Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world's largest Virology departments. The Virology department forms part of The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP), a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Medical Laboratory Assistant. Previous experience would be desirable but is not essential. The post holder will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
Main duties of the job
The laboratory is accredited by UKAS (ISO15189 standard)
We actively encourage CPD activities.The department requires staff to support the department in delivering a comprehensive Virology service over 7 days. Staff may be required to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, throughout the 24 hour period if appropriate to the post.
Please understand that this is a 24/7 contracted position with a necessity to be available for weekends and nights. This position is expected to work one weekend day per week
The Virology delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs over 100 staff and has a workload of approximately 1.5 Million specimens per year or 6,500 specimens per day. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical virology service combining state of the art laboratory automation with some more traditional methods.
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 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
- NVQ Level 2, GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above with English, Maths, and at least one Science
Desirable
- A/Level/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- ECDL
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Have worked in and gained training within a Pathology discipline
- Have working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and basic theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed
- Has worked in a laboratory using complex laboratory equipment
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of working as part of a team
- IT skills; use of spreadsheets, data bases and word processing
- Able to show self motivation and use initiative, recognising when to refer upwards
- Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times
- Experience of Laboratory IT programmes for data entry and result entry
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 2, GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above with English, Maths, and at least one Science
Desirable
- A/Level/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- ECDL
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Have worked in and gained training within a Pathology discipline
- Have working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and basic theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed
- Has worked in a laboratory using complex laboratory equipment
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of working as part of a team
- IT skills; use of spreadsheets, data bases and word processing
- Able to show self motivation and use initiative, recognising when to refer upwards
- Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times
- Experience of Laboratory IT programmes for data entry and result entry
