Medical Laboratory Assistant - Histopathology

Manchester University Nhs Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant in Histopathology to support Biomedical Scientists and Consultant Pathologists with diagnostic services.

The role involves assisting across specimen reception, dissection, main laboratory and immunohistochemistry, ensuring high accuracy, adherence to SOPs and data quality in a busy pathology setting.

Qualifications

• Evidence of training and development within a Cellular Pathology discipline.
• Understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures.
• Evidence of using complex laboratory equipment.
• Evidence of participation in laboratory Quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Assist Biomedical Scientists and Consultant Pathologists in providing scientific services to patients.
• Assist in the organisation and monitoring of the department's work.
• Perform duties using automated, semi-automated and manual techniques.
• Ensure accuracy and attention to detail in all tasks.
• Work across Histopathology areas including specimen reception, dissection, main laboratory and immunohistochemistry.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Time management

SOP compliance

Laboratory testing

Hand-eye coordination

IT literacy

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

GCSE grade C+ in English, Maths & a Science subject

Tools

LIMS

Quality management system

Spreadsheets

Databases

Word processing

Job description

Job summary

The post holder will act as Medical Laboratory Assistant within Histopathology providing scientific support services to patients and customers.

The post holder will assist Biomedical Scientists and Consultant Pathologists in providing scientific services to patients and clients to aid pathological diagnosis.

They will assist in the organisation and monitoring of the work of the department, performing duties under direct and indirect supervision. An extensive range of automated, semi-automated and manual techniques are utilised to ensure appropriate testing contributing to the delivery of correct diagnostic material.

A high level of accuracy and attention to detail are essential skills for this post.

The are vacancies across both adult Histopathology Services at MFT (Wythenshawe Hospital and Oxford Road Site) and work areas will include specimen reception and dissection, the main laboratory, Immunohistochemistry and other specialist sections as required.

Main duties of the job

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.

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.

Diversity and Equality

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 or equivalent
• GCSE grade C or above in English, Maths and one Science subject, or relevant comparable qualifications or qualifications that supersede those of a GCSE

Knowledge

• Proven practical and theoretical knowledge of laboratory areas
• Aware of the need for data quality and protection, and confidentiality

Desirable

• Basic knowledge of health & safety.

Training and Experience

• Evidence of training and development within a Cellular Pathology discipline.
• Understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures.
• Evidence of using complex laboratory equipment
• Evidence of participation in laboratory Quality assurance.

  Skills and Abilities

  • Good verbal communication
  • Good written communication
  • Ability to demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Evidence of prioritisation and time management skills
  • Can follow SOPs.
  • Ability to perform specified tests to required quality standards.
  • Has good hand to eye co-ordination, manual dexterity and can perform tasks with speed and accuracy.
  • IT skills: use of laboratory LIMS, Quality management system, spreadsheets, data bases and word processing.

  Attributes

  • Can cope with busy, stressful periods.
  • Flexible approach to working hours which vary according to Departmental needs.
  • Can work at other sites.
  • Evidence of working as part of a team

  Equality and Diversity Statement

  Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust 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.