Job summary
The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base RSCH, Brighton) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust deals with approximately 36,000 Histology requests and 4,500 Cytology requests per annum.
In addition to routine Histology, the department also undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Electron Microscopy, Diagnostic Cytology, Frozen sections, Brain smears and Digital Pathology.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an associate practitioner to join our busy team. Applicants must be currently working in a UKAS accredited Cellular Pathology laboratory and be educated to foundation degree level, or similar.
As an associate practitioner the post holder is responsible for a variety of tasks that assist in the smooth operation of the section in order to deliver a specialised, diagnostic service, which contributesto the clinical care of the patient.
This position will be based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and the post-holder will be held accountable to the HR policies and procedures of University Hospitals Sussex.
Routine opening hours are 08:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday
Applicants looking for a trainee BMS position need not apply.
Main duties of the job
The individuals' key responsibilities will include routine maintenance of all equipment, loading and unloading of specimens onto automated machines, Cytology specimen preparation overseeing hte day to day running of this area, specimen data entry, supporting cut up, undertakingroutine paraffin wax embedding, sectioning, H&E staining, digital image quality control check and clinic attendance
Associate Practitioners are also delegated responsibility for managing the consumable needs of the department, including placing orders and stock management, by the Lead Biomedical Scientist.
The post holder will be expected to work closely with the departmental Health and Safety and Quality officers, ensuring the laboratory is compliant with both UKAS and HSE standards.
Full training will be provided, but the successful candidate will be expected to complete appropriate competencies within a reasonable time period as directed by the departmental training officer.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate Information Pack:
Details
Date posted
20 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year Per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
FEB26
Job locations
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Eastern Road
Brighton
BN2 5BE
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
To participate in the routine Cellular Pathology rotas. Rotating through all areas of the laboratory as directed by senior staff, including:
1. Specimen Reception
2. Cut up support
3. Embedding
4. Microtomy
5. Cytology specimen preparation and overseeing the day to day running of this area.
6. Digital QC checking
7. Equipment maintenance and first line troubleshooting
8. Equipment loading and unloading
9. Stock control and batch acceptance
10. Ordering and receipting of stock
11. Collation and recording of specimens that require outsourcing for external reporting
12. Work with Senior BMS team in expediting samples from patients on the cancer pathway
13. Completion of audits to ensure UKAS and HSE compliance
14. Work with Quality Officer with regards to root cause analysis and corrective actions
15. Special stains
16. Support the Immunocytochemistry department
17. Deal with telephone enquiries in a sensitive manner
18. Participate in the training of new staff
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
To participate in the routine Cellular Pathology rotas. Rotating through all areas of the laboratory as directed by senior staff, including:
1. Specimen Reception
2. Cut up support
3. Embedding
4. Microtomy
5. Cytology specimen preparation and overseeing the day to day running of this area.
6. Digital QC checking
7. Equipment maintenance and first line troubleshooting
8. Equipment loading and unloading
9. Stock control and batch acceptance
10. Ordering and receipting of stock
11. Collation and recording of specimens that require outsourcing for external reporting
12. Work with Senior BMS team in expediting samples from patients on the cancer pathway
13. Completion of audits to ensure UKAS and HSE compliance
14. Work with Quality Officer with regards to root cause analysis and corrective actions
15. Special stains
16. Support the Immunocytochemistry department
17. Deal with telephone enquiries in a sensitive manner
18. Participate in the training of new staff
Person Specification
Education and Expereince
Essential
* Foundation degree, BTEC higher national Diploma or equivalent
* Demonstrate that they understand the job role and have highlighted their transferable skills
* Evidence of handling similar responsibilities or workload
* Demonstrable understanding of the concept and management of urgent samples
Desirable
* Experience using relevant laboratory equipment
* Experience of conducting audits within a laboratory setting
* Proven ability to use Excel
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Person Specification
Education and Expereince
Essential
* Foundation degree, BTEC higher national Diploma or equivalent
* Demonstrate that they understand the job role and have highlighted their transferable skills
* Evidence of handling similar responsibilities or workload
* Demonstrable understanding of the concept and management of urgent samples
Desirable
* Experience using relevant laboratory equipment
* Experience of conducting audits within a laboratory setting
* Proven ability to use Excel
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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).
Additional information
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 Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Eastern Road
Brighton
BN2 5BE
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Eastern Road
Brighton
BN2 5BE
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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