Associate Practitioner Microbiology

Posting date:	06 January 2026
Salary:	£27,485.00 to £30,162.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£27485.00 - £30162.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	20 January 2026
Location:	Worcester, WR5 1DD
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	C9365-25-1113

Summary

JOB SUMMARY: As an Associate Practitioner in the Microbiology Department, the post holder will contribute to the provision of the clinical laboratory service, as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists and support workers, performing work activities in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Under the supervision of qualified staff, the Associate Practitioner will be responsible for performing a range of scientific procedures on biological samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases and the investigation of other pathological processes. The post holder will be trained to make decisions that have an impact on the end result in order to facilitate the provision of accurate and timely reports within available resources. After suitable training and competence assessment the post holder will use practical skills to perform tasks associated with the Pre-Analytical preparation of specimens; conduct preliminary analyses on a limited range of culture investigations and perform a range of automated analyses using highly complex laboratory equipment. These tasks are of a more advanced nature than those of a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) JOB PURPOSE: Place and prepare samples for automated analysers under the direction of more senior staff. Following appropriate training, specific Microbiology duties include: Follow good laboratory practice in line with professional guidelines and UKAS standards. Inoculation of specimens for culture, including: Urines, Swabs, Body fluids, Respiratory samples, Faeces. Deal promptly and appropriately with any sample identified as urgent to ensure that timely and accurate results are available to the requester. Assist in the analysis of routine and urgent clinical samples in accordance with laboratory procedures using specialist optical, manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory equipment. Preparation of samples for microscopy, including: Swabs, Faeces, Body fluids. Reading and recording results of a limited number of chromogenic cultures. ELISA or any other automated or semi-automated instrument. Preparation of antibiotic susceptibility tests (using both manual and automated techniques). Processing and recording of IQC, reporting any out of range results to BMS staff. Processing and recording of pre-Acceptance testing of reagents reporting any out of range results to BMS staff Participate in the maintenance of the quality system by participating in QC and EQA schemes. Take corrective action when quality control or assurance procedures indicate loss of performance of the laboratory instruments or methods, Daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of equipment. Carry out first line troubleshooting of equipment or methods, keeping a proper record of all actions and communications. Assist with the cleaning and decontamination of laboratory equipment and benches. Safe discard of waste materials. Tracking, storage and retrieval of samples. Reagent preparation and stock control General housekeeping duties within the Microbiology lab Report incidents, accidents and defects according to Trust and Directorate guidelines. Participate in the regular review and update of the Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures as directed by the Departmental Quality Manager or Deputy Participate in Departments extended working day and provide cover for Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday periods as required. Any other appropriate duties as designated by a senior member of staff. To maintain the effective operation of the department, the post holder may be requested to carry out duties as performed by Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) ASSET MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (i.e. stock, equipment, buildings) Maintain adequate stocks by bringing to the attention of the Senior Staff any shortages To use all equipment in a safe & responsible manner, in accordance with Health & Safety legislation. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Undertake any internal and external training as identified by the Trust (Personal Development Review) PDR process. Undertake a structured training and development programme to successfully acquire core competencies which are matched to the National Occupational Standards and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties. Ideally working towards the HCPC portfolio. Achieve appropriate levels of competence required by laboratory Competency Assessment Program. Must develop and improve your scientific expertise, which may be via CPD within an appraisal programme. Maintain a portfolio of relevant achievements. Undertake duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Trusts Policies and Procedures. To demonstrate working procedures and communicate own knowledge and understanding to others, e.g. the interpretation of Request Form details including recognition of medical terminology in the laboratory context and synonyms used for laboratory tests. To demonstrates working procedures of relevant area to less experienced Staff as part of the training process. Answer telephone requests for: results, urgent requests, direct calls as appropriate Behave at all times with courtesy and consideration to colleagues and service users regardless of hierarchical or professional position within the organization. General Responsibilities Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the department. Participate in laboratory discussions offering suggestions for change to practice where appropriate. Communicate any difficulties or problems affecting the department to a supervising BMS. Communicate with service users giving simple advice and refer caller to supervising BMS if necessary. Keep accurate and complete audit records consistent with policies and procedures. Take an active part in trust Personal Development Review (PDR) process, undertaking any internal and external training identified in their Personal Development Plan (PDP). Take responsibility for own and colleagues health and safety in line with The Health and Safety at Work Act and Trust Health and Safety policies. Perform all methods and procedures according to SOPs and use all equipment in a safe and responsible manner, in accordance with Health and Safety legislation. Prioritise work in accordance with guidance from operating procedures and senior members of staff. Be conversant with, and adhere to, all relevant legislation and safety measures for handling of chemical and biological reagents. Comply with legislation, policies, procedures and other quality approaches relevant to the work being undertaken. Work within limits of own competence and responsibility and refer issues beyond these limits to relevant people. Act responsibly as a team member. Use and maintain resources efficiently and effectively. Follow the Trusts hospital infection prevention and control policies and procedures to protect patients, staff and visitors form healthcare-associated infections. Perform the correct hand hygiene procedures when entering and leaving clinical areas. Act in ways that support equality and value diversity. Behave at all times with courtesy and consideration to colleagues and service users regardless of hierarchical or professional position within the organisation. Comply with the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times. File, retrieve and print computer and paper records as and when required. This job description will be subject to annual review and may be amended as necessary following consultation with the post holder.