Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic mortuary team as a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician, supporting autopsies and family viewings.
- Company: University Hospital Southampton is a leading acute teaching Trust in England, dedicated to healthcare excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Embark on a meaningful career path in healthcare science with a focus on compassion and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Ideal candidates should have relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values individuality and strives for an inclusive workplace.
Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
Join a forward-thinking mortuary service at University Hospital Southampton. We are offering a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to join our dynamic and evolving mortuary team as Band 3 Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technicians. This is your chance to begin a rewarding career in a highly specialised and respected field within healthcare science.
As a trainee, you will embark on a structured, department-led training programme designed to build your skills and confidence in all aspects of Anatomical Pathology Technology. You’ll be actively involved in supporting current and future service developments, becoming an integral part of a team that is nationally recognised for excellence.
Your Development Pathway
Successful candidates will progress through a comprehensive training framework, working towards the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology). Upon completion and demonstration of further competencies, there may be an opportunity to advance to the Level 4 Diploma, further solidifying your role as a key contributor to the department.
Training will be delivered through a combination of in-house instruction and online attendance at a nationally accredited training centre, ensuring a well-rounded and robust learning experience.
Working for our organisation
University Hospital Southampton is one of England\’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs, and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely demonstrates strong time management and commitment to innovation. Personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths may lead to rejection if multiple candidates present similar information.
At UHS, we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment. Whether you are balancing family, study, or wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
We also champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Your Role
With Full Support And Training, You Will
- Assist in the delivery of a full mortuary service, including autopsy support and family viewings.
- Participate in the on-call rota, providing out-of-hours services that mirror core operations.
- Offer technical assistance during autopsies and provide advisory support as needed.
- Help maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and professionalism across all mortuary functions.
Why Join Us?
This is more than just a job—it’s a career pathway into a specialised and meaningful profession. You’ll be part of a team passionate about continuous improvement, education, and delivering compassionate care at every stage.
Join a Centre of Excellence in Anatomical Pathology Technology. Are you ready to take the next step in your healthcare science career? At University Hospital Southampton, we’re offering a unique opportunity to join one of Europe’s leading teaching hospitals and become part of a nationally recognised mortuary service.
As a successful applicant, you’ll embark on a structured training pathway leading to the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)—a key milestone in becoming a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist.
What You’ll Be Doing
Role
You’ll play a vital role in delivering a high-quality mortuary service to the Trust, Hampshire, and regional coroners. Under expert supervision, you will:
- Assist in routine autopsy procedures and progress toward specialised roles in pro-section and circulatory support.
- Prepare patients for viewing and provide compassionate support to bereaved families.
- Carry out clinical decontamination protocols and maintain essential mortuary equipment.
- Contribute to End of Life care education and uphold the highest standards of dignity and professionalism.
We’re Seeking Individuals Who Are
- Experienced: Ideally with demonstrable mortuary or post-mortem experience. Funeral, bereavement, or HCA backgrounds may also be considered based on relevance and qualifications.
- Motivated: Enthusiastic, proactive, and committed to continuous professional development.
- Professional: Able to work independently and collaboratively, with excellent time-management and communication skills.
- Driven: Passionate about contributing to the future of mortuary services and maintaining our award-winning standards.
Join a department that’s been recognised multiple times as Department of the Month and help shape the future of anatomical pathology.
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential criteria include:
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria include:
- Previous NHS/Public mortuary full-time experience including mortuary administrative procedures, post-mortem work, and deceased patient viewing preparation, or relevant NHS operational experience.
- Capability to complete the RSPH Level 3 Diploma within 2 years of appointment.
- Ability to concentrate in a busy environment.
- Good secondary education with at least 5 GCSEs including Biology, Maths, English, Chemistry or other science subjects.
- Knowledge of Coronal systems, Medical Examiner system, Human Tissue Authority.
- Ability to adapt to changing work patterns.
- Clear and sensitive communication skills with patients and families.
- Understanding of confidentiality and responsibility for protecting information.
- Capacity to handle sensitive and distressing information.
- Demonstrable mortuary experience.
Desirable criteria include:
- NHS End of Life care and deceased viewing experience.
- Knowledge of HTA, Q-Pulse, and hospital informatics.
- Funeral health & hygiene training.
- Experience with death procedures and administration.
- Understanding bereavement pathways.
- Previous training in healthcare or bereavement.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician employer: University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Contact Detail:
University Hospital Southampton NHS FT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician. Understanding the role's requirements, such as assisting in autopsy procedures and maintaining hygiene standards, will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of anatomical pathology. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities within University Hospital Southampton.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your commitment to continuous professional development. Highlight any relevant courses or training you've undertaken, especially those related to healthcare science or mortuary services, to demonstrate your dedication to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how to discuss sensitive topics, such as bereavement and confidentiality. Being able to communicate compassionately and professionally will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work in mortuary services or healthcare. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements that align with the role of a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the field and your motivation to join University Hospital Southampton. Mention how your background and experiences make you a suitable candidate for this role, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly outline your qualifications, particularly any GCSEs in science subjects, and mention your commitment to completing the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma. This shows your readiness for the training pathway offered.
Showcase Soft Skills: Emphasise your communication skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial in a mortuary setting. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and professionalism in challenging situations, which is vital for supporting bereaved families.
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
✨Show Your Passion for Healthcare
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in the healthcare sector, particularly in anatomical pathology. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that led you to apply for this role, as it will demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any previous experience in a mortuary or healthcare setting, be sure to discuss it during the interview. Even if your background is in a related area, such as bereavement support or healthcare assistance, make those connections clear to the interviewer.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to anatomical pathology and mortuary services. Brush up on key concepts, procedures, and regulations, such as the Human Tissue Authority guidelines, to show that you are knowledgeable and ready to learn.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with bereaved families and working within a team, it's essential to showcase your communication skills. Practice answering questions clearly and sensitively, and be prepared to discuss how you would handle difficult conversations.
