Job summary
Assistant Technical Officer
Department of Microbiology
Band 3 Fixed-term contract until 30.11.2026
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Our Microbiology is a busy but friendly department processing over 220,000 specimens per year.
We are looking for a competent and versatile individual with a 'can do' attitude willing to learn new skills to join our team.
The successful candidate will participate in core laboratory duties, including receiving and processing patient samples, equipment maintenance, stock management, media and supply handling, answering telephone calls, and managing laboratory waste disposal, among other tasks.
Ideally, you will have GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English (grades A - C), or an NVQ level 3 in Pathology or equivalent clinical laboratory experience. In addition to this, you must also have good communication skills, enjoy working individually or in a team and are physically fit and well (the role requires some lifting and handling tasks).
For more information, please contact Rizalea Echaluse, Chief Biomedical Scientist & Operations Manager on 01908 995781.
Interview date: 9 February 2026
We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
Main duties of the job
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' Healthcare Scientists feels their health safety and wellbeing is support at work.
To be part of a team of Biomedical Support workers delivering technical, administrative, and clerical support services which ensure reliable, efficient, and effective service. Analysing and reporting on, blood, swabs, urines, faeces, and other clinical samples in the preparatory stages of microbiological analyses.
The post holder will communicate clearly and accurately with laboratory staff, clinicians, and work within any section of the microbiology department. Must carry out all duties in compliance with relevant national standards in line with Trust's Data Protection Act policy.
Initial training will be provided to cover all sections of the lab including the waste management section, autoclaves, and handling deliveries/supplies.
In addition to working core hours, the post holder will be required to participate in the evening, weekend, bank holiday & night shifts (proposal under discussion) as part of their contractual hours.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Technical Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard operational procedures (SOPs). Operate, clean, and maintain all automated analysers, incubators and, safety cabinets (including air-flow checks) in accordance with Health and Safety policy on daily and weekly basis. To prepare quality assurance checks on analysers or materials purchased or prepared in the department and maintain records. Identify clerical, technical and system errors apply corrective procedures. Reporting event and corrective action to Operational Biomedical Scientist / Senior Biomedical Scientist. Sample/QC/IQA booking in for all bench work received as part of the specimen reception team.
Laboratory informatics To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information. Collect, receive, match, verify, label, and enter on as computer sample requests. Identify any errors for action e.g., mislabelled other failures of sample matching criteria. Report and record in accordance with standard operating procedure. Transcribe and record results obtained by BMS staff.
Administrative To participate in effective stock control of reagents and consumables, by keeping a check on supplies and informing senior staff when orders must be placed. Organise daily duties in the provision of a quality service. To deal with telephone enquiries, referring any problems to BMS staff as appropriate. Prioritisation of the daily workload and to take part in the daily routine work as required. To keep appropriate records of all communications, ensuring messages are passed to their intended recipients.
General Collect samples from pathology support area, wards and other departments if required. Clean and maintain equipment and work areas. To maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Technical Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard operational procedures (SOPs). Operate, clean, and maintain all automated analysers, incubators and, safety cabinets (including air-flow checks) in accordance with Health and Safety policy on daily and weekly basis. To prepare quality assurance checks on analysers or materials purchased or prepared in the department and maintain records. Identify clerical, technical and system errors apply corrective procedures. Reporting event and corrective action to Operational Biomedical Scientist / Senior Biomedical Scientist. Sample/QC/IQA booking in for all bench work received as part of the specimen reception team.
Laboratory informatics To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information. Collect, receive, match, verify, label, and enter on as computer sample requests. Identify any errors for action e.g., mislabelled other failures of sample matching criteria. Report and record in accordance with standard operating procedure. Transcribe and record results obtained by BMS staff.
Administrative To participate in effective stock control of reagents and consumables, by keeping a check on supplies and informing senior staff when orders must be placed. Organise daily duties in the provision of a quality service. To deal with telephone enquiries, referring any problems to BMS staff as appropriate. Prioritisation of the daily workload and to take part in the daily routine work as required. To keep appropriate records of all communications, ensuring messages are passed to their intended recipients.
General Collect samples from pathology support area, wards and other departments if required. Clean and maintain equipment and work areas. To maintain good work relations with all members of staff, and to promote effective teamwork.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSEs in Science, Maths and English or NVQ L3 in Pathology or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Foundation Science degree or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a UK laboratory
Desirable
- Previous experience working in an NHS laboratory
Skills
Essential
- Good communication/interpersonal skill
- Ability to keep accurate records.
Desirable
- Knowledge of manual handling and Health and Safety regulations.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrate oAbility to work individually/in a team
- Ability to work under pressure
Desirable
- Experience as a team leader
Communication
Essential
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication at all levels of the organisation
- Understanding/awareness of Data Protection Act
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Physically fit
- Adapt to changing needs of service
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSEs in Science, Maths and English or NVQ L3 in Pathology or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Foundation Science degree or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a UK laboratory
Desirable
- Previous experience working in an NHS laboratory
Skills
Essential
- Good communication/interpersonal skill
- Ability to keep accurate records.
Desirable
- Knowledge of manual handling and Health and Safety regulations.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Demonstrate oAbility to work individually/in a team
- Ability to work under pressure
Desirable
- Experience as a team leader
Communication
Essential
- Clear and accurate written and verbal communication at all levels of the organisation
- Understanding/awareness of Data Protection Act
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Physically fit
- Adapt to changing needs of service
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.
