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Job summary

Main area
Pathology
Grade
Band 4
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
188-CL400126
Employer
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
University Hospital Southampton
Town
Southampton
Salary
£27,485.00- £30,162.00 Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata
Closing
13/02/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust logo

Associate Practitioner

Band 4

Job overview

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

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Associate Practitioner to join their friendly team. An excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced individual supporting the full range of services, with the opportunity to rotate and work in a number of areas within Cellular Pathology.

We receive ~51,000 Histology & Cytology requests annually.

The department supports ROSE clinics, a Mohs service, a comprehensive research histopathology service & there is scanning equipment to support the digital agenda. The post-holder will be encouraged to participate in this project as we progress to a fully digitised pathology service. We have recently rolled-out a new laboratory information management system.

The laboratory is IBMS approved for training, is UKAS accredited & CPD is actively encouraged. 

We would also welcome applications from final year students undertaking an IBMS accredited degree that would be looking to secure a role within a diagnostic laboratory. There may also be the opportunity, subject to capacity & funding, to complete the IBMS Certificate of Competence leading to HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be required to assist and be involved with the processing all types of specimen presented to the Cellular Pathology Department for analysis, thereby supporting the provision of accurate and timely diagnoses & the production of appropriate analytical data.

You will be required to become skilled in the latest techniques and equipment in conjunction with traditional methods of investigation to meet the requirements of the role.

You will need to be an excellent communicator & be able to work effectively as part of large team.

You will need to have an excellent attention to detail & possess good manual dexterity.

You will need to be able to prioritise workload & adjust to accommodate unexpected events &/or changes in demands

Experience of working in a Cellular Pathology laboratory, particularly undertaking microtomy, is desirable

The department operates 6am-7pm Mon-Fri & Sat 7am-5pm & therefore some Saturday working is required. The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in the rotational Bank Holiday service-approx. 1 per annum, currently not Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day or Good Friday.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria
  • Patient First
  • Always Improving
  • Working Together

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential criteria
  • NVQ Level 3 in Health (Pathology Support Worker) leading to Foundation Degree in Health Sciences or equivalent level of knowledge/ experience
  • GCSE level qualifications, including English language, maths and a science subject or equivalent
  • Demonstrable experience in clinical laboratory
  • Experience with handling electronic data and fluent keyboard skills
  • Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures.
  • Good literacy skills
  • Ability to handle clinical samples
  • Understand the importance of confidentiality
  • Conscientious, methodical approach to duties
  • Showing willingness to learn and improve
  • Understanding of working to Standard Operating Procedures
Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience of working within a histopathology laboratory
  • Previous experience of undertaking microtomy within a medical laboratory
  • Capability to plan over short, medium and long term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Care quality commission - GoodDisability confident employerInclusion UK

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Paul Garnett
Job title
Histology Operations Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
02381201948
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