Associate Practitioner

Job summary
The Post holder will act as an Associate Practitioner assisting HCPC registered staff within the biochemistry directorate.

One post will work Monday to Friday in the Specialist Biochemistry Laboratory. One post will work shifts covering the hours of 06:00 to 22:00 Monday to Friday in the Automated Laboratory

Both posts will assist the BMS by preparing and sorting patient samples, loading samples onto analysers, performing routine instrument maintenance, supervising medical laboratory assistants and trainee associate practitioners, performing a number of specialised and non-routine tests and procedures to a high degree of accuracy and precision using manual pipetting with a variety of specialised sample preparation techniques

Main duties of the job
Both posts will assist the BMS by preparing and sorting patient samples, loading samples onto analysers, performing routine instrument maintenance, supervising medical laboratory assistants and trainee associate practitioners, performing a number of specialised and non-routine tests and procedures to a high degree of accuracy and precision using manual pipetting with a variety of specialised sample preparation techniques

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: 26 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 349-CSS-8338482-RL3
Job locations: Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Sciences Building, Oxford Road Campus, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Education / Qualification

• Essential: Foundation degree or equivalent
• Essential: Completed IBMS CoA part 1 and 2
• Essential: Desire to progress through training and further education
• Desirable: At least one year lab experience

Experience

• Essential: Healthcare experience
• Essential: Laboratory experience including basic laboratory tests and procedures
• Desirable: At least one year lab experience

Skills

• Essential: Can follow standard operating procedures (SOP's)
• Essential: Must be able to work as part of a team
• Essential: Ability to perform specified tests to required quality standards
• Essential: Can organise and prioritise tasks in their work area. Can work on own initiative. Good time management skills
• Essential: Has good hand to eye co-ordination, manual dexterity and can perform tasks with speed and accuracy
• Essential: Can work alone (distant from the main laboratory site if necessary)
• Desirable: Basic computer skills, good problem solver

Knowledge

• Essential: Range of laboratory procedures
• Essential: Knowledge of quality assurance
• Desirable: Basic knowledge of health and safety

Aptitudes

• Essential: Can cope with busy, stressful periods. Flexible approach to working hours which vary according to Departmental needs.
• Essential: Can handle and process clinical samples
• Essential: Can work at other sites. Able to participate in late/weekend rotas as required

Values

• Essential: Evidence of working within Trust Values

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details
Employer name: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer's website: https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/

For questions about the job, contact:
Lab Manager, ORC Biochemistry, Alexandra Hashmi, alexandra.hashmi@mft.nhs.uk, 01612765574