Job overview
The Associate Practitioner (AP) in BloodSciences is a key member of the laboratory team, supporting the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services across Biochemistry, Immunology, Haematology, Coagulation, and Transfusion. Working under the supervision of HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists, the post holder undertakes routine analytical, pre-analytical, and post-analytical tasks in line with defined Standard Operating Procedures and competency frameworks.
The role involves operating automated analysers, performing quality control and maintenance procedures, preparing reagents, and supporting sample processing and result validation where appropriate. The AP contributes to maintaining turnaround times, service efficiency, and laboratory accuracy.
This post supports safe skill mix, enabling registered staff to focus on complex interpretation, troubleshooting, clinical liaison, and governance responsibilities. The role is integral to maintaining service resilience, supporting increased workload demand, and ensuring compliance with quality standards such as UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation.
The post holder is expected to demonstrate attention to detail, adherence to health and safety requirements, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work as part of the BloodSciences team in accordance with the Associate Practitioner Job Description (JD) and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), supporting safe and efficient delivery of laboratory services.
1. Undertake routine pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks as defined within the JD and competency framework.
2. Operate, maintain, and perform daily checks on automated laboratory analysers in line with SOPs and manufacturer instructions.
3. Perform internal quality control procedures and document results accurately, escalating out-of-range results appropriately
4. Receive, identify, and prepare patient samples for analysis, ensuring correct handling and prioritisation.
5. Assist with reagent preparation, stock control, and basic equipment maintenance to support service continuity.
6. Enter, verify, and assist in validation of results under supervision of HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists.
7. Maintain accurate records in accordance with laboratory quality management systems and UKAS ISO 15189 standards
8. Adhere to health and safety policies, including COSHH and infection control requirements
9. Participate in competency assessments, training, and continuous professional development
10. Support workload distribution and service efficiency as part of the agreed laboratory skill mix model
Working for our organisation
Listen to why colleagues think we are a great place to work! -
What does Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust offer you?
11. As part of our BHT family, you’ll benefit from learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.
12. We offer flexible and agile working opportunities, alongside your NHS benefits of generous annual leave entitlement, pension and access to NHS discount schemes.
13. We provide a range of health and wellbeing services to promote a healthy, happy workforce.
Why work for us?
14. We’re committed to promoting inclusion and making sure all colleagues feel they belong. We encourage new colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply.
15. As an employer, we aim to create a workplace where differences are valued and colleagues treat one another with dignity and respect.
16. Greater diversity within our BHT family improves positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
17. A keen supporter of the Armed Forces Community who know the value of employing a service leaver/veteran and their families.
What do we stand for?
18. Our vision is to provide outstanding care, support healthy communities and be a great place to work.
19. Our mission is to provide personal and compassionate care every time.
20. Our care values are collaborate, aspire, respect and enable.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
21. Foundation Degree in Science or equivalent or 5 years relevant laboratory experience
22. Evidence of continuing professional development
23. IBMS certificate of competence part 1 and 2
Experience
Essential criteria
24. Working as a member of a team
25. Work experience in a clinical laboratory setting
26. Dealing with telephone enquiries
27. Able to handle body fluid samples
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Essential criteria
28. An understanding of Quality Control and Assurance
29. Concentration and Attention to detail
30. Manual dexterity
31. Communication – spoken and written.
32. Command of English language.
33. Interpersonal skills
34. Accurate pipetting
PPE requirements: Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust requires all colleagues to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with our infection prevention and control procedures.
COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations remain the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the viruses when working in our healthcare settings. We encourage our staff to be vaccinated when recommended.
Application deadline: This post will close on the closing date stated at midnight, however if we receive a large number of applications or there is a change in circumstance, we may be required to close a job before the advertised date.
Application information: If you are offered a job, information will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records (ESR) system.
Shortlisting: The monitoring and safeguarding sections are not made visible to the shortlisting panel. The safeguarding section may be made visible to the interview panel, dependent on the role being recruited into.
Travel expenses: It is Trust policy that travel expenses for interviews will not be reimbursed.
Smoking: All Trust sites are NO SMOKING. Smoking in all areas of the buildings and premises is prohibited.
Employer certification / accreditation badges