Associate Practitioner

NHS; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Keynes University Hospital is seeking an Associate Practitioner for its Microbiology Department. The role involves supporting laboratory operations, maintaining quality standards, and working collaboratively with the team. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and a passion for laboratory work.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Free tea and coffee

Flexible working opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Lease car scheme

Generous annual leave and pension scheme

Extensive staff health and well-being programme

Qualifications

• Experience in general lab operations and microscopy.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain confidentiality.
• Skills in using complex automated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support all areas of the lab, handling specimens and performing tests.
• Maintain data and documentation, ensuring quality standards.
• Liaise with qualified staff to ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Communication

Computer skills

Microscopy

Education

Minimum of five GCSEs (A-C) including English Language, mathematics and a science subject

Level 3 qualification (A-level equivalent) in a science subject OR NVQ3 or equivalent experience

Foundation Degree in Science

Accredited degree in Biomedical Science

Job description

Go back Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Associate Practitioner

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

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 service for bacteriology, molecular, virology, serology, mycobacteriology and parasitology. The laboratory is currently working towards its UKAS accreditation and holds an accredited status for training with the IBMS/HCPC.

We are seeking for 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 at the same time.

Applicants with previous laboratory experience will have an advantage, however, individuals with similar transferable skills are also encouraged to apply. The selection procedure will be based on application, if shortlisted, this will be followed by an interview.

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

Unfortunately we are unable to sponsor this role

Interview date: 24 & 25 June 2025

Main duties of the job

General duties include supporting all areas of the lab, maintaining data and documentation, handling specimens, performing microscopy and culture reading, setting up specimen, operating, maintaining & troubleshooting laboratory analysers, inventory taking and moving & handling of stock items.

• To provide laboratory technical and general support.
• To be a team member of Biomedical support workers delivering technical, quality, and administrative support for the optimal delivery of a safe quality lead Microbiology laboratory service.
• Primarily supporting workload in all areas of the lab with sample handling, processing, and reporting where necessary. Samples include respiratory sections, blood, sterile fluids, swabs, skin and nail scrapping, urines, and faeces preparing microscopy slides (staining/wet prep) and reporting, also reading primary culture plates after a suitable training period.
• Adherence to lab and Trusts values (4 Cs), Trusts data confidentiality policy.
• The post holder will be based in Microbiology but if required could also work in Blood Sciences/Cellular Pathology labs.
• The post holder will be required to support a 24 hour, 7 days per week service as part of their normal contractual hours outside the laboratory's core work hours on rotation. This will include late evenings, nightshifts (proposal in discussion), weekends and public holidays on rotation.

About us

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

You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:

• Free on-site parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Great flexible workingopportunities
• Discounted gym membership
• Lease car scheme
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• Extensive staff health and well-being programme

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Job responsibilities

Internally:

• Liaise closely with qualified staff within the department to ensure that all technical work is performed in accordance with the department's policies, SOPs, and quality standards.

Externally:

• To accurately convey laboratory results to clinicians, nurses, and other staff by telephone or as appropriate, ensuring that confidentiality and data protection requirements are observed.

Technical:

• Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard operational procedures (SOPs).

Laboratory informatics:

• To comply with local and national policies for the safe, secure, and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.

Administrative:

• Maintainclear and accurate quality records using the Q-Pulse system (training provided)

General:

• Assistin all ATO duties, if required.

Please refer to the job description for further details

We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.

MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.

By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.

Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

• Minimum of five GCSEs (A-C) including English Language, mathematics and a science subject
• Level 3 qualification (A-level equivalent) in a science subject OR NVQ3 or equivalent experience in relevant discipline
• Foundation Degree in Science
• Accredited degree in Biomedical Science

Experience

• General lab experience in all areas of the lab at the required level
• Microscopy and reading/reporting of culture results
• Laboratory IT/LIMS
• Supervisory role

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Intermediate level of computer skills
• Ability to plan and prioritize allocated work
• Able to work alone or in a team
• Ability to use complex automated equipment and associated computer software systems

Personal and people development

• Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness
• Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure
• To co-ordinate and supervise the activities of less experienced staff and participate in their training and development

Communication

• Good telephone manners conveying results or sensitive information
• To participate in departmental meetings and contribute

Specific requirements

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptation
• Able to perform physical work (must be reasonably fit)
• To be able to organise own day-to-day work tasks within parameters determined by the Line Manager

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.

Employer name

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust