Reproductive Science Associate Practitioner in Leicester

Main area: Reproductive Science

Grade: NHS AfC: Band 4

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, including BHs and weekend cover on rota)

Job ref: 358-7763161-W&C

Employer: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Site: Leicester Royal Infirmary

Salary: £27,485 - £30,162 per annum

Closing: 27/03/2026 23:59

Job overview:

The post holder is required to participate in the provision of embryology and andrology services, including operation & maintenance of laboratory equipment, data entry, dish preparation & diagnostic semen analysis. To accurately perform SOP driven duties and tasks in a busy laboratory; the post holder will work under the direction of the state registered laboratory staff, but will be assigned responsibility for specific duties so should be able to work using their own initiative.

Working for our organisation:

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030). We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact, and
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• To participate in the provision of andrology and embryology services including preparation of laboratories for clinical work, diagnostic semen analysis, sperm preparation for treatment/cryopreservation, dish preparation and witnessing.
• Check appropriate consent forms are signed and all necessary blood test results are checked and present prior to patient treatment.
• Regular testing of equipment alarm system.
• To assist with equipment validation.
• To liaise with other team members to ensure accurate, timely, proper and efficient delivery of the highest possible quality of service to patients.

Person specification:

Training & Qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs inc Maths, English, Sciences (A-C) or equivalent.
• Science A-Level or equivalent.

Experience:

• Previous laboratory experience in a scientific field.
• NHS experience.
• Dealing with the public / patients.
• Fertility laboratory experience.

Communication and relationship skills:

• Ability to deal sensitively with emotional/ angry patients.
• Excellent communication skills, good verbal and written English language skills.
• Strong team-player, enabling them to deal with patients directly and liaise with colleagues at all levels.
• Previous experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.

Analytical and Judgement skills:

• Proven ability to problem solve, analyse data and perform audits.
• To have a meticulous approach to work.

Skills:

• High degree of manual dexterity.
• Good IT keyboard skills and knowledge of MS Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, & Teams.
• Previous experience of microscopy.
• Planning and organisation skills.
• Able to follow standard procedures and instructions.
• Able to make efficient use of time and to prioritise/complete workload and tasks in an organised manner.
• Have a flexible approach to work, adapting to the needs of the unit.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.

All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviour:

Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours.

Other requirements specific to the role:

Exposure to body fluids, requiring Hepatitis B vaccination.

Additional Information:

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer. The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.