Associate Practitioner

Job Summary North West London Pathology (NWLP) is a new partnership between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust and the Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Trust. The partnership represents a new model for delivering pathology testing in a modern, efficient operation that manages 25 million tests per year. We are offering this fantastic opportunity to Band 3 MLAs working within Microbiology who have a desire to progress further within this field. We are looking for individuals who are self‑motivated and committed to being part of a team that delivers a quality service to patients. We are committed to your personal and professional development and you will have opportunities to fulfil your potential with NWLP. You must have a desire to learn and develop within our busy laboratories. The laboratory has IBMS training approval for Registration Training and for Specialist Portfolio training for candidates with the relevant qualifications and experience. For further information please contact Sweenie Goonesekera on 020 331 1788. Main duties of the job As an Associate Practitioner, you will be expected to carry out a variety of technical tasks that require the experience of more complex skills within the laboratory to support the scientific staff. Experience in running the following laboratory analysers is desirable: Sedimax, DS2, Cepheid, Serosep Enteric Bio and Bactec FX and Mast Urisystem. In addition, you must have experience in other laboratory tasks such as set up of samples, preparation of quality control material, recording of QC data and waste management. You must be able to evidence the knowledge, skills and competencies you have gained when coming to interview. Associate Practitioners are also expected to work within Specimen Reception areas of the laboratory, assisting the team with triage, booking in and problem solving and with the training of less experienced staff. High attention to detail is a critical requirement of this post. Previous work experience in a Microbiology laboratory and completion of all relevant training and competency documentation is essential. The appointed persons will be required to work across a 7 day working pattern, working 37.5 hours/week. About Us The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP. For 2026, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre‑employment checks. Monday 5 January 2026 Monday 2 February 2026 Monday 2 March 2026 Monday 13 April 2026 Monday 11 May 2026 Monday 1 June 2026 Monday 6 July 2026 Monday 3 August 2026 Details Date posted: 27 November 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 4 Salary: £33,094 to £36,195 a year inclusive Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full‑time Reference number: 290‑NWLP‑356 Job locations: Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF Person Specification Education Essential: A Levels qualified, including science subject or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part 2) or Foundation degree Proven equivalent experience in a relevant discipline Willing to undergo relevant training to ensure sound relevant knowledge Skills Essential: Able to provide and receive complex information and to provide advice and training to other members of the team Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies whilst working within ISO15189 standards or equivalent, fulfilling the quality requirements of UKAS Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team Ability to communicate with service users and other members of staff and professionals relevant to Laboratory services Desirable: Customer service skills Experience Essential: Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work Displays and maintains a high level of IT skills & keyboard accuracy Desirable: Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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. Employer details Employer name: North West London Pathology Address: Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF Website: https://www.nwlpathology.nhs.uk/ #J-18808-Ljbffr