Assistant Practitioner - Biochemistry

Manchester University Nhs Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is offering an Assistant Practitioner position in its Biochemistry team at the Wythenshawe site. The role, 37.5 hours per week, involves supporting HCPC registered staff and performing a wide range of automated, semi-automated and manual techniques.

Applicants should have Foundation Degree / IBMS CoA Part I and II and be able to follow SOPs. Training will be provided, with full post-registration support and opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Foundation Degree or IBMS CoA Part I and II completed or in progress.
• Good written and spoken English required.
• Lab experience including basic tests and procedures desirable.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Able to work as part of a team and manage tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support HCPC registered staff within the Biochemistry department.
• Perform automated, semi-automated and manual techniques with accuracy.
• Adhere to clinical governance, health and safety policies.

Skills

English proficiency

Laboratory experience

SOP compliance

Teamwork

Time management

Manual dexterity

Quality assurance

Education

Foundation Degree / IBMS CoA Part I & II

Job description

Job summary

MFT hosts one of the largest diagnostic Biochemistry services within the NHS. Biochemistry resides within the Blood Sciences Directorate within the Laboratory Medicine Care Division of the Clinical and Scientific Services Clinical Group. Biochemistry 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 Wythenshawe site and are seeking enthusiastic, aspirational and highly motivated Assistant Practitioner, 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 our Specialist Biochemistry section.

Main duties of the job

The Post holder will act as a Assistant Practitioner 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 Foundation Degree in Healthcare Science or Certificate of Achievement Part 2 or HCS Apprenticeship Level 4.

The post is full-time; 37.5 hours per week.

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.

Person Specification

Essential

• Foundation Degree / Completed IBMS CoA Part I and CoA Part II
• Desire to progress through training and further education
• Good written and spoken English
• Healthcare Experience
• Laboratory experience including basic laboratory skills, tests and procedures
• Can follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Must be able to work as part of a team
• Ability to perform specified tests to required quality standards
• Can organise and prioritise tasks in their own work area. Can work on own initiative. Good time management skills
• Good hand to eye co-ordination, manual dexterity, and can perform tasks with speed and accuracy.
• Range of laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of quality assurance
• Can cope with busy, stressful periods
• Flexible approach to working hours which vary according to Departmental needs
• Can handle and process clinical samples
• Able to participate in weekend rota as required

Desirable

• At least one year laboratory experience
• Basic computer skills
• Good problem solver
• Basic knowledge of Health and Safety within lab areas

Closing date

The closing date is 30 October 2026.

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce. 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.