Associate Practitioner - Histopathology

Job overview

The role is to assist in the provision of specialist paediatric pathology services, which encompasses a wide variety of specialist techniques in: Specimen Reception, Tissue Banking, Dissection, Cryotomy, Microtomy, Special Stains, Immunohistochemistry, Electron Microscopy, Enzyme Histochemistry, and specialist techniques for renal, cardiac and muscle biopsies. You will take part in a rotation through the different sections, as required, to provide an efficient, effective, and high-quality service.

The department is highly research active, and you will be required to assist with a variety of projects as well as instigating and promoting research and development of new techniques, as required. In addition, a project to digitise the work using whole slide scanning is in progress and you will be given the opportunity to be involved in and assist in the process and expansion of this project.

In summary, the work of the department is highly specialised, complex, and diverse and we are constantly striving to improve. Therefore, you will be required to gain and then maintain a wide range of skills, knowledge and technical expertise as well as continue to learn and develop.

Main duties of the job

• To participate in all aspects of the routine diagnostic service which may include Routine Surgical, Neuropathology, Neuromuscular Pathology, Electron Microscopy, Enzyme Histochemistry and Immunocytochemistry, and research
• To work as part of a team to provide an excellent quality service, producing timely results for a range of patients, including urgent surgical, transplant, post-mortem and research.
• To maintain up-to-date knowledge, skills, and experience for a variety of specialist techniques, such as rapid histochemical investigation of intraoperative frozen sections, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme histochemistry procedures
• To correctly handle, process, transport and dispose of all sample types to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and in a way that is respectful to the patient (, Human Tissues Act 2004, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Data Protection Act 2018)
• To make sure that information and data entered on the pathology computer system is accurate and confidentiality is maintained
• To work within and help maintain UKAS ISO 15189 accreditation
• To undertake the technical work of the lab and train and other staff as required.
• To ensure safe working of self and colleagues and to work within the code of practise described in the Departmental Safety Manual and the Health and Safety at Work Act

Working for our organisation

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

Person specification

GOSH Culture and Values

Essential criteria

• Our Always values

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential criteria

• BSc Degree in Biomedical Science
• Experience in a clinical histopathology laboratory

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of CPD

Experience/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Specialist knowledge in histopathology
• Knowledge of quality assurance, accreditation standards (ISO 15189, HTA) and quality management systems
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation
• Computer literacy (including Excel)

Desirable criteria

• Experience with Paediatric samples

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Good Interpersonal Skills – able to communicate effectively with staff (written and verbal)
• Competent in Histopathology laboratory procedures including Embedding, Microtomy, and Special Stains
• Ability to work without supervision
• High level of attention to detail

Desirable criteria

• Ability to work with different laboratory information systems