Job summary
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

• Participate in the laboratory rotation through appropriate areas of the department and across SoTW laboratory sites.
• Participate in the regular review and update of the Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures as directed by the Departmental Quality Lead or Deputy
• Assist in the maintenance and preparation of reagents and equipment, as specified in Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure maintenance and control of stock as appropriate.
• Maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork
• Participation in the Department's 24/7 service, which includes working late shifts and through the night as deemed necessary for service delivery by the Departmental Manager.
• Contribute to the provision of materials, advice and support for the Clinical Users of the service
• Referral of samples both within and out with the department including the monitoring and follow up of outstanding results
• Assist in the analysis of routine and urgent clinical samples in accordance with laboratory procedures using specialist optical, manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory equipment.
• Ensure that reagents are prepared, stored and used according to manufacturer guidelines and laboratory procedures.

About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.

Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.

We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.

Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.

We have a number of staff networks including the BAME network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our armed forces network is one of our emerging networks.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.

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.

To be eligible to apply for the post you must meet ALL the essential criteria requirements of the relevant personal specification. Please ensure you respond to all personal specification requirements in your application.

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.

For any queries please Contact:
Jonathan Vernazza on 0191 445 6576

Qualifications
Essential

• 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
Essential

• 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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).