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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

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust logo

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

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDApprenticeships logoLondon Living Wage is a voluntary commitment made by employers, who can become accredited with the Living Wage FoundationArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardDisability confident employerCare quality commission - OutstandingStep into health

Documents to download

Apply online now

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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