Job Description

This Advanced Practitioner grade post involves the processing of biomedical specimens, their analysis and recording of results. The post holder will be an active member of a laboratory team undertaking rotation as required. The post holder will be required to apply their generic skills in a range of laboratory settings.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will perform laboratory investigations within a histopathology and cytopathology laboratories, troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment, and engage in a range of scientific and technical duties requiring hand eye co-ordination and fine adjustment of equipment. The post holder will also be expected co-ordinate own work and that of MLAs and students, provide practical training to individual or small groups of staff, seek to maintain the integrity of records entered on the laboratory database including data entered by others. The post holder will assist in the process of preparing samples for diagnosis by a consultant pathologist.
Participate in the departments specimen reception, including the receipt, storage & disposal of human tissue in accordance with HTA standards. Assist Pathologists and Biomedical Scientist staff in specimen dissection and cytology. Handling & processing of surgical and post-mortem tissues to routine microscopy, including specialised paraffin techniques, hand processing of minute specimens.
Handling and processing of cytological fluid samples and semenology samples.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full s can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years of as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Details
Date posted
12 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
C9439-2526-1230
Job locations
University Hospital Of North Durham
North Road
Durham
DH1 5TW
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and personal specification for full details.
This Associate Practitioner role involves working closely with Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants. They follow the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete the relevant quality documentation as required.
Upon completion of training and gaining competency, they will rotate throughout the specialist areas of the laboratory. They performing duties in accordance to local policy to a high degree of standards whilst conforming to health and safety requirements. This includes handling & processing of surgical and post-mortem tissues to routine microscopy, including specialised paraffin techniques, hand processing of minute specimens.
Handling and processing of cytological fluid samples and semenology samples.
The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissue samples which can be of a sensitive nature.
Stock is managed by all laboratory staff. This includes monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting goods delivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork is complete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organised manner.
Generally the Associate Practitioner staff assist the Biomedical Scientists, Medical Lab Assistants and Pathologists with tasks in the laboratory in which they have been trained and are within their scope of practice. They provide supervision, training and leadership to junior staff.
In order to perform their daily tasks effectively, an Associate Practitioner requires the ability to focus for long periods of time, have great attention to detail and possess the ability to organise tasks in priority order. Associate Practitioners also require computer literacy skills as they are expected to use spreadsheets, access LIMS, write SOPs and perform audits as needed Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and personal specification for full details.
This Associate Practitioner role involves working closely with Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists and Medical Laboratory Assistants. They follow the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete the relevant quality documentation as required.
Upon completion of training and gaining competency, they will rotate throughout the specialist areas of the laboratory. They performing duties in accordance to local policy to a high degree of standards whilst conforming to health and safety requirements. This includes handling & processing of surgical and post-mortem tissues to routine microscopy, including specialised paraffin techniques, hand processing of minute specimens.
Handling and processing of cytological fluid samples and semenology samples.
The role requires handling of body fluids and human tissue samples which can be of a sensitive nature.
Stock is managed by all laboratory staff. This includes monitoring stock levels of consumables, signing for deliveries, receipting goods delivered, unpacking, verifying if appropriate and ensuring paperwork is complete before placing in appropriate storage area in an orderly organised manner.
Generally the Associate Practitioner staff assist the Biomedical Scientists, Medical Lab Assistants and Pathologists with tasks in the laboratory in which they have been trained and are within their scope of practice. They provide supervision, training and leadership to junior staff.
In order to perform their daily tasks effectively, an Associate Practitioner requires the ability to focus for long periods of time, have great attention to detail and possess the ability to organise tasks in priority order. Associate Practitioners also require computer literacy skills as they are expected to use spreadsheets, access LIMS, write SOPs and perform audits as needed
Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Previous laboratory experience.
• Employment with public interaction.

Desirable

• Existing laboratory experience within Histopathology.
• Supervisory experience.

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Follow protocols and instructions accurately.
• Communication, verbal and written.
• Computer literate.
• Medical / Scientific terminology.

Desirable

• Microsoft Office applications

Special Requirements
Essential

• Able to work flexibly.
• Able to participate in shift working.

Desirable

• Knowledge of using LIMS or other laboratory based systems.

Qualifications
Essential

• NVQ 3 in Health (pathology stream) or equivalent.
• IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstrate equivalent competency.
• Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice.
• Science and/or maths GCSE or above

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Previous laboratory experience.
• Employment with public interaction.

Desirable

• Existing laboratory experience within Histopathology.
• Supervisory experience.

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• Follow protocols and instructions accurately.
• Communication, verbal and written.
• Computer literate.
• Medical / Scientific terminology.

Desirable

• Microsoft Office applications

Special Requirements
Essential

• Able to work flexibly.
• Able to participate in shift working.

Desirable

• Knowledge of using LIMS or other laboratory based systems.

Qualifications
Essential

• NVQ 3 in Health (pathology stream) or equivalent.
• IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstrate equivalent competency.
• Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice.
• Science and/or maths GCSE or above

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD

Skills Required