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Job summary

Main area
Biochemistry
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
Permanent: To work rotational shifts 07:00 - 20:00 Monday to Sunday
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (To work rotational shifts 07:00 - 20:00 Monday to Sunday)
Job ref
349-CSS-7449587*
Employer
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Oxford Road Campus
Town
Manchester
Salary
£24,937 - £26,598 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
30/09/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust logo

Medical Laboratory Assistant

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

MFT hosts one of the largest diagnostic Biochemistry services within the NHS. Now as its own directorate, Biochemistry resides within the division of laboratory medicine and currently comprises of laboratories across Oxford Road, Wythenshawe, Trafford and North Manchester Hospitals . Collectively the laboratories provide a diverse range of complex and specialist services for both adults and paediatrics across the country, with MFT being a large tertiary referral centre and university teaching hospital.

We have exciting opportunities at our Oxford Road Campus and are seeking enthusiastic, aspirational and highly motivated Medical Laboratory Assistants, ideally with laboratory experience in a relevant pathology discipline,  to join our Biochemistry team .The successful candidate will require a working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and basic theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed and will join a team of Biomedical Scientists to deliver the day to day operation of one of our Automated and Specialist Biochemistry sections.

Main duties of the job

The Post holder will act as a Medical Laboratory Assistant supporting  HCPC registered staff within the department, working under both direct and indirect supervision performing an extensive range of automated, semi-automated and manual techniques. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential to ensure the service is safe and complies with current standards, clinical governance, health and safety and risk management policies.

NHS laboratory and hospital experience are desirable; however full training will be provided. Candidates must be in possession of an appropriate science NVQ level3, HCS Apprenticeship level 2 certificate of achievement level1 or equivalent experience.

These posts are full-time; 37.5 hours per week . One post is rotational;  the successful candidate will work in both automation and specialist sections of the laboratory,  working a shift pattern covering the hours of 07:00 - 20:00 Monday - Sunday. Two posts are non rotational where the successful candidates will only work in the specialist section of the laboratory and will work core hours. 

The department has full HCPC training status for pre and post registration IBMS portfolios and full ISO 15189 accreditation

Working for our organisation

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trust In England with a turnover of  over £3bn & is on a different scale than most other NHS Trusts. We’re creating an exceptional integrated health & social care system for the 1 million patients who rely on our services every year.

Bringing together 10 hospitals & community services from across Manchester, Trafford & beyond, we champion collaborative working & transformation, encouraging our 30,000 workforce to pursue their most ambitious goals. We set standards that other Trusts seek to emulate so you’ll benefit from a scale of opportunity that is nothing short of extraordinary.

 

We’ve also created a digitally enabled organisation to improve clinical quality, patient & staff experience, operational effectiveness & driving research, and innovation through the introduction of Hive; our Electronic Patient Record system which launched in September 2022.

 

We’re proud to be a major academic Research Centre & Education provider, providing you with a robust infrastructure to encourage and facilitate high-quality research programmes. What’s more, we’re excited to be embarking on our Green Plan which sets out how MFT continues to play its part in making healthcare more sustainable.

 

At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair, open, and transparent, protecting your health and wellbeing and shaping the future of our organisation together.

 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Supporting Documents’ heading.   So that you’re even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, you’ll need to take time to read the ‘Candidate Essentials Guide’ that sits with the Job Description and Person Specification.  This document provides you with details about the Trust, our benefits and outlines how ‘we care for you as you care for others’.  Most importantly, it also contains critical information you’ll need to be aware of before you submit an application form. 

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post.  As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you.  If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at [email protected].

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

 

 

 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Appropriate Science NVQ level 3, HCS Apprenticeship Level 2, Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or equivalent experience and/or completed competency documentation.

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of training and development within a relevant pathology discipline
  • Working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and basic theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed
  • Competent to process a range of different specimens
  • Demonstrate enough knowledge and skills to be able to train other staff
  • Evidence of using complex laboratory equipment
  • Understanding of laboratory health and safety procedures and protocols
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 22870
  • Knowledge of health and safety, COSHH and risk assessments

Training and experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience of IT systems
  • Experience of laboratory processes
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of UKAS accreditation assessments

Skills and abilities

Essential criteria
  • Able to communicate information both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
  • Evidence of working as part of a team
  • Effective at prioritising competing workloads, using time management skills
  • Manual dexterity for procedures where precision is required
  • Able to show self motivation and use initiative, recognising when to refer upwards
  • Able to keep clear and accurate records, showing attention to detail and perform basic calculations
  • Able to read, understand and follow written instructions and apply knowledge so as to undertake and assist in reporting on biomedical investigations
  • Able to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times
  • IT skills: use of spreadsheets, data bases and word processing
Desirable criteria
  • Oral and written presentation skills
  • Experience of laboratory IT programmes for data entry and result entry

Attributes

Essential criteria
  • Can cope with busy, stressful periods
  • Able to work off site if required
  • Flexible attitude to work
  • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain effective working relationships within a team
  • Good communication skills
Desirable criteria
  • Willing to work outside contracted hours when required

Other

Essential criteria
  • Exhibit the Trust Values and Behaviours

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardDisability confident employerStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Alexandra Hashmi
Job title
Lead BMS
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0161 276 5574
Additional information

[email protected]

[email protected]

 

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