Job summary
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.
Two posts are being advertised, One post is part time (30 hours per week) and one post is full time (37.5 hours per week) . The successful candidates 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.
The department has full HCPC training status for pre and post registration IBMS portfolios and full ISO 15189 accreditation
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement. Whether you’re beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working – empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, you’ll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’ll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experienceyoullneed for this role,take a lookat the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
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To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on therelevantPDF document under the Supporting Documents sectionand once opened, you canwhereeither scanQR code orclick onthe link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves,ouradvertsmay close early if we receivea high levelof interest.Early applications are thereforeencouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity,celebratingand valuing diversity andeliminatingany 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 anyspecial requirementsto help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust,wereproud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment processremainsequitableand meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Appropriate Science NVQ level 3, HCS Apprenticeship Level 2, Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or equivalent experience and/or completed competency documentation.
Knowledge
Essential
- 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
- Knowledge of UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 22870
- Knowledge of health and safety, COSHH and risk assessments
Training and experience
Essential
- Experience of IT systems
- Experience of laboratory processes
Desirable
- Experience of UKAS accreditation assessments
Skills and abilities
Essential
- 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
- Oral and written presentation skills
- Experience of laboratory IT programmes for data entry and result entry
Attributes
Essential
- 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
- Willing to work outside contracted hours when required
Other
Essential
- Exhibit the Trust Values and Behaviours
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.
