Job summary
North West London Pathology (NWLP) is a new partnership between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust and the Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Trust. The partnership represents a new model for delivering pathology testing in a modern, efficient operation that manages 25 million tests per year.
We are offering this fantastic opportunity to Band 3 MLAs working within Microbiology who have a desire to progress further within this field. We are looking for individuals who are self-motivated and committed to being part of a team that delivers a quality service to patients We are committed to your personal and professional development and you will have opportunities to fulfil your potential with NWLP.
You must have a desire to learn and develop within our busy laboratories. The laboratory has IBMS training approval for Registration Training and for Specialist Portfolio training for candidates with the relevant qualifications and experience.
For further information please contact Sweenie Goonesekera on 020 331 1788.
Main duties of the job
As an Associate Practitioner, you will be expected to carry out a variety of technical tasks that require the experience of more complex skills within the laboratory to support the scientific staff. Experience in running the following laboratory analysers is desirable: Sedimax, DS2, Cepheid, Serosep Enteric Bio and Bactec FX and Mast Urisystem.
In addition, you must have experience in other laboratory tasks such as set up of samples, preparation of quality control material, recording of QC data and waste management.
You must be able to evidence the knowledge, skills and competencies you have gained when coming to interview. Associate Practitioners are also expected to work within Specimen Reception areas of the laboratory, assisting the team with triage, booking in and problem solving and with the training of less experienced staff.
High attention to detail is a critical requirement of this post. Previous work experience in a Microbiology laboratory and completion of all relevant training and competency documentation is essential.
The appointed persons will be required to work across a 7 day working pattern, working 37.5 hours/week.
About us
The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.
For 2026, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre-employment checks.
Monday 5 January 2026
Monday 2 February 2026
Monday 2 March 2026
Monday 13 April 2026
Monday 11 May 2026
Monday 1 June 2026
Monday 6 July 2026
Monday 3 August 2026
Candidates are advised to consider these start dates before agreeing end of service date with their current employer.
Job description
Job 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 overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Job description
Job 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 overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- A Levels qualified, including science subject or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part 2) or Foundation degree
- Proven equivalent experience in a relevant discipline
- Willing to undergo relevant training to ensure sound relevant knowledge
Skills
Essential
- Able to provide and receive complex information and to provide advice and training to other members of the team
- Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies whilst working within ISO15189 standards or equivalent, fulfilling the quality requirements of UKAS
- Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to communicate with service users and other members of staff and professionals relevant to Laboratory services
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work
- Displays and maintains a high level of IT skills & keyboard accuracy
Desirable
- Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- A Levels qualified, including science subject or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part 2) or Foundation degree
- Proven equivalent experience in a relevant discipline
- Willing to undergo relevant training to ensure sound relevant knowledge
Skills
Essential
- Able to provide and receive complex information and to provide advice and training to other members of the team
- Ability to follow and adhere to SOP and local policies whilst working within ISO15189 standards or equivalent, fulfilling the quality requirements of UKAS
- Evidence of ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to communicate with service users and other members of staff and professionals relevant to Laboratory services
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Practical analytical skills associated with diagnostic laboratory work
- Displays and maintains a high level of IT skills & keyboard accuracy
Desirable
- Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
