Associate Practitioner

We are seeking applications from dedicated and enthusiastic Associate

Practitioners to join our microbiology team. The role is based at the

University Hospital of North Durham. We provide high quality, patient-focused

diagnostic and screening services to healthcare providers across County Durham

& Darlington.

This role requires a good

laboratory skills and a knowledge of microbiology as the post holder will be

expected to rotate through different areas of the department including

bacteriology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible for preparing

and performing a wide range of laboratory pre-analytical and analytical tests

using microbiological laboratory techniques & equipment on a variety of

samples that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of

infectious diseases in accordance with standard operating procedures and agreed

policies.

To perform clerical and

logistics duties to support the operation of the department.

To develop, maintain and

demonstrate competency in all sections of the microbiology department including

bacteriology, serology, mycology and molecular diagnostics.

To work with the laboratory

team and quality management system to contribute towards a high quality service

and continuous service improvement.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on

AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of

success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Details

Date posted

05 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9439-2627-RP-N194

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

DURHAM

DH1 5TW

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

The post holder will have

attained the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2, NVQ3 or Foundation degree

in a healthcare science. Alternatively, demonstration of equivalent experience

and competency at this level may be considered. This role requires a good level

of laboratory skills and a keen interest in microbiology

Associate

Practitioners working in our department must be able to use their knowledge and

analytical skills to work alongside Biomedical Scientists to deliver high

quality results. Previous experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory is

desirable.

The department is UKAS

(ISO15189) accredited and a knowledge & experience of good quality

management systems is desirable.

The successful candidate

should also be able to demonstrate an ability to work within a team to deliver

a high quality service. Good communication and interpersonal skills are

essential.

The

ability to work on a 24/7 shift rota which includes day shifts, late shifts,

night shifts, weekends & bank holidays is a requirement of the post.

Please refer to the

attached job description and personal specification for further information.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will have

attained the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2, NVQ3 or Foundation degree

in a healthcare science. Alternatively, demonstration of equivalent experience

and competency at this level may be considered. This role requires a good level

of laboratory skills and a keen interest in microbiology

Associate

Practitioners working in our department must be able to use their knowledge and

analytical skills to work alongside Biomedical Scientists to deliver high

quality results. Previous experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory is

desirable.

The department is UKAS

(ISO15189) accredited and a knowledge & experience of good quality

management systems is desirable.

The successful candidate

should also be able to demonstrate an ability to work within a team to deliver

a high quality service. Good communication and interpersonal skills are

essential.

The

ability to work on a 24/7 shift rota which includes day shifts, late shifts,

night shifts, weekends & bank holidays is a requirement of the post.

Please refer to the

attached job description and personal specification for further information.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a diagnostic laboratory

Desirable

• Experience in diagnostics microbiology or virology in an NHS or UKHSA laboratory. Supervisory experience. Employment with public interaction.

Special Requirements

Essential

• Ability to work flexibly and participate in 24/7 working rota pattern.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to follow protocols and instructions accurately. Manual dexterity. Good communication skills. Follow protocols and instructions accurately. Computer literacy. Knowledge of scientific / medical terminology

Desirable

• Problem solving and trouble-shooting skills. Knowledge of quality management systems. Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ3 in Health (pathology stream) or Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice or equivalent. Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstration of equivalent competency. Science and / or Maths GCSE

Desirable

• Evidence of ongoing CPD

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a diagnostic laboratory

Desirable

• Experience in diagnostics microbiology or virology in an NHS or UKHSA laboratory. Supervisory experience. Employment with public interaction.

Special Requirements

Essential

• Ability to work flexibly and participate in 24/7 working rota pattern.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to follow protocols and instructions accurately. Manual dexterity. Good communication skills. Follow protocols and instructions accurately. Computer literacy. Knowledge of scientific / medical terminology

Desirable

• Problem solving and trouble-shooting skills. Knowledge of quality management systems. Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ3 in Health (pathology stream) or Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice or equivalent. Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstration of equivalent competency. Science and / or Maths GCSE

Desirable

• Evidence of ongoing CPD

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.

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

DURHAM

DH1 5TW

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

DURHAM

DH1 5TW

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

The post holder will have

attained the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2, NVQ3 or Foundation degree

in a healthcare science. Alternatively, demonstration of equivalent experience

and competency at this level may be considered. This role requires a good level

of laboratory skills and a keen interest in microbiology

Associate

Practitioners working in our department must be able to use their knowledge and

analytical skills to work alongside Biomedical Scientists to deliver high

quality results. Previous experience in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory is

desirable.

The department is UKAS

(ISO15189) accredited and a knowledge & experience of good quality

management systems is desirable.

The successful candidate

should also be able to demonstrate an ability to work within a team to deliver

a high quality service. Good communication and interpersonal skills are

essential.

The

ability to work on a 24/7 shift rota which includes day shifts, late shifts,

night shifts, weekends & bank holidays is a requirement of the post.

Please refer to the

attached job description and personal specification for further information.

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a diagnostic laboratory

Desirable

• Experience in diagnostics microbiology or virology in an NHS or UKHSA laboratory. Supervisory experience. Employment with public interaction.

Special Requirements

Essential

• Ability to work flexibly and participate in 24/7 working rota pattern.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to follow protocols and instructions accurately. Manual dexterity. Good communication skills. Follow protocols and instructions accurately. Computer literacy. Knowledge of scientific / medical terminology

Desirable

• Problem solving and trouble-shooting skills. Knowledge of quality management systems. Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ3 in Health (pathology stream) or Foundation degree in Healthcare Practice or equivalent. Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or demonstration of equivalent competency. Science and / or Maths GCSE

Desirable

• Evidence of ongoing CPD