Associate Practitioner Cellular Pathology

Associate Practitioner Cellular Pathology The closing date is 15 December 2025. The Cytology Department at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital is seeking a dedicated and motivated Band 4 Associate Practitioner to support the delivery of a high‑quality non‑cervical cytology service. The successful candidate will contribute to the preparation and technical processing of diagnostic specimens in accordance with departmental protocols and quality standards. This post offers an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within a supportive and professional laboratory environment that promotes continuous learning, quality improvement, and patient‑focused service delivery. Main duties of the job The post holder will play an integral role in supporting the non‑cervical cytology service, contributing to the preparation, processing, and technical validation of patient specimens that form the basis of diagnostic and prognostic pathways, particularly in cancer diagnosis and ongoing patient management. Working under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, the Associate Practitioner will be responsible for accurate specimen receipt, preparation using a range of cytological techniques, and maintenance of high‑quality staining and slide presentation for microscopic evaluation. The role directly supports timely and reliable patient results, ensuring diagnostic accuracy and continuity of care within multidisciplinary clinical teams. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, and an understanding of laboratory quality standards. As the service continues to evolve through digital workflows using systems such as TelePath and CaseManager, the post holder will actively engage with digital reporting processes, participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the development of innovative, patient‑focused diagnostic services within Liverpool Clinical Laboratories. About us 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. Job responsibilities Job Title: Associate Practitioner Non‑Cervical CytologyBand: 4Department: Cytology, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL)Base: Royal Liverpool University Hospital (with potential cross‑site working) Job Purpose The post holder will support the delivery of a high‑quality, patient‑focused cytology service by performing a range of technical and analytical duties within the non‑cervical cytology laboratory. Working under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, the Associate Practitioner will assist in the preparation and processing of diagnostic specimens that underpin key diagnostic and prognostic pathways, particularly for cancer patients. This role contributes directly to accurate and timely results that support effective clinical decision‑making and patient care. Main Duties and Responsibilities Receive, verify, and accession specimens onto the TelePath Laboratory Information System, ensuring correct identification and traceability. Prepare and process a variety of cytology samples including fluids, FNAs, washings, and brushings using techniques such as cytospin centrifugation, ThinPrep, filtration, and cell block preparation. Perform routine and special staining (e.g. Papanicolaou, May‑Grnwald Giemsa) and assist in slide preparation to ensure diagnostic quality. Operate and maintain key equipment including cytocentrifuges, centrifuges, automated stainers, Sakura tape coverslippers, slide printers, and microtomy equipment. Conduct basic quality control checks, ensuring consistent technical performance and compliance with departmental standards. Support Biomedical Scientists and Pathologists by preparing high‑quality diagnostic slides that directly inform cancer diagnosis and treatment pathways. Handle biological materials safely in line with COSHH and infection control policies, including work with high‑risk specimens in containment facilities. Ensure accurate and confidential record‑keeping in accordance with Trust information governance and data protection policies. Participate in digital cytology workflows using CaseManager and slide scanners, supporting image acquisition, digital reporting, and service modernisation. Engage in equipment maintenance, stock control, and reagent preparation, reporting any faults or non‑conformances promptly. Assist in training new staff, students, and visitors, promoting good laboratory practice and teamwork. Participate in personal and professional development, maintaining competence through CPD and departmental appraisal. Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and commitment to delivering a safe, efficient, and responsive service. Uphold LUHFTs core values We are caring, we are fair, and we are innovative in all aspects of work. Service Context Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL), part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, provides an integrated, UKAS‑accredited pathology service. The Cytology department supports a range of clinical specialities including oncology, respiratory medicine, urology, and ophthalmology, playing a vital role in cancer diagnosis and patient management. The department is currently implementing digital pathology systems such as Telepath LIMS and Slideviewer Digital IMS, enhancing diagnostic quality, remote reporting, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Additional Information All staff are expected to work safely, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to Trust policies and quality standards. Duties may be reviewed as service needs evolve. Person Specification Qualifications A levels/BTEC or equivalent Experience Demonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratory Previous experience of working in a clinical setting Knowledge Demonstrate an understanding of patient confidentiality Show an awareness of H&S requirements Should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the post applied for Skills Ability to work as a member of a team Flexible and adaptable approach to work Good organisational skills Other 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. Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust #J-18808-Ljbffr