Trainee Anatomical pathology Technician

Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician Closing date: 12 December 2025 University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for a detailed job description of the role. Main duties of the job The Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technician plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of a safe, respectful, and high‑quality mortuary service for the Trust and HM Coroner. This role provides essential hands‑on support within the mortuary environment while undertaking structured in‑house training and completing the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 3 Diploma over approximately two years. As an integral part of the mortuary team, the post holder contributes to the smooth running of post‑mortem services, the preparation and care of the deceased, and sensitive interactions with bereaved families. By assisting with autopsy procedures, specimen handling, and cross‑departmental communication, the role directly supports the organisation's commitment to safe practice, regulatory compliance, and high standards of patient and family care. This position helps ensure timely, efficient mortuary operations and enhances the Trust's ability to meet clinical, legal and investigative requirements. The post holder also plays an important part in supporting specialist services—such as paediatric, forensic and infectious cases as skills develop. Key responsibilities Assisting with the provision of post‑mortem services, including preparation of the deceased, support during autopsy procedures, and restoration following examination under supervision. Receiving, registering and safeguarding the deceased and their personal effects, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with legal and Trust standards. Supporting specialist services such as paediatric and perinatal mortuary work, CT post‑mortem imaging, forensic procedures and NHS Blood and Transplant tissue retrieval. Working collaboratively with clinical teams, the Medical Examiners Office, HM Coroner, Police, Radiology and Bereavement Care to ensure safe and efficient service delivery. Qualifications and experience Mortuary or post‑mortem experience. Funeral, bereavement or HCA backgrounds may also be considered based on relevance and qualifications. Resilient, compassionate and committed to learning within a sensitive and highly regulated environment. Excellent communication skills for clear and sensitive interaction with bereaved families, colleagues and external agencies in challenging situations. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping, specimen handling and administrative procedures. Minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Science, Maths and English, and willingness to complete the RSPH Level 3 Diploma. Emotional resilience to work in a mortuary setting, cope with distressing information and exposure to sensitive situations. Additional Information Participation in the mortuary on‑call rota once competency is achieved. A driving licence is required. Flexible working and support for extended hours across service needs. Handling infectious material requires compliance with health and safety standards and mandatory Trust training. Successful clearance through employment checks, occupational health and safeguarding requirements (DBS). Reports directly to senior anatomical pathology staff and collaborates closely with a wide range of clinical teams. Trust Values Always Improving Working Together Previous NHS / Public mortuary full time experience incl. mortuary administrative procedures, postmortem area working and deceased patient viewing preparation Or Past experience of previous operational experience within the NHS Capable of completing the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Diploma within 2 years of appointment Ability to concentrate in a busy and noisy environment. Good level of secondary education. Minimum of 5 GCSE (or equivalent) C Grade Incl. Biology, Maths, English, Chemistry or other science-based subjects Committed to continuing professional development through examinations and courses Knowledge of Coronal systems/Medical Examiner system/Human Tissue Authority Ability to adapt efficiently to changing work patterns and situations. Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of patients, in situations where there may be barriers to understanding (e.g. language difficulties, anxious or distressed parents/families) Understands the importance of confidentiality and takes responsibility for protecting confidential information. Be able to cope with seeing and hearing sensitive & distressing information within a bereavement setting Able to apply tact and sensitivity to establish trust and confidence Demonstratable mortuary experience. NHS based End of Life care / deceased viewing preparation and administrative procedures and documentation knowledge. Knowledge and awareness of HTA. Knowledge and understanding Q-Pulse and Hospital Informatics (Charts/ Eden / PACS). Funeral based Health & Hygiene training. Experience of death processes, procedures and administration Understanding Bereavement pathways Previous learning and or training undertaken in Healthcare, Bereavement or related employments. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and to a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous convictions. University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust #J-18808-Ljbffr