Job Summary
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust are one of eight centres in England providing Primary HPV Cervical Screening covering the whole of the North East and Yorkshire area. An opportunity has arisen within the HPV processing team for two Associate Practitioner position within the North east and Yorkshire Cervical Screening Department.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will take on operational and/or administrative responsibility for a specific area or to provide advanced administrative and operational support within a laboratory area. This role may include supervision of other PSWs involved in the role. Advanced training will be given to allow the post holder to work without direct supervision, referring to the line manager of the section when required.
As an Associate Practitioner in the HPV Cervical Screening Department, the post holder will contribute to the provision of the HPV service, as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, performing work activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
The post holder will follow an in-service certificated competency training programme. Under the guidance of qualified staff, the Associate Practitioner will be responsible for performing a range of scientific procedures on biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes.
Person Specification
Qualification/Skils/
Essential
- Working towards a level 4 science qualification (BSc, HND, Foundation degree) or Considerable laboratory experience plus a recognised qualification acceptable for University entrance for a degree or Considerable laboratory experience plus a minimum of NVQ4 in Clinical Laboratory Support (or equivalent) or Considerable laboratory experience plus the IBMS Support Staff Certificate of Achievement Part II (to be submitted prior to job interview)
Qualifications /skills
Essential
- Working towards a level 4 science qualification (BSc, HND, Foundation degree) or Considerable laboratory experience plus a recognised qualification acceptable for University entrance for a degree or Considerable laboratory experience plus a minimum of NVQ4 in Clinical Laboratory Support (or equivalent) or Considerable laboratory experience plus the IBMS Support Staff Certificate of Achievement Part II (to be submitted prior to job interview)
- Previous Molecular experience
- Previous Cytology laboratory/NHS experience or equivalent
- Flexibility in working pattern, including late and night shifts in line with changing service requirements
- Prepared to work with biological materials
- Able to work as team member.
Desirable
- GCSE/O levels in Maths, English Language, Biology and Chemistry A level in science subject / HEFC science level 3 or above, BTEC national diploma / ANVC in Science. BSc, HNC, Foundation Degree.
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: 04 March 2026
