About this role
Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trustis delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Biomedical Support worker / Associate Practitioner
Contract Type:Permanent
Please be advised that thisvacancy may close earlier thanstatedif we receivea large number ofapplications.
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team within the Laboratory Medicine Department at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
Working as a Laboratory Associate Practitioner, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services by processing and analysing patient specimens, helping to provide accurate and timely results that support patient diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.
As part of a multidisciplinary pathology team, you will work closely with Biomedical Scientists, Clinical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and other healthcare professionals to ensure the smooth operation of laboratory services.
The post holder will report to senior laboratory staff and contribute to maintaining the high standards expected within one of the UK's leading NHS teaching hospitals.
This role directly contributes to excellent patient care by supporting the safe, efficient and accurate processing of pathological specimens, helping the department deliver timely diagnostic information while maintaining compliance with regulatory, quality and accreditation standards.
About us
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising 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.
Job description Job responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the delivery of an efficient and high-quality pathology service within a busy laboratory environment.
Processing and analysing a range of pathological specimens under supervision and providing accurate and timely analytical data to support patient care.
Receiving, sorting, prioritising and preparing patient samples for testing, including identifying urgent specimens and ensuring accurate data entry into laboratory information systems.
Performing automated, semi-automated and manual laboratory investigations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and quality requirements.
Contributing to quality management activities, maintaining Good Laboratory Practice, supporting audits, and assisting with the training of new and junior staff.
What we're looking for:A science-focused Foundation Degree or equivalent, IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 (or equivalent), or a Level 4 Degree Apprenticeship in Healthcare Science (or equivalent).
GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science.Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work accurately, prioritise workloads and maintain concentration in a busy laboratory environment.
Strong communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills, together with the ability to adapt, multitask and work effectively under pressure.
Additional informationPrevious laboratory experience and knowledge of hospital IT systems would be advantageous.
The role will require participation in flexible shift patterns to support a 24/7 pathology service and will involve working across multiple pathology disciplines.
The post holder will be expected to maintain competency through ongoing training, professional development and mandatory training requirements.
For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for.
Person Specification
Qualifications, knowledge and experience Essential
GCSE grade 4 and above (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science Science focussed Foundation degree or equivalent Or IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or equivalent Or Level 4-degree apprenticeship in healthcare science or equivalent
Desirable
Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems Previous Laboratory experience
Trust Values and Behaviours Essential
Patients First Always Improving Working Together
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 University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Address PAT Haematology Routine
Tremona Road
Southampton
SO16 6YD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)