North West London Pathology (NWLP) is an NHS pathology partnership joint venture between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. NWLP is modelled as a shared services organisation jointly owned by the three Trusts. The organisation is hosted by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and as the legal entity for NWLP our staff are employed by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
NWLP is based on a 'hub and spoke' structure; the majority of routine, specialist and non-urgent activity is centralised at our hub site at Charing Cross Hospital. Urgent tests required for immediate patient management and treatment are performed in 24/7 Essential Service Laboratories based on-site within the seven hospital sites in the group.
The partnership has created an innovative and sustainable service that delivers outstanding quality to users and patients alike. This innovative approach allows the service to better manage demand, standardise operations, improve value for money and make use of state-of-the-art technology.
Our values are to be patient-focused, collaborative, expert and caring.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 4 Associate Practitioner/Genetic Technologist to join the Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy diagnostic service (SIHMDS) Laboratory within North West London Pathology at Hammersmith Hospital, hosted by Imperial NHS Trust.
The successful candidate will rotate across all sections within SIHMDS, gaining broad exposure to a diverse range of laboratory activities. The role involves performing routine and specialised laboratory testing, and applicants should demonstrate knowledge and/or experience in DNA and RNA extraction, PCR techniques, immunophenotyping set-up, cell culture, chromosome harvesting and G-banding.
Ideally, candidates will have experience working within an accredited NHS diagnostic laboratory or equivalent setting and be working towards HCPC registration.
A degree in a biological science is preferred, preferably with a significant genomics component. Strong IT skills are required, and previous experience in a diagnostic genomics laboratory would be advantageous.
We are seeking an individual with excellent communication skills who thrives in a collaborative team environment.
The ability to remain calm under pressure, prioritise workload effectively, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail is essential. This role requires strong organisational and multitasking abilities, along with sustained concentration and good manual dexterity.
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* Achieve proficiency in designated diagnostic areas, providing comprehensive laboratory services to patients and staff.
* Develop technical skills to address problems in the analytical process, highlighting urgent and clinically important results.
* Work under supervision across various laboratory sections, ensuring timely completion of tasks to satisfactory standards, while adhering to standard operating procedures and maintaining safe working practices.
* Assist in upholding internal and external quality assurance, and participate in research, development, and audit projects as directed.
* Maintain accurate documentation in line with Trust standards, including electronic records, while demonstrating compliance with
* Trust policies and promoting adherence among
colleagues.
* Identify and report clinical risks to ensure appropriate action in accordance with the Trust's risk management policy.
Working for our organisation
Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
NWLP Induction
The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.
For 2026, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre-employment checks.
Monday 2 March 2026
Monday 13 April 2026
Monday 11 May 2026
Monday 1 June 2026
Monday 6 July 2026
Monday 3 August 2026
Monday 7 September 2026
Monday 5 October 2026
Monday 2 November 2026
Monday 7 December 2026
Candidates are advised to consider these start dates before agreeing end of service date with their current employer.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Right to work
If you need sponsorship to work in the UK, please visit the Home Office website for information on sponsorship and visa status before you fill in your application form. Due to recent changes in the UK immigration rules which affect Skilled Worker Visas, Global Business Mobility, Higher Skill Level and Increased Salary Thresholds, please ensure that you are able to meet the requirements to live and work in the UK before applying. Further information about eligibility is available on UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK
Infection control
Please note it is an operational requirement to comply with infection prevention and control procedures within NWLP such as lateral flow testing, handwashing and the wearing of masks, according to the procedures in place at any time or location.
Please ensure you check your emails regularly throughout the recruitment process.