About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories for an Associate Practitioner to join our Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Molecular Pathology service within the Cellular Pathology Directorate.
The successful candidate will support the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service, undertaking routine laboratory duties across both specialties. These will include specimen reception and accessing, microtomy, preparation of material for immunocytochemical and PCR and/or NGS analysis, operation and maintenance of automated ICC staining platforms, frozen section cutting, IMF staining, reagent preparation and basic quality control.
The post holder will work closely with scientific, medical and clerical colleagues to ensure safe, efficient and patient-focused service delivery.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support routine duties across the Immunocytochemistry and Molecular Pathology service, working in accordance with departmental protocols and quality requirements. Duties will include specimen receipt and accessioning, correct patient identification, microtomy and preparation of tissue sections/scrolls for PCR and/or NGS analysis and ICC staining procedures, paraffin wax embedding, cryotomy, ICC, immunofluorescence (IMF), in situ hybridisation, (FISH and CISH) and routine H&E staining.
The role will also include operation and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment and automated staining platforms, preparation of solutions and reagents, basic quality control, safe waste disposal, monitoring and receipt of consumables and reagents, retrieval and filing of blocks and slides, and accurate use of laboratory information systems.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.
UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.
Aintree University Hospitalis the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility.Broadgreen Hospitalis home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation.Liverpool Women's Hospitalspecialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. TheRoyal Liverpool University Hospitalis the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit theircareers page.
Job description Job responsibilities
For full details, please refer to the attached job description
To participate in the routine work of the main histology laboratory in accordance with departmental protocols
To participate in some of the specialised areas of the department when required
To participate in flexible working arrangements
Undertake tasks required for CPA accreditation e.g. reviewing SOPs.
To handle chemicals and biological material in accordance with COSHH regulations and departmental protocols
In accordance with departmental protocols, deal with chemical and biological spillages
To participate in the department's appraisal scheme
Process enquiries appropriately referring to the appropriate personnel when required.
Attend and participate in Trust and departmental meetings
Be proactive in own professional development
Assist in the training of all groups of staff and to acquaint new staff with local practices.
Daily maintenance and use of equipment such as tissue processors, embedding centres, cover slipper, slide stainer and writer, microtomes and cryostats.
Disinfection of cut up and specimen reception areas
Disinfection of equipment such as cryostats and centrifuges following contamination.
Person Specification
Other Essential
Manual dexterity
Skills Essential
Ability to work as a member of a team Flexible and adaptable approach to work Good organisational skills Good verbal communication skills
Desirable
Computer literate
Knowledge Essential
Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality
Desirable
Show an awareness of H&S requirements Should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the post applied for
Experience Essential
Demonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratory
Desirable
Previous experience of working in a clinical setting
Qualifications Essential
A levels/BTEC or equivalent
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Liverpool Clinical Laboratories
Liverpool
L7 8YE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)