An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Axess sexual health laboratory service for an Associate Practitioner/Laboratory Support Technician to join, and provide support with the ongoing quality assurance, training and service provision, across the Axess region.
The successful candidate will be responsible for working to ensure the Axess service-wide laboratory standards are maintained, as well as supporting each of the Axess sites with their training and day-to-day lab support.
Roles and Responsibilities
* Perform routine and semi-complex laboratory procedures under the supervision of Senior and Specialist Biomedical Scientists, including detection and identification of common STI pathogens and other infectious organisms.
* Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex automated laboratory analysers to ensure efficient and accurate diagnostic output.
* Prepare and process patient samples in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring timely processing to support rapid turnaround times for clinical decision-making.
* Ensure compliance with local and national standards of work practice, e.g. UKAS, NEQAS and IQA/IQC procedures.
* Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes, perform daily quality control checks, and assist in the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
* Maintain knowledge necessary for highly specialised laboratory sections under supervision from experienced Biomedical Scientists.
* Work independently, seeking advice only when deemed necessary.
* Attend laboratory methods meetings and stay updated on methodological changes.
* Participate in personal development plans, appraisals, and in-service training programmes.
* Record, validate, and enter laboratory results accurately into Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
* Assist in data collection for clinical audits, service improvement projects, and research activities where applicable.
* Sort and distribute all clinical and environmental samples and assess suitability of samples, taking remedial action when required.
* Interpret clinical request forms, plan and prioritise workload, and liaise with medical staff if required.
* Analyse clinical samples using appropriate kits and procedures, entering results for release by Biomedical Scientists.
* Ensure satisfactory completion and validation of automated assays, recording control values and results.
* Participate in structured training programmes for continuous professional development, maintain up-to-date technical skills, and engage in competency assessments.
* Assist in setting up yeast sensitivities and bacterial identification systems, including visual or automatic interpretation.
* Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team, communicate clearly, and escalade abnormal or critical results per laboratory protocols.
* Perform routine maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of specialist equipment.
* Adhere to infection prevention and control policies, COSHH regulations, and laboratory biosafety standards.
Working Hours and Conditions
* Participate in shifts, including Saturday work, and travel around the Cheshire and Mersey area as part of the Axess footprint.
* May be required to supervise, organise, and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
This advert closes on Friday 1 May 2026
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