Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician

Integrated Care System; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust offers a unique opportunity for motivated individuals as Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technicians. This structured program leads to the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma, providing support in a nationally recognized mortuary service. The role promotes continuous professional development and compassionate care within a diverse team environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable mortuary experience and understanding of bereavement pathways.
• Capable of completing the diploma within 2 years of appointment.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Assist in routine autopsy procedures and prepare patients for viewing.
• Participate in on-call rota and maintain hygiene and professionalism.
• Support bereaved families and provide technical assistance during autopsies.

Skills

Communication

Time Management

Sensitivity

Teamwork

Proactivity

Education

GCSEs (or equivalent) including Biology, Maths, English, and Chemistry

Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Diploma

Job description

Go back University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician

The closing date is 22 July 2025

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

Join a forward-thinking mortuary service at University Hospital Southampton.

We are offering a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to join our dynamic and evolving mortuary team as Band 3 Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technicians. This is your chance to begin a rewarding career in a highly specialised and respected field within healthcare science.

As a trainee, you will embark on a structured, department-led training programme designed to build your skills and confidence in all aspects of Anatomical Pathology Technology. You'll be actively involved in supporting both current and future service developments, becoming an integral part of a team that is nationally recognised for excellence.

Your development pathway

Successful candidates will progress through a comprehensive training framework, working towards the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology). Upon completion and demonstration of further competencies, there may be the opportunity to advance to the Level 4 Diploma, further solidifying your role as a key contributor to the department.

Training will be delivered through a combination of in-house instruction and online attendance at a nationally accredited training centre, ensuring a well-rounded and robust learning experience.

About us

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing 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.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Job responsibilities

Your role

With full support and training, you will:

• Assist in the delivery of a full mortuary service, including autopsy support and family viewings.
• Participate in the on-call rota, providing out-of-hours services that mirror core operations.
• Offer technical assistance during autopsies and provide advisory support as needed.
• Help maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and professionalism across all mortuary functions.

Why join us?

This is more than just a job—it's a career pathway into a specialised and meaningful profession. You'll be part of a team that is passionate about continuous improvement, education, and delivering compassionate care at every stage.

Join a centre of excellence in Anatomical Pathology Technology.

Are you ready to take the next step in your healthcare science career? At University Hospital Southampton, we're offering a unique opportunity to join one of Europe's leading teaching hospitals and become part of a nationally recognised mortuary service.

As a successful applicant, you'll embark on a structured training pathway leading to the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)—a key milestone in becoming a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist.

What you'll be doing:

• Assist in routine autopsy procedures and progress toward specialised roles in pro-section and circulatory support.
• Prepare patients for viewing and provide compassionate support to bereaved families.
• Carry out clinical decontamination protocols and maintain essential mortuary equipment.
• Contribute to end-of-life care education and uphold the highest standards of dignity and professionalism.

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Experienced: Ideally with demonstrable mortuary or post-mortem experience. Funeral, bereavement, or HCA backgrounds may also be considered based on relevance and qualifications.
• Motivated: Enthusiastic, proactive, and committed to continuous professional development.
• Professional: Able to work independently and collaboratively, with excellent time-management and communication skills.
• Driven: Passionate about contributing to the future of mortuary services and maintaining our award-winning standards.

Join a department that's been recognised multiple times as Department of the Month and help shape the future of anatomical pathology.

Person Specification

Trust Values

• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• Previous NHS / Public mortuary full-time experience including mortuary administrative procedures, post-mortem area working, and deceased patient viewing preparation, or previous operational experience within the NHS.
• Capable of completing the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Diploma within 2 years of appointment.
• Ability to concentrate in a busy and noisy environment.
• Good level of secondary education. Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) C Grade including Biology, Maths, English, Chemistry or other science-based subjects. Committed to continuing professional development through examinations and courses.
• Knowledge of Coronal systems/Medical Examiner system/Human Tissue Authority.
• Ability to adapt efficiently to changing work patterns and situations.
• Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of patients, in situations where there may be barriers to understanding (e.g., language difficulties, anxious or distressed families).
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and takes responsibility for protecting confidential information.
• Be able to cope with seeing and hearing sensitive & distressing information within a bereavement setting.
• Able to apply tact and sensitivity to establish trust and confidence.
• Demonstrable mortuary experience.
• NHS-based End of Life care / deceased viewing preparation and administrative procedures and documentation knowledge.
• Knowledge and awareness of HTA, Q-Pulse, and hospital informatics (Charts, Eden, PACS).
• Funeral-based health & hygiene training.
• Experience of death processes, procedures, and administration.
• Understanding bereavement pathways.
• Previous learning and/or training undertaken in healthcare, bereavement, or related employments.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a disclosure will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

£24,937 to £26,598 a year (per annum, pro-rata)