Associate Practitioner

Overview

We are actively recruiting an Associate Practitioner (equivalent to a Band 4 Medical Laboratory Assistant) to join our dynamic and fast-paced pathology laboratory team based in Windsor, Berkshire.

PLEASE NOTE:
Our laboratory is not accessible by public transport so you must be a driver with a full licence and access to a car.

Salary
: £29,000 per annum (+ additional shift allowance)

Reporting into the Senior Scientific Lead, the Associate Practitioner is responsible for supporting the technical and operational activities within Viva Health Laboratories  pathology department. This role involves performing routine laboratory tasks, processing samples, and ensuring compliance with ISO 15189:2022 standards.

Collaborating with key stakeholders, including the Senior Scientific Lead, Pathology Laboratory Manager, Biomedical Scientists and laboratory staff to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, efficient service.

Sample Testing & Reporting:

• Receiving and preparing pathology specimens for analysis, ensuring accurate documentation;
• Performing analyser’s daily, weekly and monthly maintenance with troubleshooting any occurring errors;
• Performing daily assay calibration and QC under the supervision of a Biomedical Scientists and reporting any out-of-range results or QC failure;
• Performing a range of diagnostic tests under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, including any sample preparations;
• Reporting of equipment failure to the Biomedical Scientist;
• Ensuring all laboratory work adheres to the company’s QMS and ISO 15189:2022 standards;
• Accurately entering and recording test results in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).

Laboratory Operations:

• Monitoring and maintaining laboratory stock levels, ensuring the availability of necessary supplies;
• Assisting with the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, promptly reporting any faults or issues;
• Ensuring a high standard of laboratory housekeeping, adhering to laboratory policies, guidelines, CQC regulations, and local SOPs;
• Supporting the daily management of sample receipt and ensuring timely processing and referrals.

Supporting Laboratory Services:

• Assisting with the training and mentorship of new staff and students within the laboratory;
• Supporting the implementation and adherence to key operational processes and protocols;
• Assisting with facility management tasks, including waste management and general housekeeping, to ensure a safe and compliant laboratory environment.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Participating in quality assurance activities, including internal audits, EQA scheme participation, and IQC monitoring, in collaboration with the Company’s Quality Department;
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, including COSHH and risk assessments.

Other

Duties Include:

• Providing assistance with the preparation of reports and necessary documentation;

Any other reasonable request by the Senior Scientific Lead.

Live, breathe and display the Viva Health Laboratories’ values.

We make it Matter - Care

• We are united by the compelling objective of making a difference to the lives of those around us
• We maximise potential and inspire others to bring their ‘A-game’

We make it Right- Integrity & Trust

• We are open, honest & transparent - we’re not afraid to speak up or challenge
• We do what is right – not simply what’s expected
• We admit mistakes but learn from them
• We never walk past a problem

We make it Fun - Energy & Passion

• We play for the team – we don’t just show up

We make it happen! - Ownership & curiosity

• We’re a pioneering bunch of individuals - brave in our approach – if we can’t find a solution, we’ll build one
• We’re empowered to make decisions and accountable for the outcomes – not just the outputs
• We thrive off curiosity & excellence by demonstrating a desire and drive to learn, develop & improve

• BSc in Biomedical Science or similar
• Previous experience working in a clinical laboratory under the scope of ISO 15189:2022
• Knowledge of laboratory operations, including sample processing and basic testing procedures
• Understanding of laboratory health & safety…