Associate Practitioner

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 4 Associate Practitioner for the Microbiology Department. This full-time role involves supporting laboratory operations, handling samples, and maintaining documentation. Ideal candidates will have attention to detail and a genuine interest in microbiology. Benefits include flexible working, free parking, and generous leave.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Free tea and coffee

Flexible working opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Lease car scheme

Generous annual leave and pension scheme

On-site nursery (chargeable)

Staff health and well-being programs

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience preferred but not required.
• Transferable skills encouraged.
• Enthusiastic and detail-oriented candidates sought.

Responsibilities

• Support all areas of the lab including data management and specimen handling.
• Perform microscopy, culture reading, and operate laboratory analysers.
• Adhere to lab values and confidentiality policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Laboratory experience

Sample handling

Job description

Department: Microbiology

Band 4, Full-time £26,530 - £29,114 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

The Microbiology Department receives over 210,000 sample requests per annum, offering a broad range of diagnostic services including bacteriology, molecular, virology, serology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology. The laboratory is working towards UKAS accreditation and holds an accredited status for training with the IBMS/HCPC.

We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate for a Band 4 Associate Practitioner in our laboratory. The ideal candidate will have an eye for detail and a genuine interest in the role, which can be challenging but rewarding.

Applicants with previous laboratory experience will have an advantage; however, individuals with transferable skills are encouraged to apply. Selection will be based on application, followed by an interview if shortlisted.

For further information, please contact Rizalea Echaluse, Chief Biomedical Scientist, at 01908 995781 or Kalana Patabendige, Laboratory Manager, at 01908 995790.

Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor this role.

Interview date: 24 & 25 June 2025

General duties include:

1. Supporting all areas of the lab, maintaining data and documentation, handling specimens, performing microscopy and culture reading, setting up specimens, operating, maintaining & troubleshooting laboratory analysers, inventory taking, and moving & handling stock items.
2. Providing laboratory technical and general support.
3. Supporting workload in all areas of the lab with sample handling, processing, and reporting. Samples include respiratory sections, blood, sterile fluids, swabs, skin and nail scrapings, urines, and feces. Preparing microscopy slides (staining/wet prep) and reporting, as well as reading primary culture plates after training.
4. Adhering to lab and Trust values (4 Cs) and data confidentiality policies.
5. The post is based in Microbiology but may require support in Blood Sciences/Cellular Pathology labs.
6. Supporting a 24/7 service outside core hours on rotation, including late evenings, night shifts (discussions ongoing), weekends, and public holidays.

"We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute"

"An outstanding 92% stated that their role significantly affects patients and service users (NHS Staff Survey 2023)"

Benefits:

• Free on-site parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Flexible working opportunities
• Discounted gym membership
• Lease car scheme
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• On-site nursery (chargeable)
• Staff health and well-being programs

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a teaching hospital conducting research and education to improve patient care. The hospital is undergoing significant investment and is rated good by the CQC. Visit our website for the latest news.

For further details or informal visits, contact:

Name: Rizalea Echaluse
Job title: Chief Biomedical Scientist
Email: [e-mail]