Associate Practitioner

Job overview

Applicants are sought for the Associate Practitioner grade within Histology, based at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services is a joint venture between The Royal Surrey County, Frimley Health, Royal Berkshire, Ashford St Peter's and East Surrey Hospitals with the Surrey Histology hub at the RSCH processing some 105,000 specimens per annum. The department supports St Luke's Cancer Centre, a regional centre providing complex cancer surgery and radiotherapy. There is an expansive Immunohistochemistry service, supported by Roche, encompassing over 150 antibodies, immunoflourescence and in-situ hybridisation with 60,000 plus requests per year. The department offers the per-operative OSNA technique at 3 sites.

There is no requirement to hold an IBMS accredited degree or HCPC registration as this is not a Trainee BMS role.

Main duties of the job

The candidate will have multi-departmental microtomy experience, able to cut different types of paraffin sections proficiently, and understands the roles of an Associate Practitioner. A high level of attention to detail, the ability to multitask and good prioritization skills are must. The role of AP requires a high level of technical skill and dexterity and critical thinking are essential. The successful candidate will show enthusiasm and an ability to self-motivate.

Staff may be expected to work at any of the Surrey BSPS Histology satellites and the ability to travel is essential.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the full job description & specification.

• Participates in the provision of a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services across a range of scientific disciplines
• Liaise with line manager as part of a team delivering high quality protocol based technical service under the supervision of Registered Biomedical Scientist staff

• Required to communicate with hospital clinicians, general practitioners, other healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives and commercial suppliers
• Required to operate sophisticated, automated laboratory equipment and perform scientific techniques under supervision
• Appropriately handle body fluids and materials, including high risk specimens
• To report results in accordance with departmental SOPs and as appropriate to grade
• To act as supervisor for support grade staff members as agreed with the laboratory management team

• The post holder will be expected to train, support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA’s

To participate in the provision of an efficient and cost effective Histology service within Surrey and Berkshire Pathology Services.

To prepare tissue samples and perform both routine and limited special techniques efficiently and in a conscientious manner with respect to work pressures and quality of the service.

Fixed term 23 month Full time 37.5 hours per week

Hours of duty: Monday-Friday between 8.00am to 6pm (flexible working 7.5 hours per day)