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Assistant Technical Officer - Histopathology
The closing date is 16 December 2025
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Cellular Pathology is a busy but friendly department processing more than 22,000 histology specimens and 1200 cytology specimens per year and plays a vital role in the Trust's diagnostics cancer service.
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 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.
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, have basic IT skills, enjoy working individually and as part of a team and be able to manage some lifting and handling tasks.
For more information, please contact Amanda Brice, the Laboratory Manager or Marie Delaney, Operational Manager / Chief Biomedical Scientist on 01908 995820.
Interview date: 08/01/2026
We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
Main duties of the job
NHS Survey, 2024A notable 91% believe their roles significantly impact patients and service users.
* 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 and ensure
About us
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.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include 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, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
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Job responsibilities
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.
Core Responsibilities
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.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
* Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
* Basic computer skills
* Knowledge of importance of confidentiality
* Qualifications with a laboratory relevance
* Knowledge of anatomical / medical terminology
Experience
* NHS experience
* Experience of working in a health care environment
* Experience of working in a laboratory
* Experience of data entry into information management systems
Skills
* Possess excellent communication skills - communicate effectively and sensitively
* Follow detailed protocols and procedures.
* Good time management skills with an ability to prioritise
* Good use of initiative
* Well developed organisational skills
* Effective team worker
* Ability to work under pressure
* Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities.
Personal and people development
* Demonstrable ability to: Work on own or as part of a team.
* Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity.
* Polite and courteous
* Be self‑motivated and patient focused.
* Initiative and common sense
* Willing to learn
* Commitment to personal development
Communication
* To possess: Clear, accurate written and verbal communication
* Good interpersonal skills.
Specific requirements
* Demonstrable ability to: To perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
* Demonstrate reliability and commitment
* To carry out the lifting and handling requirements of the post
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
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