Cellular Sciences Associate Practitioner

NHS; Carmarthen; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Wales seeks an individual with a background in Cellular Pathology. The candidate will work in a busy department, ensuring effective service delivery and participating in staff training. Applicants should have a relevant qualification and experience in medical laboratories. The ideal candidate will also possess the ability to communicate in Welsh, although English speakers are encouraged to apply. The role requires collaboration with the team to meet daily operational demands and support ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Proven background in Cellular Pathology environment.
• Competence in science education.
• Willingness to participate in training programs.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Cellular Pathology team to meet operational needs.
• Develop working relationships with all staff grades.
• Participate in the training program for relevant staff.

Skills

Medical laboratory experience

Experience as a Cellular Sciences Technician

Ability to communicate in Welsh

Education

HNC/HND or Foundation Degree in a Biomedical Sciences/Life Sciences subject

L3 Diploma in Pathology Support

Job description

Applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals with a proven background of working in a Cellular Pathology environment, to join this friendly, well-equipped Cellular Pathology department in Carmarthen.

Applications are invited from motivated individuals with a proven background of working in a Cellular Pathology environment, with the associated work-based or graduate science education and competence, to join this friendly and well-equipped Cellular Pathology department. The laboratory processes around 25,000 samples a year, providing vital services to Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work alongside the wider Cellular Pathology team to fulfil the daily operational requirements of this busy department. The central Histology laboratory service is situated on the Glangwili Hospital site in Carmarthen with a small satellite team based at the Prince Philip Hospital Llanelli. This role will require the occasional working between sites.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain close working relationships with all grades of staff both scientific and medical to ensure the effective delivery of the service. The post holder will also participate in a laboratory-based training program for all relevant staff and will be involved with the continuous competency assessment of the team members. We are committed to continued professional and career development of all our staff.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Interviews to be held on 15/01/2026

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh isdesirablefor this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• HNC/HND or Foundation Degree in a Biomedical Sciences/Life Sciences subject or L3 Diploma in Pathology Support supplemented by additional L4 units in Cellular Sciences or equivalent

Experience

• Medical laboratory experience
• Experience as a Cellular Sciences Technician

Language Requirements

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

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.