Job summary
- Main area
- Clinical Services
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 282-SA698
- Employer
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- The Royal Marsden Sutton
- Town
- Sutton
- Salary
- £32,199 - £34,876 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 07/08/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Associate Practitioner
NHS AfC: Band 4
Job overview
Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancies Diagnostic Service (HMDS)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and efficient scientist to undertake essential technical duties for the histopathology laboratory, supporting the Trust SIHMDS service. The laboratory is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology, Sutton.
The post holder will be responsible for, amongst other duties, specimen reception, booking in, specimen processing and preparation, data entry of requests and equipment maintenance. The department has close links with other Pathology units internally and with external organisations, so good interpersonal skills are essential.
Attention to detail is critical for this role and the post holder must be able to work to a high standard, following defined protocols (SPO's) and assist in the production of accurate and high quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Experience working in a histopathology laboratory is desirable.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will perform a wide variety of tasks within the Histopathology Department to provide support to scientific staff in the examination of biological samples. Duties will include, amongst others, sample reception, specimen processing and preparation, data entry of requests, equipment maintenance and liaison with other hospital staff.
Working for our organisation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
Receipt and checking of samples against request forms and electronic information on Trust LIMS
Assisting biomedical scientists and Pathologists in the diagnostic sampling of fresh and formalin fixed tissue
Use of microtome’s to produce tissue sections from paraffin wax samples (internal and external samples)
Use of automated staining system to produce H&E staining
Person specification
Skills and abilities
Essential criteria
- Ability to communicate clearly
- Ability to write clearly
- Possess basic IT and keyboard accuracy
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
- GCSE in Mathematics
- Observant of detail, ability to make basic judgment decisions
- Ability to perform manually dextrous tasks
- Ability to maintain concentration
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Ability to undertake a support role
- Able to follow written instructions
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Willingness to respond to direction/ team
Specific Experience
Essential criteria
- Good education to include A levels, including a biological science subject
- A recognised qualification in Maths & English
- Willing to undergo relevant training
- Experience working within a relevant laboratory
- Experience & Knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
- Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
- Ability to follow H&S practice
- Understands the need to work to deadlines and can do so
- Understanding that work relates directly to patient care
Desirable criteria
- Understands the needs for service quality
- BSc degree in Biological Science
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Natalie Peters
- Job title
- Laboratory Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
If you have problems applying, contact
- Address
-
Recruitment Support Team
- Telephone
- 01629 690825
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