Assistant Practitioner
Closing date: 14 May 2026
We are looking for an enthusiastic person with an interest in science to work as an Assistant Practitioner on a 12 month fixed term contract with the Greater Manchester Immunology Service (GMIS) based on the Oxford Road Campus at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).
The UKAS accredited laboratory is the largest department of its kind in the Northwest of England delivering adult and paediatric immunology laboratory services to the N5 pathology network and beyond. The four main areas covered are allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and haematological malignancy. The service is an integral part of the Haematological Cancer Diagnostic Service for Greater Manchester.
You will be part of a team supervising the work of support staff in the department. Working in one of the sections of the laboratory on a rotational basis you will also carry out technical/scientific work to aid the clinical diagnosis of immunological disorders. This role will enable you to develop and widen your technical and supervisory skills. You will have access to the Trust’s training opportunities and department CPD programme. Your personal development will be formally planned and agreed at your appraisal and reviewed on a regular basis.
Main duties of the job
* Support Biomedical Scientists (BMSs) with advanced expertise in delivering scientific services to patients facilitating the clinical diagnosis of immunological disorders.
* Provide daily supervision to a team of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) involved in the delivery of the Immunology service.
* Perform automated, semi‑automated and manual techniques under both direct and indirect supervision.
* Assist in the reporting of biomedical investigations using appropriate testing methods to support BMSs and ensure accurate clinical diagnoses.
* Contribute to the monitoring, organisation and efficient operation of the department.
* Support multi‑departmental responsibilities within the Department of Immunology.
Person Specification
Qualification
* Foundation degree in Healthcare Science / Certificate of Achievement Part 2 / Apprenticeship Level 4 or equivalent scientific qualification relevant to the post.
* IT skills as evidenced by e.g. CLAIT/ECDL.
Knowledge
* Evidence of training & development within a relevant pathology discipline.
* Substantial working knowledge, both practical and theoretical, of various methods employed within Laboratory Medicine.
* Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills to train other staff.
* Competent to process specimens on all laboratory benches.
* Evidence of using complex laboratory equipment.
* Understanding of laboratory health and safety procedures and protocols.
* Experience of supervision and training.
Skills
* Demonstrate supervisory and staff management skills.
* Able to communicate information both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
* Evidence of working as part of a team.
* Effective at prioritising competing workloads, using time management skills.
* Manual dexterity for procedures where precision is required.
* Able to show self‑motivation and use initiative, recognising when to refer upwards.
* Able to keep clear and accurate records, showing attention to detail and perform basic calculations.
* Able to read, understand and follow written instructions and apply knowledge to undertake and assist in reporting on biomedical investigations.
* Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times.
* Experience of laboratory IT programmes for data entry and result entry.
* IT skills: use of spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
* Flexible approach to work and hours which may vary according to departmental needs.
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full‑time
Salary
£28,392 to £31,157 per annum (pro rata)
Location
Immunology Department, 3rd Floor CSB3 Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary Oxford Road, M13 9WL
EER/EEO Statement
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating diversity and eliminating unlawful discrimination. 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. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
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