Healthcare Associate Practitioner, Band 4 - Clinical Biochemistry

Job summary

Applications are invited for a full time Band 4 Associate Practitioner from persons who have a BTEC Diploma in Healthcare Science Level 4 or an appropriate level of education or experience of working in a busy NHS pathology department. Anyone studying towards this qualification may apply. Experience of working in an NHS Pathology Laboratory with automated equipment is essential as one of the key roles will be the maintenance, preparation and in some instances the running of instruments for the next 24 hour period.

You will be joining a busy blood sciences department where you will be supporting the state registered Healthcare Scientists in the provision of an effective, high quality service delivered to healthcare professionals across the county. There will be some management roles involved in coordinating Medical Laboratory Assistants and other key personnel in the department.

Working patterns will generally involve working several weeks of core days (08:30-17:00) with at least one week of twilight shifts (16:00-24:00) every month. However, cover for Annual Leave, Sickness etc. will be required for the twilight shift on a reasonably regular basis. Other shifts including weekend and overnight periods are not expected as routine but may be required on an occasional basis. Cross site working in both Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospital locations will be required as part of the role.

Main duties of the job

The role supports our state registered Healthcare Scientists in the provision of an effective, 24/7 high quality ISO 15189:2022 accredited service, processing over 1,200,000 patient requests (13.2 million tests) per annum to enable the department to play a key role in supporting allied healthcare professionals who are reliant on our service. Work focus is mainly on supporting the state registered Healthcare Scientists by undertaking a range of laboratory tests which are complementary to their roles but doesn't include validation or interpretation. Maintenance of pre-analytical equipment, laboratory consumables are key elements of the role as is the support for the laboratory sample referral service.

To co-ordinate the activities of Medical Laboratory Assistants. To act as mentor and assist in their training.

It is necessary to have an understanding of all sections of the Chemical Pathology Department and an awareness of the work of other disciplines within Pathology. There will be a regular requirement for you to work in Cheltenham to support Clinical research workloads.

The position will involve working routine days (08:30 to 17:00), twilight shifts (16:00 to 24:00) at an anticipated frequency of 1 in every 4 weeks. Some late shift working 13:00-21:30 maybe required as additional requests from the management team.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Details

Date posted

14 July 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year (pa, pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0472

Job locations

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Pre-Analytical Area, Pathology Dept, Edward Jenner Building

Gloucester

GL1 3NN

United Kingdom

For further information and to apply, click on the APPLY BUTTON at the bottom of this advert, then click on CONTINUE to view the supporting documents or apply online.