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Job summary

Main area
Pathology
Grade
Band 4
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
290-NWLP-335
Employer
North West London Pathology
Employer type
NHS
Site
Charing Cross Hospital
Town
London
Salary
£33,094 - £36,195 pa inclusive
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
01/10/2025 23:59

Employer heading

North West London Pathology logo

Associate Practitioner

Band 4

North West London Pathology (NWLP) is an NHS pathology partnership joint venture between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. NWLP is modelled as a shared services organisation jointly owned by the three Trusts. The organisation is hosted by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and as the legal entity for NWLP our staff are employed by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

NWLP is based on a ‘hub and spoke’ structure; the majority of routine, specialist and non-urgent activity is centralised at our hub site at Charing Cross Hospital. Urgent tests required for immediate patient management and treatment are performed in 24/7 Essential Service Laboratories based on-site within the seven hospital sites in the group.

The partnership has created an innovative and sustainable service that delivers outstanding quality to users and patients alike. This innovative approach allows the service to better manage demand, standardise operations, improve value for money and make use of state-of-the-art technology.

Our values are to be patient-focused, collaborative, expert and caring.

Job overview

North West London Pathology (NWLP) is an NHS pathology partnership joint venture between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. NWLP is modelled as a shared services organisation jointly owned by the three Trusts.

NWLP is based on a ‘hub and spoke’ structure; the majority of routine, specialist and non-urgent activity is centralised at our hub site at Charing Cross Hospital. Urgent tests required for immediate patient management and treatment are performed in 24/7 Essential Service.

Are you yearning for a career progression, filled with dynamic challenges and a variety of opportunities? Your search ends here! 

We are on the hunt for a passionate and experienced Associate Practitioners to join our Cellular Pathology team based at Charing Cross Hospital. We are a hub of innovation, commitment, and excellence and are looking for you to embark on a rewarding journey with us.

Why Choose Us? You will be handling a diverse workload with a wide array of surgical specimens. You’ll master advanced techniques in Immunohistochemistry, embedding, microtomy, both manual and automated Special stains and digital pathology.

Most importantly you will thrive in a supportive, team-oriented environment, where we prioritise training and career progression, with dedicated officers to support your journey.

Don’t wait, apply to work with us today!

Main duties of the job

You will be part of an experienced and supportive histology team working within a state-of-the-art laboratory. We are looking for individuals who are dedicated to progressing their career in cellular pathology and looking to benefit the care and quality of patient cases processed in the department.

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.  You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.

Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities. 

Suitable applicants should have awareness of the histology laboratory. The applicant will be trained and will participate in core laboratory duties including embedding, microtomy, processing, filing and special stains. You will have good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work on your own initiative or as part of a team.

We are committed to your development and you will have opportunities to fulfil your potential with NWLP.

Working for our organisation

Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

NWLP Induction

The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.

For 2025, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre-employment checks.

  • Monday 6 October 2025
  • Monday 3 November 2025
  • Monday 1 December 2025

Candidates are advised to consider these start dates before agreeing end of service date with their current employer.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.

For both overviews  please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.

Person specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • A Levels Qualified, including science subject or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement
  • Or proven equivalent experience in a relevant discipline
  • Willing to undergo relevant training to ensure sound relevant knowledge
Desirable criteria
  • A pass in a science Degree

Skills / knowledge / abilities

Essential criteria
  • Able to provide and receive complex information and to provide advice and training to other members of the team
  • Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies whilst working within IS015189 standards or equivalent, fulfilling the quality requirements of UKAS
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Demonstrable passion for science
Desirable criteria
  • Customer service skills

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work
  • Displays and maintains a high level of IT skills & keyboard accuracy
  • Prepared to work with biological materials
Desirable criteria
  • Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Disability confident employerNHS Rainbow Badge - BronzeWe Work Flexibly

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Alpana Vithal
Job title
Cellular Pathology Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
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