Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
Join a Forward-Thinking Mortuary Service at University Hospital Southampton
We are offering a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to join our dynamic and evolving mortuary team as Band 3 Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technicians. This is your chance to begin a rewarding career in a highly specialised and respected field within healthcare science.
As a trainee, you will embark on a structured, department-led training programme designed to build your skills and confidence in all aspects of Anatomical Pathology Technology. You’ll be actively involved in supporting both current and future service developments, becoming an integral part of a team that is nationally recognised for excellence.
Your Development Pathway
Successful candidates will progress through a comprehensive training framework, working towards the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology). Upon completion and demonstration of further competencies, there may be the opportunity to advance to the Level 4 Diploma, further solidifying your role as a key contributor to the department.
Training will be delivered through a combination of in-house instruction and online attendance at a nationally accredited training centre, ensuring a well-rounded and robust learning experience.
Working for our organisation
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Your Role
With Full Support And Training, You Will
Assist in the delivery of a full mortuary service, including autopsy support and family viewings.
Participate in the on-call rota, providing out-of-hours services that mirror core operations.
Offer technical assistance during autopsies and provide advisory support as needed.
Help maintain high standards of hygiene, safety, and professionalism across all mortuary functions.
Why Join Us?
This is more than just a job—it’s a career pathway into a specialised and meaningful profession. You’ll be part of a team that is passionate about continuous improvement, education, and delivering compassionate care at every stage.
Join a Centre of Excellence in Anatomical Pathology Technology
Are you ready to take the next step in your healthcare science career? At University Hospital Southampton, we’re offering a unique opportunity to join one of Europe’s leading teaching hospitals and become part of a nationally recognised mortuary service.
As a successful applicant, you’ll embark on a structured training pathway leading to the Royal Society of Public Health Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)—a key milestone in becoming a qualified Anatomical Pathology Technologist.
What You’ll Be Doing
Role
You’ll play a vital role in delivering a high-quality mortuary service to the Trust, Hampshire, and regional coroners. Under expert supervision, you will:
Assist in routine autopsy procedures and progress toward specialised roles in pro-section and circulatory support.
Prepare patients for viewing and provide compassionate support to bereaved families.
Carry out clinical decontamination protocols and maintain essential mortuary equipment.
Contribute to End of Life care education and uphold the highest standards of dignity and professionalism.
We’re Seeking Individuals Who Are
Experienced: Ideally with demonstrable mortuary or post-mortem experience. Funeral, bereavement, or HCA backgrounds may also be considered based on relevance and qualifications.
Motivated: Enthusiastic, proactive, and committed to continuous professional development.
Professional: Able to work independently and collaboratively, with excellent time-management and communication skills.
Driven: Passionate about contributing to the future of mortuary services and maintaining our award-winning standards.
Join a department that’s been recognised multiple times as Department of the Month and help shape the future of anatomical pathology.
Person specification
Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
- Previous NHS / Public mortuary full time experience incl. mortuary administrative procedures, postmortem area working and deceased patient viewing preparation Or Past experience of previous operational experience within the NHS.
- Capable of completing the Royal Society for Public Health Level 3 Diploma within 2 years of appointment
- Ability to concentrate in a busy and noisy environment.
- Good level of secondary education. Minimum of 5 GCSE (or equivalent) C Grade Incl. Biology, Maths, English, Chemistry or other science-based subjects Committed to continuing professional development through examinations and courses
- Knowledge of Coronal systems/Medical Examiner system/Human Tissue Authority
- Ability to adapt efficiently to changing work patterns and situations.
- Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of patients, in situations where there may be barriers to understanding (e.g. language difficulties, anxious or distressed parents/families
- Understands the importance of confidentiality and takes responsibility for protecting confidential information.
- Be able to cope with seeing and hearing sensitive & distressing information within a bereavement setting
- Able to apply tact and sensitivity to establish trust and confidence
- Demonstrable mortuary experience.
Desirable criteria
- NHS based End of Life care / deceased viewing preparation and administrative procedures and documentation knowledge.
- Knowledge and awareness of HTA. Knowledge and understanding Q-Pulse and Hospital Informatics (Charts/ Eden / PACS).
- Funeral based Health & Hygiene training.
- Experience of death processes, procedures and administration
- Understanding Bereavement pathways
- Previous learning and or training undertaken in Healthcare, Bereavement or related employments.
