Operational Manager / Chief Biomedical Scientist

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust located in Milton Keynes is seeking motivated individuals for the role of Assistant Technical Officer. You will engage in essential laboratory duties such as sample processing, data entry, and assisting with equipment maintenance. The role offers comprehensive training and a collaborative work environment within a dedicated team. Ideal candidates will have relevant educational qualifications and strong communication skills. This position supports a vital service that contributes significantly to patient care and diagnostics.

Benefits

Free on-site parking including EV charging

Complimentary refreshments

Flexible working arrangements

Discounted gym membership

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Generous annual leave

Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme

On-site nursery (charges apply)

Wide-ranging health and wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Must possess GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English.
• NVQ level 3 or equivalent in a relevant laboratory field is preferred.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of a high-quality Cellular Pathology service.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Maintain effective relationships with team members.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Basic IT skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Ability to manage lifting and handling tasks

Education

GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English or NVQ level 3

Job description

''NHS Survey, 2024''A notable 91% believe their roles significantly impact patients and service users. We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute

Job Summary

We are looking for competent and versatile individuals with a positive 'can do' attitude who are willing to learn new skills to join our team in the role of Assistant Technical Officer (ATO). The successful candidates will participate in core laboratory duties including receiving and processing patient's samples, data entry, assisting at tissue dissection, equipment operation and maintenance, managing laboratory waste disposal and microtomy among other tasks. Training will be given to achieve competency.

Responsibilities

• To support the delivery of a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service for the trust and its users.
• To be part of a team of Biomedical Support workers delivering technical and administrative support to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective diagnostic service.
• To work with the laboratory management and technical team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards including those of ISO 15189, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and screening programmes.
• Help the Cellular Pathology team to meet departmental and trust KPI's.
• To work safely in accordance with trust health and safety policy and departmental policies to deliver a safe, high-quality service for its users.
• To comply with clinical governance and risk management policies.
• To establish effective and collaborative working relationships with key staff.
• To organise and prioritise your daily duties in the provision of a quality service.
• To be accountable for your actions and maintain high personal standards of work.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with department and trust health and safety and risk management policies.
• To maintain a high standard of confidentiality and always comply with relevant Trust policies.
• Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard Operating Procedures.
• To receive specimens for laboratory investigation and accurately enter patient and sample data on the laboratory LIMS.

Communication and Relationship Skills

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Liaise closely with departmental technical, administrative, and clinical staff to ensure that all technical work is performed to required standards.
• To liaise with other healthcare professionals in a professional and competent manner providing approved departmental information as appropriate, using verbal and electronic communication.
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a departmental team.
• To attend departmental and other meetings as required.
• Always maintain a professional approach to work behaving courteously and with professional maturity.

Qualifications

Ideally, you will have GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English, and/or an NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification or qualifications with a laboratory relevance. In addition to this, you must also have good verbal and written communication skills, basic IT skills, enjoy working individually and as part of a team and be able to manage some lifting and handling tasks.

About the Department

Cellular Pathology is a busy but friendly department processing more than 22,000 histology specimens and 1,200 cytology specimens per year and plays a vital role in the Trust's diagnostics cancer service.

About the Hospital

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting‑edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career. Our hospital provides a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity and Paediatrics. We are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all communities. We also offer a growing portfolio of specialist services including a state‑of‑the‑art Radiotherapy Centre opened in January 2025, neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. Further investment is underway with the construction of Oak Wards and the planned Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.

Benefits

• Free on‑site parking including EV charging
• Complimentary refreshments
• Flexible working arrangements
• Discounted gym membership
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Generous annual leave, with the option to bank holiday entitlement
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• On‑site nursery (charges apply)
• A wide‑ranging staff health and wellbeing programme including EAP
• VIVUP products to support your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing