Overview
Associate Practitioner
Department: Microbiology
Band 4 pro rata if part-time
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The Microbiology Department receives over 210,000 sample requests per annum offering a broad range of diagnostic service for bacteriology, molecular, virology, serology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology. The laboratory is currently working towards its UKAS accreditation and holds an accredited status for training with the IBMS/HCPC.
We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate for a band 4 Associate Practitioner post in our laboratory. Ideal candidate will have an eye for detail and a genuine interest in the role which can be challenging but rewarding at the same time.
Applicants with previous laboratory experience will have an advantage; however, individuals with similar transferable skills are also encouraged to apply. The selection procedure will be based on application, and if shortlisted, this will be followed by an interview.
Interview date: 17/10/2025
To be a team member of Biomedical support workers delivering technical, quality, and administrative support for the optimal delivery of a safe quality lead Microbiology laboratory service.
Responsibilities
* Primarily supporting workload in all areas of the lab with sample handling, processing, and reporting where necessary. Samples include respiratory sections, blood, sterile fluids, swabs, skin and nail scraping, urines, and faeces; preparing microscopy slides (staining/wet prep) and reporting, also reading primary culture plates after a suitable training period.
* Adherence to lab and Trusts values (4 Cs), Trusts data confidentiality policy.
* The post holder will be based in Microbiology but could also work in Blood Sciences/Cellular Pathology labs if required.
* The post holder will be required to support a 24 hour, 7 days per week service as part of their normal contractual hours outside the laboratory’s core work hours on rotation. This will include late evenings, night shifts (proposal in discussion), weekends and public holidays on rotation.
Technical
* Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated analysers in accordance with procedures and Health & Safety procedures.
* Maintain records (maintenance, quality controls, etc.).
* Prepare daily quality assurance checks and acceptance testing on materials purchased or prepared in the department.
* Identify clerical, technical and system errors; apply corrective procedures. Report events and corrective actions to the operational BMS or the Senior Biomedical Scientist team.
Laboratory Informatics
* Comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
* Collect, receive, match, verify, label, and enter sample requests into the computer; identify errors for action (e.g., mislabelled) and report/record according to SOP.
* Transcribe record results obtained by biomedical scientists or received from referral centres.
* Input information results from patients and staff into the laboratory information management system.
Administrative
* Maintain clear and accurate quality records using the QPulse system (training provided).
* Assist in implementing and recording corrective and preventive actions (training provided).
* Assist in monitoring lab KPIs, Turnaround Times, and report breaches or improvements to colleagues for appropriate action.
* During staff shortage, assist the senior BMS in covering the skill gap including assuming Assistant Technical Officers duties including labs waste management tasks (including autoclaving).
* Prioritisation of various sources of workload and allocation of support as appropriate.
General
* Participate in shift work between 07:00–00:00 on rotation.
* Assist in all ATO duties, if required.
* Clean and maintain equipment and work areas.
* Be prepared to work in an environment with unpleasant odours and potentially offensive material (e.g., products of bacterial growth, patient fluids, pus, faeces, tissues and occasionally body parts).
Additional information
Please refer to the job description for further details.
This advert closes on Sunday 28 Sep 2025.
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