Associate Practitioner

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: due to the location of our laboratory, there is no access to public transport and therefore all candidates need to be drivers with a full licence and access to a car.

The "What" - The Role:

Reporting into the Pathology Laboratory Manager, 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 Pathology Laboratory Manager, Biomedical Scientists, and laboratory staff, to ensure the delivery of a high-quality, efficient service.

Key Responsibilities:

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 Pathology Laboratory Manager.

The ‘How’: Our values

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 aim to delight & inspire

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

The ‘Who’: About you

• 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 procedures and standards
• Super organised: used to juggling multiple projects with different priorities and working to short deadlines;
• Strong attention to detail: our team rely on us to ensure projects run perfectly;
• Tech savvy: confident using MS Office;
• Have a growth mindsight: we’re growing fast, and you’ll be expected to offer ideas where processes can be improved and drive your own personal development;
• Excellent verbal and written skills: you should be able to draft clear, concise communications, adapting tone & style as appropriate.

The ‘When’: Office Hours

Typical working hours are 40 hours per week, rostered as 8 hour days between Monday-Sunday.

The ‘Where’: Location

The Stables, New Lodge, Drift Road, SL4 4RR.

Please Note: due to the location of our laboratory, there is no access to public transport and therefore all candidates need to be drivers with a full licence and access to a car.

The ‘Why’: Why you’ll love working at Viva Health Laboratories

• Our culture – fast-paced, dynamic and rewarding
• Clear purpose – you’ll be part of building something that matters
• Be your best – we will invest in your training & development to help you grow
• Put your career on steroids – we’re growing fast and there’s room to progress
• Your team – we’re a group of passionate individuals who like to have fun at work

At Viva Health Laboratories, we embrace diversity and inclusion and believe it enriches our performance, services and culture. As our team continue to evolve to reflect the growing diversity of our communities, our efforts to understand, value, and incorporate differences become increasingly important.