Job summary
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is at a truly exciting time of transformation. Through our Trust Strategy we will achieve the delivery of safe, accessible, high quality and sustainable healthcare services in North Cumbria for the next generation.
The Trust provides a comprehensive range of general acute hospital services and community healthcare; we are currently working with the Commissioners to help develop a comprehensive service for the whole of Cumbria.
We are looking for a competent and professional Anatomical Pathology Technician working in the Mortuary at band 5 level based at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle. This is a permanent position working up to 37.5 hours per week. Cover for the body store at West Cumberland Hospital may be required.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the job will be the day to day provision of post mortem services for North Cumbria.
The post holder will work alongside another Anatomical Pathology Technicians and Mortuary Assistants based in both the Mortuary at the Cumberland Infirmary and Body Storage Facility at the West Cumberland Hospital Whitehaven to provide an effective and efficient administrative service.
The successful applicant will be expected to participate in the out of hours service Mon to Fri 16:00-20:00 and a Saturday/Sunday morning 09:00-13:00)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in biological or forensic science and Royal Society for Public Health Diploma in anatomical pathology technology (level 3) or has equivalent experience
- Essential IT skills
Skills and aptitudes
Essential
- Skilled dissection techniques for post mortem examination
- Able to use initiative appropriately and prioritise work
- Good communication skills
- Good keyboard skills and experienced in Microsoft Office and Laboratory Information Systems
- Able to work independently and as a part of a team
- Able to follow strict procedures and protocols
- Able to take the lead in proposing new ideas and approaches
- Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Able to disseminate information effectively to junior staff
- Good organisational skills
Desirable
- Experienced user of eQMS systems
Personal Circumstances
Essential
- Compassionate, Well motivated, Innovative, Confident
Other requirements
Essential
- Commitment to personal development
- Able to participate in the on call rota
- Cross site working
Knowledge
Essential
- Mortuary theory and practice.
- The law concerning deaths and their certification.
- Role of the coroner
- Requirements of the Human Tissue Act 2004.
- Requirements of UKAS 15189 standards.
- COSHH, infection control and other safety regulations or policies pertinent to mortuary work.
Desirable
- Experience in assisting in forensic PMs
Experience
Essential
- Mortuary work.
- Assisting at post mortem examination.
- Specialist procedures e.g. removal of spinal cord, inner ears, eyes, maxilla and mandible.
- Mortuary health and safety, including safe handling of bodies.
- Training others in mortuary work.
Desirable
- Knowledge of end of life care
- Knowledge of HTARI classification.
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.
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: 03 September 2026
