Anatomical Pathology Technologist

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust performs anatomical pathology work in the adult and paediatric mortuaries. The post holder will assist in postmortem procedures, handle the release and reception of deceased patients, and participate in on‑call arrangements while ensuring accurate data entry and adherence to HTA guidelines.

This role supports the Trust in delivering high-quality mortuary services across its campuses, contributing to patient care and collaboration with external agencies.

Qualifications

• Level 3 RSPH in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent.
• Level 4 RSPH in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent.
• 2+ years experience in mortuary.
• QMS.
• Experience of Patient care
• On-call
• HTA Knowledge
• LIMS experience
• BSI

Responsibilities

• Assist in standard and high risk postmortem examinations, including assisting in postmortems using specialised techniques.
• Assist with the release of deceased patients to authorised persons in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Assist with the receipt of deceased persons from the hospital and community in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Assist with the viewing and identification of deceased.
• Perform all aspects of practical mortuary work of varying complexity.
• Liaise with the Trust Bereavement Team, Coroner's Offices and the Coroner's Liaison Officers for the needs of the service.

Skills

On-call experience

HTA knowledge

LIMS experience

Patient care

Mortuary operations

Education

Level 3 RSPH in Anatomical Pathology Technology

Level 4 RSPH in Anatomical Pathology Technology

QMS

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Anatomical Pathology Technologist

The closing date is 12 November 2026

The post holder will perform the duties of an anatomical pathology technician within the adult and paediatric mortuaries at MFT including receipt and release of deceased adults & children, conduct viewings and assisting pathologists in the conduction of postmortem examinations. The post holder will participate in on-call arrangements.

Main duties of the job

To assist in standard and high risk postmortem examinations, including assisting in postmortems using specialised techniques

To assist with the release of deceased patients to authorised persons in accordance with standard operating procedures

To assist with the receipt of deceased persons from the hospital and community in accordance with standard operating procedures

To assist with the viewing and identification of deceased.

To perform all aspects of practical mortuary work of varying complexity.

To liaise with the Trust Bereavement Team, Coroner's Offices and the Coroner's Liaison Officers for the needs of the service.

To liaise with other NHS departments and external agencies.

All employees have a duty to develop and deliver a customer focused service.

To be responsible for the accuracy of data entered and held by the Mortuary including that on electronic systems.

Disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant HTA guidelines.

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 responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming one-stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

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, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for 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 application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Level 3 RSPH in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent
• Level 4 RSPH in Anatomical Pathology Technology or equivalent
• 2 + years experience in mortuary
• QMS

Patient care and experience

• Experience of Patient care
• On-call
• HTA Knowledge
• LIMS experience
• BSI

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.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

£32,073 to £39,043 a yearPer Annum, (Pro Rata)