Job summary
- Main area
- Histopathology
- Grade
- Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Histopathology works an extended working day over 7 days a week)
- Job ref
- 287-DTC-149-26
- Employer
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Liverpool Clinical Laboratories
- Town
- Liverpool
- Salary
- £28,392 - £31,157 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 03/09/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Associate Practitioner Cellular Pathology
Band 4
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories for an Associate Practitioner to join our Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Molecular Pathology service within the Cellular Pathology Directorate.
The successful candidate will support the day-to-day delivery of a high-quality diagnostic service, undertaking routine laboratory duties across both specialties. These will include specimen reception and accessing, microtomy, preparation of material for immunocytochemical and PCR and/or NGS analysis, operation and maintenance of automated ICC staining platforms, frozen section cutting, IMF staining, reagent preparation and basic quality control.
The post holder will work closely with scientific, medical and clerical colleagues to ensure safe, efficient and patient-focused service delivery.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support routine duties across the Immunocytochemistry and Molecular Pathology service, working in accordance with departmental protocols and quality requirements. Duties will include specimen receipt and accessioning, correct patient identification, microtomy and preparation of tissue sections/scrolls for PCR and/or NGS analysis and ICC staining procedures, paraffin wax embedding, cryotomy, ICC, immunofluorescence (IMF), in situ hybridisation, (FISH and CISH) and routine H&E staining.
The role will also include operation and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment and automated staining platforms, preparation of solutions and reagents, basic quality control, safe waste disposal, monitoring and receipt of consumables and reagents, retrieval and filing of blocks and slides, and accurate use of laboratory information systems.
Working for our organisation
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.
UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.
Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women’s Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK’s largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women’s, visit their careers page.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details, please refer to the attached job description
To participate in the routine work of the main histology laboratory in accordance with departmental protocols
To participate in some of the specialised areas of the department when required
To participate in flexible working arrangements
Undertake tasks required for CPA accreditation e.g. reviewing SOPs.
To handle chemicals and biological material in accordance with COSHH regulations and departmental protocols
In accordance with departmental protocols, deal with chemical and biological spillages
To participate in the department's appraisal scheme
Process enquiries appropriately referring to the appropriate personnel when required.
Attend and participate in Trust and departmental meetings
Be proactive in own professional development
Assist in the training of all groups of staff and to acquaint new staff with local practices.
Daily maintenance and use of equipment such as tissue processors, embedding centres, cover slipper, slide stainer and writer, microtomes and cryostats.
Disinfection of cut up and specimen reception areas
Disinfection of equipment such as cryostats and centrifuges following contamination.
Person specification
Other
Essential criteria
- Manual dexterity
Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to work as a member of a team
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Good organisational skills
- Good verbal communication skills
Desirable criteria
- Computer literate
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality
Desirable criteria
- Show an awareness of H&S requirements
- Should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the post applied for
Experience
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratory
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience of working in a clinical setting
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- A levels/BTEC or equivalent
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sharon Forrest
- Job title
- ICC & Molecular Pathology Services Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0151 706 4485
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