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- Tasks: Support the Synergia Breast Cancer Project by processing and recording tissue samples and data.
- Company: Join Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive salary, and on-site leisure facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science; experience in data management and IT.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 26100 £ per year.
Overview
Main area: Division R&D - Tissue Banking. Grade: Band 4. Contract: fixed term, 12 months (Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 6:30pm). Hours: Full time, Part time, Flexible working. 37.5 hours per week (Full Time or Part Time. Flexible working hours may be considered).
Job ref: 180-R&D-264035.
Employer: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Site: Addenbrooke's Hospital - Division R&D. Town: Cambridge. Salary: £27,485 - £30,162 p.a. pro rata. Salary period: Yearly. Closing: 15/02/2026 23:59. Interview date: 23/02/2026.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated individual with lab experience and strong data entry skills to support the Synergia Breast Cancer Project. This role is based within the Human Research Tissue Bank housed in a new, state-of-the-art Histopathology facility at 1000 Discovery Drive. You will play a key part in supporting high-quality research by ensuring that digital images of tissue sections, tissue samples, and associated data are processed and recorded accurately and efficiently. Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities are required to ensure the project receives correct and timely information. The postholder will have clear and confident communication skills to work collaboratively with Tissue Bank, Histopathology and Synergia project team members.
Main duties of the job
The primary role of this post is to support the Synergia Breast Cancer Project research activities. The postholder will access archived histology slides and scan them digitally, collating these images alongside those retrieved from the current diagnostic histopathology imaging system. The images must be accurately catalogued for the Synergia digital pathology collection. The project also requires access to tissue samples, requiring the postholder to interrogate and update the laboratory research information management system (LIMS), currently Achiever Medical.
Working for our organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds, the Trust focuses on a quality service for patients, staff and partners. CUH’s values – Together, Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local population and supports specialist services for regional, national and international patients. CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity status or socio-economic background.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Notes for internal applicants: permanent employees may apply for this post as a secondment or fixed-term contract. For secondments, you must have your line manager's approval before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed-term contract, you may apply for this position as fixed-term.
Immigration information: due to Home Office rules, a full-time permanent vacancy cannot be offered to students on a Student visa. If you are a Student visa holder, you may be offered only if you qualify for a Graduate visa or have completed your course and applied for a Graduate visa before the start date, or the Trust sponsors you as a Skilled Worker and you complete your studies within 3 months of the start date.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 15 February 2026. Interviews are due to be held on 23 February 2026.
Benefits
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Benefits also include reduced-cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from the site, free Park and Ride between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites, free travel to Cambridge train station and our hospitals, and subsidised on-site parking for eligible staff. On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 at reduced cost, and there are staff break spaces and a colleagues’ café to support good working days. Flexible working arrangements may include part-time working, job-sharing, term-time working, and flexible start/finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person specification
Qualifications:
- Good general education at GCSE level or equivalent including Maths, English and Science
- A levels or NVQ level 3 or equivalent sufficient for acceptance onto a relevant foundation degree
- Science A level or equivalent
- Foundation degree/diploma or equivalent in IT or a scientific subject
- ECDL
Experience:
- Experience of prioritising, planning, and organising own tasks
- Ability to work within guidelines
- Experience of data collection and working with information management systems/databases
- Experience of using IT programmes e.g. Microsoft Office especially Excel, Word and Outlook
- Previous experience of working in a scientific or healthcare environment (NHS, university or pharmaceutical)
- Experience in handling data (entry into databases, generation of queries, cleaning of data, generation of data reports, tracking of data collection forms)
Knowledge:
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
- Understanding of medical terminology and basic anatomy
- Understanding of the principles of the Human Tissue Act
- Knowledge of quality management systems
Skills:
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills including telephone, email and face to face
- Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail
- Able to concentrate for long periods of time and manage interruptions
- Ability to extract and present data in spreadsheets and reports
- Ability to organise and manage own time keeping to schedule and deadlines
- Ability to adapt to change
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to store and safeguard confidential documents
Additional requirements:
The ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Assistant practitioner in Cambridge employer: Cambridge University Hospitals
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Hospitals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant practitioner in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the Synergia Breast Cancer Project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Human Tissue Act and data management systems. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about the work we do at Cambridge University Hospitals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to collaborate with various teams, so being clear and confident is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant practitioner in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Practitioner role. Highlight your lab experience and data entry skills, as these are key for supporting the Synergia Breast Cancer Project.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires excellent attention to detail, give examples in your application that demonstrate how you've successfully managed tasks that needed precision and accuracy. We love seeing those real-life examples!
Communicate Clearly: Your communication skills are crucial for this position. Use clear and concise language in your written application to show us you can convey information effectively, just like you would with team members.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Hospitals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of the Synergia Breast Cancer Project and the role of an Assistant Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the Human Tissue Act and any relevant medical terminology. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Highlight your lab experience and data entry skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used information management systems like LIMS in the past, and provide examples of how your attention to detail has positively impacted your work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, practice your communication skills. Be prepared to explain complex concepts simply and clearly, as well as demonstrate your ability to work well within a team.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the challenges the team currently faces or how success is measured in this role.
