Anatomical Pathology Technician

The Academic Cancer Autopsy Team delivers a specialised rapid research autopsy service to support translational cancer research. The post holder will contribute to the delivery of this service by applying and developing expertise in specialised anatomical pathology techniques within both the mortuary and associated research laboratory settings, supporting the Mortuary manager and Academic Oncology Consultant in the delivery of the service.This exciting opportunity requires working as part of the team, within which the post holder will play a key role in supporting and undertaking research autopsies at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, ensuring high standards of technical practice and sample handling to facilitate high-quality research outcomes.In addition to technical responsibilities, the role will support the ongoing development of the research autopsy service, including the monitoring and tracking of patients recruited to studies and the management and documentation of samples, The post holder will act professionally, respectfully, and sensitively, maintaining the reputation of the Mortuary Department and The Christie NHS. They will uphold confidentiality in line with Trust policies, GDPR, Information Governance, and HTA requirements. Working independently and within a multidisciplinary team, they will follow SOP, Health and Safety legislation, and Trust guidelines, reporting incidents, hazards, and equipment defects as required. The role includes maintaining accurate mortuary records, completing and securely storing documentation, coordinating appointments for funeral directors, and supporting bereaved families. The post holder will liaise with the Medical Examiner's Office, police, funeral directors, pathology, and other services to ensure the lawful and timely release of deceased patients and specimens. Responsibilities include receiving, identifying, and booking in deceased patients, preparing them for viewing, release, or post-mortem examination, recording
personal belongings, and maintaining dignity. They will assist with autopsies, specimen collection and processing, and reconstruction procedures. The role requires exposure to distressing situations, manual handling, and safe working with hazardous substances. Additional duties include cleaning, infection prevention, stock control, audits, training support, routine checks, and contributing to service improvement to deliver a safe, effective, and compassionate mortuary service.

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.