Job summary
Applicants are invited from qualified / suitably experienced candidates who wish to take on the role of Band 4 Associate Practitioner (AP) post within Microbiology.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

Main duties of the job
AP staff assist the Biomedical Scientists in the examination of a wide range of clinical samples from patients, to determine the laboratory diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, of infection. There will also be a requirement to rotate within the roles that the current Band 4 team undertake as well as assisting BMS staff with sensitivity, identification work, management of band 2/3 staff and working in the following sections: Blood cultures/ Miscellaneous, General bench, TB, Enterics/media and serology

About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details
Date posted: 11 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 216-LH-DB8393788
Job locations: UHPT, Microbiology department (Level 5), Derriford rd, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• To assist qualified staff in the processing of biological samples including blood, urine, faeces, sputum, swabs, fluids, tissue etc. which are used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease always following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS).
• To carry out such bacteriological, serology or molecular diagnostic procedures as deemed applicable, working in conjunction with, and supervised by, an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist.
• To process samples for the purpose of screening patients and others for the carriage of significant infectious organisms using laboratory procedures and protocols.
• To train and supervise SATO and ATO staff within the bacteriology Department of Microbiology.
• To develop an understanding of the pathology of disease in relation to the results obtained whilst being aware of their significance in patients, with reference to expected findings / normal values.
• Act as an Audit Officer under the direction of the laboratory Quality Team and to assist in audit carried out by internal and external agencies.
• To have sufficient knowledge and competence to work, if required, on any appropriate rotating duty, in all bacteriology and serology sections of the laboratory.
• To be able to use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results that may be sensitive in nature, and to use the Trust iPM system to look up patient details.
• To ensure that important or unusual findings are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report anomalies as soon as possible.
• To work with the quality team to ensure all necessary quality standards are met, including ISO15189.
• To assist in the basic competence assessment and subsequent NVQ training for ATO staff.
• To develop an understanding of and to be involved in the quality assurance programmes of the Department, both internal (IQA) and external (NEQAS).
• Support the Biomedical Scientists in the preparation, running and maintenance of equipment.
• To plan and prioritise own work under supervision and be fully aware of service requirements.
• To ensure that your own work is carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with departmental procedures.

Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential: Understanding of need for patient confidentiality; Proven knowledge of Health & Safety issues; Basic keyboard skills and computer literacy.
Desirable: Proven knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation and its application to the Section; Previous demonstrable experience in a laboratory environment.

Qualifications
Essential: GCSE to Grade C or above in English, Science, & Maths, or equivalent; To demonstrate proven equivalent experience to the level of an NVQ level 3 in Laboratory Science; Considerable laboratory demonstrable experience plus NVQ level 3 or proven evidence of equivalent demonstrable experience.
Desirable: Possess, or prepared to work towards, appropriate NVQ; Working towards a level 4 science qualification (BSc, HND, Foundation degree); Recognised qualification acceptable for university entrance for a degree; NVQ4 in Clinical Laboratory Support (or equivalent).

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential: Excellent communication skills, being able to effectively respond to staff and patients; Ability to prioritise workloads; Accuracy and attention to detail.
Desirable: Good interpersonal skills; Proven working knowledge.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship: 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.

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Employer's website: Apply via the company portal
For questions about the job, contact: Lead BMS, Mark Wallis, mark.wallis@nhs.net, 01752433316

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