Associate Practitioner
Closing date: 01 May 2026
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 ongoing quality assurance, training and service provision across the Axess region.
Job responsibilities
* Support the delivery of high‑quality diagnostic laboratory services within the Clinical Microbiology/Pathology department.
* Work under the supervision of Senior and Specialist Biomedical Scientists to perform routine and semi‑complex laboratory procedures, operate and maintain automated analysers, and contribute to accurate and timely diagnosis of infectious diseases, including common STI pathogens.
* Ensure the Axess service‑wide laboratory standards are maintained and support each of the Axess sites with their training and day‑to‑day lab support.
* Provide technical support of the diagnostic service to the wider team and other users in accordance with departmental protocols.
* Supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in their own area.
* Participate in shifts, including Saturday work, and travel around the Cheshire and Mersey area as part of the Axess footprint.
* 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) and ensure timely processing to support rapid turnaround times for clinical decision‑making.
* Ensure compliance with local and national standards of work practice, including UKAS, NEQAS and IQA/IQC procedures.
* Participate in internal and external quality assurance schemes, perform daily quality control checks on reagents, equipment and test systems, and assist in the implementation and monitoring of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
* Maintain knowledge necessary to participate in the highly specialised laboratory sections associated with a teaching hospital, under supervision from experienced Biomedical Scientists, and gain the necessary specialist knowledge and skills to work independently.
* Participate in Personal Development Plans and appraisals, attend laboratory methods meetings and be aware of any changes in methodology.
* Maintain knowledge of operational policies and procedures through the document management system.
* Actively participate in the in‑service training programme and attend relevant training courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers during staff appraisal sessions.
* Record, validate and enter laboratory results accurately into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); support data collection for clinical audits and service improvement projects; assist Biomedical Scientists and senior staff in research activities where applicable; contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives.
* Sort and distribute all clinical and environmental samples, assess suitability of samples submitted to the laboratory and take remedial action when required.
* Process specimens for screening, diagnostic and clinical management of patients using correct techniques and specialised equipment.
* Use appropriate manual dexterity for processing pathological specimens using aseptic technique.
* Interpret clinical request forms, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical urgency, liaise with medical staff if required and record investigations in the laboratory computer system.
* Analyse clinical samples using appropriate kits and procedures and enter results into the computer system for Biomedical Scientists to release reports for medical staff authorisation.
* Validate automated assays, record control values and investigate abnormal or critical results according to laboratory protocols.
* Engage in competency assessments and maintain up‑to‑date technical skills.
* Prepare and store specimens in low‑temperature storage systems.
* 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 with Biomedical Scientists, clinicians and other healthcare professionals; and participate in team meetings and service development discussions.
* Troubleshoot and carry out routine maintenance on specialist equipment, perform calibration and implement alternative methods in case of failure.
* Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control policies, ensuring safe handling, storage and disposal of clinical specimens and hazardous materials.
* Comply with COSHH regulations and laboratory biosafety standards; maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.
* Possibly supervise, organise and allocate work, train less experienced staff and assist in training new staff in MLA procedures and protocols within the laboratory.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* HND/equivalent
Skills
* Ability to work as part of a team or individually, organise and prioritise own workload.
* Dextrous, good aseptic technique, able to handle fine pipettes and equipment.
* Ability to concentrate for long periods.
* Able to follow written and spoken instructions.
* Ability to act on own initiative.
* Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Other
* Good organisational skills.
* Continuous updating of knowledge of clinical microbiology.
* Reliable and responsible.
* Enthusiastic/self‑motivated.
* Flexible.
* Willingness to participate in the extended working day system and weekend work.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year pro‑rate.
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