Job summary
Post available: 1 x 37.5hr per week.
Hours Tuesday to Saturday 7am - 3pm (Saturday 7.5 hours start time flexible between 7am and 6pm)

An enthusiastic and highly motivated individual is required for this post in a rapidly expanding section of the Pathology Department.

This post will involve direct supervision of HCSA staff within the preparation laboratory of the Cytology Department. The Laboratory is fully committed to service development and transformation and the HCSA supervisors are expected to steer this process and assist in the introduction of new work streams as necessary.

Derby Cytology is one of 8 laboratories in England responsible for delivering the NHS Cervical Screening Programme using a molecular high risk HPV test. Therefore an understanding of the principles and practice of the NHSCSP and an awareness of molecular testing would be expected.

Main duties of the job
You should have an interest in science, be self-confident and motivated. You must possess a wide range of skills demonstrating good numeracy and literacy, a high standard of verbal and written English, keyboard data entry skills and attention to detail is essential.

Applicants must be educated to at least NVQ level 3 or equivalent and have demonstrable experience working in a Pathology Laboratory. Significant understanding of delivering the NHSCSP high Risk HPV service is required. GCSE English Grade C or above is essential and Biology & Maths GCSE grade C or above would be beneficial. The successful candidate will be given full training opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills and participate in the management of the department.

About us
As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together

Our fundamental Values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust and the associated behaviours are becoming embedded in all aspects of how we work.

In return we will offer:

• Development opportunities, both professional and leadership development
• On-going support from recruitment to when you join our team and beyond.
• Staff benefits including employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, car schemes

Key Facts:

• We see on average 4810 OP appointments a day.
• We are the 4 th busiest Trauma & Orthopaedic outpatients department in England - an average of 2077 per week.
• An average of 1115 patients are seen in A&Es across our network every day - 3rd largest in the country.
• Our hospitals admit an average of 195 emergency patients daily.
• Last year we undertook almost 33,700 planned surgical operations in our 57 operating theatres.
• We are one of only 7 Trusts nationally with more than 50 operating theatres.
• We carry out more than 140 elective procedures each working day.
• UHDB is a research active University Hospital with a large and varied portfolio of clinical trials and research opportunities for all staff.

Job responsibilities
Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AIgenerated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorshipSkilled worker: Health and Care Visa \| NHS Employers

Important visa information: Due to UK Home Office immigration rule changes effective from 22 July 2025, applicants sponsored under Occupation Code 6131 (Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants) may not be eligible to bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route if their Certificate of Sponsorship is issued on or after this date. Applicants are responsible for understanding how these rules apply to their individual circumstances. The Trust cannot provide immigration advice. Further information is available on the Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children - GOV.UK

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa

Read about the Health and Care Visa for employing overseas nationals (excluding Irish citizens) under the points-based immigration system.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• NVQ Level 3 diploma in Pathology Support or equivalent
• GCSE grade C or above English

Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable experience as a Health Care Science Assistant

Desirable

• Previous supervisory experience
• A working knowledge of a laboratory environment.

Skills
Essential

• Evidence of Training & Competency Assessing Staff
• Good keyboard skills
• Communication skills resolving problems difficult conversations

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

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.