Associate Practitioner Pathology Research Support in Gateshead

The South of Tyne and Wear Pathology Services provide pathology services for the NHS across Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside. An opportunity has arisen within the pathology services for an Associate Practitioner to support the research activities taking place in the two local Trusts and surrounding areas. The post holder will take on operational and administrative responsibilities for pathology research support. This role may include supervision of PSWs involved in the role. Advanced training will be given to allow the post holder to work without direct supervision, referring to the line manager of the section when required.

As an Associate Practitioner in pathology research support, the post holder will contribute to the provision of the clinical laboratory service, as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, performing work activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. The post holder will follow an in-service certificated competency training programme. Under the guidance of qualified staff, the Associate Practitioner will be responsible for performing a range of scientific procedures on biological samples that contribute to the delivery of high quality research programmes. The post holder will contribute to research support at all of the sites covered by the South of Tyne and Wear Pathology Services.

Main duties of the job

• Act in a way that promotes patient care and maintains the integrity of the Department.
• Maintain and promote the professional image of South of Tyne and Wear Pathology Services and Gateshead Health NHS Trust.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in line with the Trust Information Management and Technology (IM&T) Information Security Policy.
• Deal with members of the Public/Patients in a Professional manner.
• Comply with good work practices in accordance with the Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Health and Safety Policies.
• Prioritise work in accordance with guidance from operating procedures and senior members of staff.
• Follow good laboratory practice in line with professional guidelines and UKAS standards.
• Work within the Terms and Conditions of Employment of your Trust Contract.
• Report incidents, accidents and defects according to Trust and Directorate guidelines.
• Participate in the maintenance of the quality system by participating in QC and EQA schemes.

Job responsibilities

An opportunity has arisen within the pathology services for an Associate Practitioner to support the research activities taking place in the two local Trusts and surrounding areas. The post holder will contribute to the provision of the clinical laboratory service, as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, which provide a service across the three hospital sites; Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside. The purpose of the post is to ensure that the Pathology Services are able to meet the needs of the Trusts and surrounding areas both now and in the future, with particular focus on research based activities. Staff will be required to rotate across all laboratory sites and participate in the departmental shift rota pattern. Salary offered will be dependent on current position and previous relevant experience. The post will be on Gateshead Health NHS Trust terms and conditions of employment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Working towards a level 4 science qualification (BSc, HND, Foundation degree) or considerable laboratory experience plus a recognised qualification acceptable for University entrance for a degree or considerable laboratory experience plus a minimum of NVQ4 in Clinical Laboratory Support (or equivalent) or considerable laboratory experience plus the IBMS Support Staff Certificate of Achievement Part II (to be submitted prior to job interview).

Experience

• Previous Biomedical laboratory/NHS experience or equivalent.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.