Associate Practitioner

Job summary

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.

Job responsibilities

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 Job Descriptions 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).