Medical Laboratory Assistant - Paediatric Histopathology

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 post-holder will work within Paediatric Histopathology at Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT), based at the Oxford Road Site, and work areas will include specimen reception , dissection, the main laboratory, Immunohistochemistry and other specialist sections as required.

Main duties of the job

The Post holder will act as a Medical Laboratory Assistant assisting HCPC registered staff within the department.

The post holder will be based in Laboratory Medicine and work under both direct and indirect supervision within the Histopathology department.

Perform under indirect or direct supervision an extensive range of automated, semi-automated and manual techniques.

Undertake and assist in the reporting on biomedical investigations, utilising the appropriate testing to assist the Biomedical Scientists.

To perform a range of technical and scientific activities.

To assist in the monitoring, organisation and working of the department.

Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.

Ensure the service is safe and complies with current standards, clinical governance, health and safety and risk management policies.

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.

Details

Date posted

12 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year

per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-CSS-8202082-RL3

Job locations

Paediatric Histology, Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll 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 onestop 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. Youll 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.

Closing vacancy listings early

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were 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 thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens 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.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

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.

Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll 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 onestop 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. Youll 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.

Closing vacancy listings early

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were 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 thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens 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.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

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

Essential

• NVQ level 3 or equivalent
• GCSE grade C or above in English, Maths and one Science subject

Knowledge

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ level 3 or equivalent
• GCSE grade C or above in English, Maths and one Science subject

Knowledge

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Paediatric Histology, Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Paediatric Histology, Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll 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 onestop 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. Youll 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.

Closing vacancy listings early

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were 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 thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens 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.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

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.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ level 3 or equivalent
• GCSE grade C or above in English, Maths and one Science subject

Knowledge

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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

Essential

• 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