Job Summary
Assistant Technical Officer – Cellular Pathology Department. Band 3 £24,937–£26,598 pa. Hours: 37.5 per week – flexible working available. The department processes over 22,000 histology and 1,200 cytology specimens annually and plays a vital role in the Trust's cancer diagnostics service.
Main Duties
* Support the delivery of a high‑quality, responsive Cellular Pathology service for the Trust and its users.
* Work as part of a Biomedical Support team to provide technical and administrative support to ensure an efficient diagnostic service.
* Collaborate with laboratory management and the technical team to ensure compliance with ISO 15189, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and screening programmes.
* Help the Cellular Pathology team meet departmental and Trust KPI's.
* Work safely in accordance with Trust health and safety policy and departmental policies.
* Comply with clinical governance and risk management policies.
About Us
Milton Keynes University Hospital is a University Teaching Hospital with a “Good” CQC rating. We are expanding our services, including a new Radiotherapy Centre (opened January 2025), and planning new wards and a Women & Children’s Centre.
Job Details
Date posted: 02 December 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: 3
Salary: £24,937–£26,598 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 430‑CC25‑558A
Location: Histopathology (Dept), Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD
Responsibilities
* Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Liaise with departmental technical, administrative, and clinical staff to ensure work meets required standards.
* Communicate with other healthcare professionals professionally, providing approved information via verbal and electronic means.
* Work independently and as part of a team.
* Attend departmental and other meetings.
* Maintain a professional approach and courteous behaviour.
* Establish effective working relationships with key staff.
* Organise and prioritise daily duties to provide a quality service.
* Be accountable for actions and maintain high personal work standards.
* Work safely, following department and Trust health and safety and risk management policies.
* Maintain confidentiality and comply with Trust policies.
* Perform tests following laboratory SOPs.
* Receive specimens for investigation and accurately enter data into the laboratory LIMS.
Qualifications and Knowledge
* Science, Maths and English GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent).
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification.
* Basic computer skills.
* Knowledge of the importance of confidentiality.
* Desirable: qualifications with a laboratory relevance; knowledge of anatomical/medical terminology.
Experience
* Desirable: NHS experience.
* Experience working in a healthcare environment.
* Experience in a laboratory.
* Experience with data entry into information management systems.
Skills
* Excellent communication skills – communicate effectively and sensitively.
* Follow detailed protocols and procedures.
* Good time‑management and prioritisation.
* Use initiative.
* Well‑developed organisational skills.
* Good people skills.
* Effective team worker.
* Ability to work under pressure.
* Desirable: ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities.
Personal and People Development
* Work independently or as part of a team.
* Confident, diplomatic, and professional maturity.
* Enthusiastic, polite and courteous.
* Self‑motivated and patient focused.
* Initiative and common sense.
* Willing to learn.
* Desirable: commitment to personal development.
Communication
* Clear, accurate written and verbal communication.
* Effective listening skills.
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Participate in departmental meetings.
Specific Requirements
* Perform duties with reasonable aids and adaptations.
* Demonstrate reliability and commitment.
* Carry out 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 requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Employer Details
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Histopathology (Dept)
Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD
Website: https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh
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