Job summary
- Main area
- Division B-Histopathology
- Grade
- Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent: Full Time or Part Time/ Flexible working hours may be considered
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
- Compressed hours
- Job ref
- 180-B-264049
- Employer
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Addenbrookes Hospital-Division B
- Town
- Cambridge
- Salary
- £27,485 - £30,162 p.a. pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 01/03/2026 23:59
- Interview date
- 12/03/2026
Employer heading
Associate Practitioner
Band 4
Job overview
The Histopathology Department has recently moved to a brand new, state-of-the-art facility and we are looking to expand our team.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Histopathology Department in the role of an Associate Practitioner.
Cambridge University Hospitals Histopathology department is one of the largest in the country with over 130 non-medical staff supporting over 50 consultant histopathologists. There is site specific reporting and we support many regional and national programmes. We are looking for people who have a desire for pushing the boundaries of current practice and want to join in a transformational programme of work which will involve adoption of new and innovative technologies and work practices. We have already adopted digital pathology and are looking to capitalise on the opportunities it offers. The department prides itself on staff development and offers many training and education opportunities for staff of all grades.
A strong commitment to personal and professional development and teamwork are all essential for this post. In return, you will be welcomed into a developing team as a key valued member, with opportunities for professional development and experience.
Main duties of the job
Performs a range of routine healthcare science activities under supervision, whilst supporting junior members of staff including specimen collection and receipt, specimen preparation including assisting pathologists at cut-up, embedding and microtomy of surgical tissue, slide collation, specimen storage and maintenance of equipment.
Maintains clinical and maintenance records in relation to activities carried out.
Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced employees.
To work flexibly in reflection of service needs this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service.
The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may include urine, faeces, and respiratory secretions.
NB: Post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence
Working for our organisation
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 1st March 2026
Interviews are due to be held on 12th March 2026
Why choose Cambridge University Hospitals?
• Our values and reputation for outstanding care
• Opportunities to experience a range of specialities
• Career and development opportunities
• Preceptorship and mentoring programmes delivered by a dedicated clinical education support team
• Research experience and opportunities
• Lovely location and quality of life
• Excellent schools/colleges and transport links (road, rail and air)
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.
- A Levels in Science based subjects or an equivalent BTEC/NVQ/HNC/HND Diploma
- Working towards a Foundation degree or equivalent experience.
Desirable criteria
- Science based degree
- IBMS Certificate of Achievement or working towards
Experience
Essential criteria
- Practical experience of working within Biomedical science laboratory
Desirable criteria
- Practical experience of working in a Histopathology Department.
- Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Knowledge of a range of procedures and practices in routine histopathology.
- Understands the role of diagnostic histopathology in a clinical setting
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of Histopathology procedures
- Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
- Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
- Knowledge/performance of Risk Assessments
Skills
Essential criteria
- Good communication skills
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team or independently
- Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
- High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory techniques
- Ability to work from set instructions- Standard operating procedures
Desirable criteria
- Time management skills
- Organisational skills
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Simon Loydall
- Job title
- Senior Biomedical Scientist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01223 217178
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