Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 28 January 2026

Job summary

The post holder will act as a Medical Laboratory Assistant / Healthcare Scientist (HCS) providing a scientific support services to patients and customers.

The post holder will assist Biomedical Scientists and Consultant Pathologists in providing scientific services to patients and clients to aid pathological diagnosis

Main duties of the job

To become proficient in designated areas of diagnostic work within the department and to provide a comprehensive and appropriate laboratory service to patients and staff.

To remain competent in designated areas of the department and to perform tasks accurately and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.

To work under supervision in several sections of the laboratory.

Ensure all work is completed timely and to satisfactory standards and will seek advice from senior staff when required.

To maintain data integrity when enrolling samples on the laboratory information system following national and local guidelines.

Perform pre-analytical preparation of samples according to standard operating procedures.

Assist Consultant Histopathologists and Scientific staff during specimen dissection as appropriate

The safe disposal of biological materials and waste.

Monitor use of reagents and consumables and ensure stock levels are maintained to ensure continuous service.

About us

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester is the largest health academic campus in Europe, a great place to start or grow your career. With 10 hospitals and a wide range of community services, we care for over 1 million people every year, and our team of over 30,000 people is at the heart of everything we do.You'll be working alongside colleagues from all backgrounds, supporting people from every walk of life, and learning something new every day. We believe that everyone should feel welcome, respected, and valued at work. You can bring your whole self to MFT, knowing that your unique perspective and experiences are celebrated here.You'll find that we're committed to helping you grow - whether you want to develop new skills, progress in your career, or simply make a difference in your community. We offer equal opportunities for everyone, and we'll support you with training, development, and a caring environment where your health, wellbeing, and safety matter.Most importantly, you'll be part of a team where working together and supporting each other is everything. You'll make new friends, build strong relationships, and have a real voice in shaping the future of our Trust.At MFT we're All Here For You - every step of the way. Join us today.

Details

Date posted

14 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year Per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-CSS-7695284*

Job locations

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat 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 youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud 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 process remains equitable and 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.

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, please contact the manager named below.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading. So that youre even more equipped to make an informed decision to apply to us, youll need to take time to read the Candidate Essentials Guidethat 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 youll need to be aware of before you submit an application form.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud 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 process remains equitable and 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.

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, please contact the manager named below.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE (or equivalent) grade C or above in English, Maths and at least one Science subject.

Knowledge

Essential

  • Understanding and awareness of procedures to ensure patient confidentiality
  • Understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures

Desirable

  • Previous experience working in a laboratory environment

Skills

Essential

  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to organise and manage own workload
  • Evidence of working as part of a Team
  • Accuracy and attention to detail essential

Training and Experience

Essential

  • Computer literate

Desirable

  • Previous experience working in a Healthcare setting
  • Previous experience working as a Receptionist/ Administrator
  • Evidence of on going traiinng and development
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE (or equivalent) grade C or above in English, Maths and at least one Science subject.

Knowledge

Essential

  • Understanding and awareness of procedures to ensure patient confidentiality
  • Understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures

Desirable

  • Previous experience working in a laboratory environment

Skills

Essential

  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to organise and manage own workload
  • Evidence of working as part of a Team
  • Accuracy and attention to detail essential

Training and Experience

Essential

  • Computer literate

Desirable

  • Previous experience working in a Healthcare setting
  • Previous experience working as a Receptionist/ Administrator
  • Evidence of on going traiinng and development

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Lead Biomedical Scientist

Alma Askew

alma.askew@mft.nhs.uk

01612765806

Details

Date posted

14 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year Per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-CSS-7695284*

Job locations

Manchester Royal Infirmary

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)