Trainee Healthcare Science Practitioner - Respiratory Physiologist

MFT; Manchester; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Respiratory Physiology department at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a committed Band 5 Respiratory Healthcare Science Practitioner to join the team at Wythenshawe Hospital and community hubs. The post is permanent with a 37.5-hour week on a four-day pattern.

Trainee candidates with a science-based degree are encouraged to apply; successful applicants will undertake the Practitioner Training Programme and Annex 21 progression, performing routine diagnostic measurements

Qualifications

• Trainee candidates with a science-based degree are encouraged to apply.
• Appointment would be made under Annex 21 of Agenda for Change at Band 5 with formal academic training.
• Commitment to completing the Practitioner Training Programme and developing required knowledge.

Responsibilities

• The diagnostic tests and treatments carried out within the main hospital site and community hubs.
• Performing unsupervised, routine lung function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, TLco, plethysmography and reversibility testing.
• Ensuring data quality by calibration and quality control of all tests.
• Maintaining technical quality in line with national guidelines and SOPs.
• Supporting senior staff in supervision and training of junior staff.

Skills

Perform Routine Respiratory Physiology

Education

BSc Clinical Physiology

Practitioner Training Programme

PGDip

Job description

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Trainee Healthcare Science Practitioner - Respiratory Physiologist

NHS AfC: Band 5

Main area Respiratory Physiology Grade NHS AfC: Band 5 Contract Permanent: The post operates on a compressed working pattern, with hours worked over four days per week across Monday to Saturday (08:00-18:00), in accordance with service requirements. Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (The post operates on a compressed working pattern, with hours worked over four days per week across Monday to Saturday (08:00-18:00), in accordance with service requirements.) Job ref 349-WTWA-8309952-RL4

Site Wythenshawe Hospital Town Manchester Salary Trainee appointed under Annex 21 of the NHS AFC linked to Band 5. Closing 28/10/2026 08:00

Job overview

The Respiratory Physiology department is looking for a committed individual to join an expanding, friendly and high-performing team, as a Band 5 Respiratory Healthcare Science Practitioner.

This is a fantastic opportunity ideal for an Individual who has just completed the Practitioner Training Programme. In this role you will be expected to be performing routine respiratory diagnostic measurements. The role will be centred at Wythenshawe Hospital and the Community Diagnostic Hub based in Withington Community Hospital.

Continuous professional development is strongly encouraged, and you will have excellent opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge. This will include:

• Opportunities to undertake further relevant academic qualifications.
• Support to attend relevant professional courses and conferences.
• Opportunities to gain additional experience and build on new skills.

If you are looking for a new challenge, enjoy variety in your work and wish to be part of a large team striving to make a difference then we want to hear from you.

Trainee candidates with a relevant science-based degree are encouraged to apply. Appointment would be made under Annex 21 of Agenda for Change at Band 5. The successful candidate must be committed to completing formal academic training and developing the knowledge and skills required for the role.

Main duties of the job

Depending on skills and experience on appointment you will complete a period of orientation. Once complete you will practice as an independent practitioner and will be responsible for:

• The diagnostic tests and treatments carried out within the main hospital site and community hubs.
• Contributing to the smooth day to day running of services reporting to the managerial lead on a regular basis.
• Performing unsupervised, all routine techniques within the lung function laboratory. To include spirometry, lung volumes, TLco, plethysmography and reversibility testing.
• Ensuring data quality by undertaking equipment calibration and quality control for all tests performed within the laboratory.
• Ensuring the technical quality of assessment complies with published national guidelines, departmental SOP’s and guidelines.
• Supporting senior staff in the supervision and training of Junior Staff.
• Contributing to service improvement and development.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Documents to download’ heading.

Explore ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place.This welcoming one‑stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others.You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the ‘Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters
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. ...

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.
As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS : Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS : Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person specification

Qualifications

Qualifications

Qualifications

• BSc Clinical Physiology, Practitioner Training Programme, PGDIP, or equivalence
• Minimum of three years Clinical Physiology experience at trainee level experience

Skills

• Perform Routine Respiratory Physiology