Associate Practitioner Cellular Pathology

Main area Cellular Pathology - ICC Grade Band 4 Contract 12 months (Secondment) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Histopathology works an extended working day over 7 days a week) Job ref 287-DTC-92-25Employer Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Liverpool Clinical Laboratories Town Liverpool Salary £27,485 - £30,162 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 15/12/2025 23:59Band 4Job overviewThe 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 jobThe 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.Working for our organisationLiverpool 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.Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesJob Title: Associate Practitioner – Non-Cervical CytologyBand: 4Department: Cytology, Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (LCL)Base: Royal Liverpool University Hospital (with potential cross-site working)Job PurposeThe 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 ResponsibilitiesReceive, 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-Grünwald 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 LUHFT’s core values — We are caring, we are fair, and we are innovative—in all aspects of work.Service ContextLiverpool 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 InformationAll 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 specificationQualificationsA levels/BTEC or equivalentExperienceDemonstrable previous experience of working in a laboratoryPrevious experience of working in a clinical settingKnowledgeDemonstrate an understanding of patient confidentialityShow an awareness of H&S requirementsShould be able to demonstrate an understanding of the post applied forSkillsAbility to work as a member of a teamFlexible and adaptable approach to workGood organisational skillsOtherPlease ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.Posts advertised to ‘internal staff’ are open to employees of hospitals within University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and you should confirm your employment within your application form.Note: Under current Home Office Immigration Rules we are currently unable to offer right to work visa sponsorship for Band 2 and 3 roles with a salary of less than £25,000 pa as they do not meet the UK Visas & Immigration criteria.Only those applicants who demonstrate clearly how they meet our person specification will be shortlisted for interview. We reserve the right to close any vacancies from further applications when we have received a minimum number of applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.The Trust is committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance and achieve fair, equitable and consistent practice. We welcome flexible working requests and will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements from day one of your employment. Not all roles are suitable for every flexible working opportunity all of the time. Flexible working options may include reduced hours, compressed hours, fixed shifts, time back in lieu and home working.The Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce demography representative of the local community. We encourage applicants from the following groups that are currently under-represented in our workforce black, Asian and minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+), disabled, male and age 16-24.Trust policy requires that the cost of submitting & processing the successful applicant/s DBS application be recovered via salary deduction following start in post. The amount of £23 (standard disclosure) or £43 (enhanced disclosure) will be deducted from salary, in manageable monthly instalments for up to 3 months following commencement of employment. Bank posts require upfront payment. DBS applications submitted from 2nd December will be subject to the new DBS fee of £26.50 (standard) and £54.50 (Enhanced).From April 2017, Skilled visa applicants and their adult dependant(s) will be required to provide a criminal record certificate from each country they have lived in consecutively for 12 months or more in the past ten years.Applicants requiring sponsorship may wish to determine the likelihood of obtaining sponsorship for this position by assessing themselves against the criteria on the gov.uk website - https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.This organisation has a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff must ensure they adhere to the organisations safeguarding children and adults’ policy and comply with the Local Safeguarding Children and Adult Board procedures.Staff should be mindful of their responsibility to safeguard children and adults in any activity performed on behalf of the organisation in line with the requirements of statutory guidance and legislation.All employees (and volunteers) are expected maintain their safeguarding knowledge and skills by completing mandatory safeguarding training which includes understanding and recognising the signs of abuse and neglect and taking appropriate action.As an organisation, we have adopted the Merseyside Domestic abuse workplace scheme which supports our staff who are experiencing Domestic Abuse /any forms of sexual violence.If you have any personal requirements that will enable you to participate in our recruitment process please contact a member of the Recruitment Services by phone on 0151 706 4666 at the earliest opportunity to ensure that measures can be put in place to enable your application for this post.Please note: new entrants to the NHS will commence on the first pay point of the relevant band.Employer certification / accreditation badgesApplication numbersThis vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment. #J-18808-Ljbffr