Healthcare Science Associate Practitioner: Sponsorship Available

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Job Summary

The Cellular Pathology department within the Royal Victoria Infirmary has an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our team as a Healthcare Science Associate Practitioner (HCSAP).

The Healthcare Science Associate Practitioner (HCSAP) plays a key role within the Cellular Pathology department, supporting the delivery of high quality diagnostic services for patients. Working as part of a busy, multidisciplinary laboratory team, the post holder will assist with the receipt, processing, and preparation of tissue and cellular specimens for microscopic and molecular analysis.

This role requires accuracy, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and patient focused service

Our service is one of the largest in the country and includes Histology, Diagnostic Cytology, Neuropathology, Research and Innovation laboratories, as well as Mortuary Services. We are a recognised specialist centre and receive a high volume of referrals, this is also an excellent opportunity for experienced HCSAPs to build and expand their current skill set.

Main duties of the job

The post involves the receipt and preparation of tissue samples for microscopic analysis, including microtomy, embedding, staining, equipment maintenance and preparation for genetic analysis. This role is based in the specimen reception area of the department, where experience in sample acceptance, clerking and handling a wide range of both large and small Cellular Pathology specimen types will be advantageous. Candidates must be comfortable handling a wide range of pathology specimens as part of routine laboratory work.

Applicants should be enthusiastic, well motivated individuals with experience in histological techniques and a good understanding of the role of Cellular Pathology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. They should enjoy working as part of a team and possess keyboard skills, excellent communication abilities and flexibility to support service needs.Shift patterns are 7.5 hours Monday to Friday between the laboratory opening hours of 7am-6pm, with participation in a Saturday rota. Flexibility is strongly encouraged to support staff and service demands.

We offer training opportunities to all grades of staff in a supportive and modern environment. The post is primarily to support Registered and Specialist Biomedical Scientists within the laboratory, with opportunities to rotate into different sections of the department.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential

  • NVQ 4 in Healthcare Science or equivalent
  • GCSE in 4 subjects 2 of which must be Maths and English or equivalent

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience as an HSA in a Cellular Pathology Laboratory or an equivalent level of knowledge and skills acquired through laboratory based practice
  • Knowledge and understanding of the role of Cellular Pathology in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
  • Technical terminology. Basic medical, anatomical and disease terminology

Desirable

  • Understanding of Health and Safety
  • Basic understanding of human biology
  • Use of laboratory equipment e.g. pH meter
  • Manual handling

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Self-organisation and the ability to prioritise
  • Proven communication and leadership skills
  • Able to concentrate for long periods
  • Keyboard skills (minimum 25 words per minute)

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 (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).

Closing Date: 22 April 2026

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.