About this role
Job summary
We are a seeking an keen, well organised, highly motivated individual to join our multidisciplinary team.
Applications are invited for the post of Associate Practitioner to work within the Clinical Biochemistry department of the Blood Sciences Laboratory. The post will involve working across University Hospitals Dorset in Blood Sciences at Poole and the Dorset Pathology Hub at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
The post will provide significant opportunities for both personal development and service improvements. Excellent technical skills, attention to detail and good personal organisation are essential to the post, together with an positive attitude towards the role.
You are expected to be qualified to, a minimum of, 2 Science 'A' Levels to include Biology or Chemistry, or NVQ Level 3 (Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities or equivalent), or Access to Higher Education (Science). Previous biomedical laboratory experience is desirable.
Participation in the department's out of hours rota is a requirement of the post.
Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Interview Date: Tuesday, 22nd September 2026
Main duties of the job
Under the supervision of HCPC registered staff Associate Practitioners assist in the analysis of blood, body fluids, tissues and cells to determine the presence or absence of disease, to enable diagnosis and also to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. They also assist in analysis which enable population screening for inherited or malignant disorders.
The post holder is required be responsible for the direct supervision of Healthcare Support Workers, assist in the maintenance and running of specialist equipment in all sections.
For full information on the role, please see the attached job description and person specification.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.
Job description Job responsibilities
For full information on the role and responsibilities, please see the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Higher education/NVQ Level 3/A Levels (2)
Desirable
Graduate degree or currently working towards one which is acceptable by IBMS
Experience Essential
Laboratory Competence
Desirable
Previous experience in a blood sciences laboratory
Knowledge Essential
Biomedical Tests Understanding of principles of analytical processes CPD Health & Safety Knowledge of basic IT systems
Desirable
Disease Understanding
Skills Essential
Application shows evidence of good organisation skills Application shows evidence of good communication skills Application shows evidence of ability to train staff Bench level accuracy and competence
Personal Attributes Essential
Initiative Out of hours working Team player Good communication Willing to participate in out of hours
Desirable
Willing to learn new skills
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.
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Dorset Pathology Hub, Bournemouth
Deansleigh Road
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)