Associate Practitioner Healthcare Scientist; Biochemistry

Job Summary

The Directorate of Laboratory Medicine encompasses Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology, Microbiology and Cytogenetics. The directorate provides a range of analysis of blood, body fluids and tissues for the Hospital inpatient and out‑patient population, local GP’s and other neighbouring Trusts. The automated Clinical Biochemistry Department at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital currently uses track‑and‑analyse systems to support a busy service. Under the supervision of an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS), this role utilises knowledge and skills gained through a Foundation Degree or equivalent.

The post involves preparation and processing of biological specimens such as blood, urine, faeces, tissues and other body fluids in accordance with agreed protocols and SOPs.

• Prepare reagents, calibrators and controls.
• Perform daily and weekly maintenance on analysers and ensure operational continuity by replenishing reagents as required.
• Receive large volumes of specimens, verify information, and prepare for analysis according to acceptance criteria.
• Carry out internal and external quality assurance procedures, recognise poor performance, take corrective action, and report unresolved issues to the HCPC registered BMS.
• Process specimens (blood, urine, faeces, tissues, other body fluids) according to agreed protocols, prioritising by urgency and managing high‑volume workloads.
• Operate simple and complex automated instruments, following SOPs and validating procedures with minimal guidance.
• Communicate with laboratory team members, Pathology Directorate colleagues, clinical staff, primary care staff, patients and the general public, maintaining confidentiality.
• Adhere to Trust policies, laboratory operating procedures, Pathology guidelines and infection control procedures.

0800‑16:00 or 14:00‑22:00 (Monday to Friday). Weekend cover 08:00‑16:00 is also required.

Join Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing acute care for around one million people and acting as a teaching and research hospital. The hospital offers a full range of NHS benefits/discounts and additional perks such as:

• Flexible working hours
• Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
• Multi‑faith prayer room
• Discounted gym memberships
• Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
• Wagestream – access up to 40% of pay as you earn it
• Free Park & Ride service directly to the site
• Free 24‑hour confidential counseling support
• On‑site nursery and cafes with staff discounts
• Support in career development
• Flexible staff bank
• Salary sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work and home electronics

• Posted: 16 January 2026
• Pay scheme:
  Agenda for Change
• Band: 4
• Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 per annum
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Full‑time, flexible working
• Reference number: 234‑25‑E1302‑A
• Location:
  
  Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY

• IT literate, including Microsoft Office.
• Foundation degree or Certificate of Achievement Part 2.
• Competent in Blood Sciences services (Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology and Transfusion) to Band 4 level within 6‑12 months of starting.

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Proficient with laboratory equipment ranging from manual pipettes to large automated analysers.
• Ability to perform a range of tests appropriate to the post.

• Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH’s PRIDE values:
  People focused, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.
• Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure & Barring Service check will be required. Applications requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For details, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY

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