results that support patient diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. As part of a multidisciplinary pathology team, you will work closely with Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and other healthcare professionals to ensure the smooth operation of laboratory services. The post holder will report to senior laboratory staff and contribute to maintaining the high standards expected within one of the UK's leading NHS teaching hospitals. This role directly contributes to excellent patient care by supporting the safe, efficient and accurate processing of pathological specimens, helping the department deliver timely diagnostic information while maintaining compliance with regulatory, quality and accreditation standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the delivery of an efficient and high-quality pathology service within a busy laboratory environment. Processing and analysing a range of pathological specimens under supervision and providing accurate and timely analytical data to support patient care. Receiving, sorting, prioritising and preparing patient samples for testing, including identifying urgent specimens and ensuring accurate data entry into laboratory information systems. Performing automated, semi-automated and manual laboratory investigations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and quality requirements. Contributing to quality management activities, maintaining Good Laboratory Practice, supporting audits, and assisting with the training of new and junior staff.

What we're looking for: A science-focused Foundation Degree or equivalent, IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 (or equivalent), or a Level 4 Degree Apprenticeship in Healthcare Science (or equivalent). GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science. Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work accurately, prioritise workloads and maintain concentration in a busy laboratory environment. Strong communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to adapt, multitask and work effectively under pressure. Additional information. Previous laboratory experience and knowledge of hospital IT systems would be advantageous. The role will require participation in flexible shift patterns to support a 24/7 pathology service and will involve working across multiple pathology disciplines. The post holder will be expected to maintain competency through ongoing training, professional development and mandatory training requirements.

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.

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme. Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted. We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

• GCSE grade 4 and above (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science
• Science focussed Foundation degree or equivalent Or IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or equivalent Or Level 4-degree apprenticeship in healthcare science or equivalent, Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
• Previous Laboratory experience, Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together, Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together